Regardless of what endeavour you pursue, a fundamental skill we all need in order to succeed is being able to cultivate and maintain authentic relationships. Ben Collison caught up with the President of the University of Newcastle Business and Commerce Association (UNBCA), Rebecca Cramp, to chat about how the association supports students in developing the skills essential to succeed within the workforce.

One of the most socially and industry-engaged clubs affiliated with the University of Newcastle Students Association (UNSA), is the UNBCA.  The association offers students across all disciplines the opportunity to network and expand their business contacts in a social and professional environment.

Rebecca Cramp, President of the association, explains that while the club focuses on business and commerce, students from all disciplines are encouraged to join.

“… In our professional careers whether you are a lawyer, doctor, or journalist, we all interact on a business level. Laying the foundation for that here at university is a great opportunity,” said Rebecca.

“We are trying to build a community and foster those authentic relationships.”

In building this community, UNBCA hosts a variety of events. From casual coffee catchups, networking and industry training events, through to formal events, culminating this year with the ‘A Night In Vegas’ annual ball in October.

UNBCA takes a very proactive approach to engagement. Support from the Newcastle Business School and the Careers and Employability team allows the association to enhance the engagement experiences of their members.

“There are many aspects to our discipline that fall out of the scope of the curriculum. Working with the [Business] School and the Careers and Employability team who have been so supportive of the association allows UNBCA to collaborate to provide students with holistic opportunities that develop their business skills,” Rebecca said.

Through its standing within the Newcastle business community, UNBCA has held a variety of workshops held by local industry leaders, a majority of whom are University of Newcastle Alumni. These workshops include practical training courses, start-up finance seminars and negation skills, which inform their competitions run regularly throughout the year.

A prominent feature of the UNBCA is the series of competitions run throughout the year. Engaging with external partners, members of the association are encouraged to implement their skills and knowledge nurtured in the classroom and practically apply them in a real-world environment.

“I strongly urge anyone who wants to start building a professional network to come along to our coffee catchups. Connect with other students and start opening doors to countless possibilities. I am always here on the ground floor [NUspace] every Monday so pop over and say hello,”

We are always on the look out for motivated students to join our team. We have various roles from social media directors to events managers that are open. These are great opportunities to be involved in, build your resume and make great connections. You don’t have to wait to for an AGM to join the team.”

To secure your tickets to the Annual Ball, visit QPAY

To join UNBCA click HERE for more information or follow them on their social media accounts, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Feature image provided by UNBCA.