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Future leaders gain insights at Westpac Forum
A group of Future Skills International and Otago Polytechnic students visited the Westpac Headquarters last week to take part in the Westpac Insights Forum.
The event was an engaging series of talks and a hands-on Managing Your Money (MYM) workshop covering topics ranging from customer experience and AI in banking to financial management and job application strategies.
The forum was opened by Lisa Lin, Senior Analyst in Data Governance & Analytics, Business Continuity & Operations at Westpac, who warmly welcomed the students, addressing them as future leaders. Lisa shared insights on the increasing importance of data analytics and governance. She highlighted how strong data-driven decision-making supports resilience and innovation in financial services.
Following Lisa’s introduction, Shannon Brown, UX Researcher, Experience Design, then gave an inspiring talk about Westpac’s customer-centric approach to innovation. She emphasised the importance of engaging with customers, including internal stakeholders, and conducting testing.
AIC Visiting Professor Dr Xiwen Lu then explored the role of AI in finance. He discussed how AI is transforming financial services, highlighting key technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing, and blockchain. Dr Lu also spoke about opportunities for IT and business graduates, encouraging them to stay up to date on advances in tech and AI. He said they should not just understand the technology but also know how to apply it.
Warren Ngan Woo, Programme Manager, Financial Wellbeing at Westpac NZ, then led a Managing Your Money (MYM) workshop, designed to develop strong financial habits. Students identified their "money personality" and explored how their financial behaviours influence spending and saving decisions. Warren provided practical strategies for managing finances effectively, including budgeting techniques, recognising spending leaks, and making informed financial choices. He also emphasised the importance of long-term financial planning, highlighting how small, consistent savings can grow significantly over time through the power of compound interest. Students engaged in interactive discussions and real-life scenarios, gaining valuable insights to build financial confidence for their future careers.
The forum also featured three AIC alumni working at Westpac. They were Kurt Salva, Risk and Compliance Manager; Love Naviza, Software Engineer; and Harsh Gogri, Financial Crime Screening Analyst. They talked about their career journeys and their current roles. They encouraged students to make the most of opportunities to network with graduates in businesses across New Zealand with the help of the Employability Team.
Recruitment Experience Consultant, Tamzin McGillivray, then provided our students with valuable tips for graduates entering the workforce. Tips included reading job advertisements carefully and keeping CVs informative but concise. The Forum concluded with a networking session and elevator pitch activity, where students shared their backgrounds and aspirations.
We’re incredibly grateful to the Westpac NZ team for their time, expertise, and invaluable insights. Their guidance has not only inspired our students but also equipped them with practical knowledge to navigate their future careers with confidence.
