From Dreaming in Blazers to Discovering My Path
Sreemoye Chakraborty's ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Girls in Business Camp Experience
Published on the 18 September 2025 by ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Business School EDI Team
Ever wondered what it’s like to step into the world of business before even finishing high school?
The ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Girls in Business (GiB) Camp gives female-identifying students in Years 10–12 the chance to do just that.
Over three action-packed days, participants explore future study and career pathways in ÌýBanking and Finance,ÌýEconomics,ÌýInformation Systems and Technology Management,ÌýRisk and Actuarial StudiesÌýat ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Business School, while connecting with inspiring role models, industry partners, and like-minded peers from across NSW.
Sreemoye Chakraborty, a senior at Arthur Phillip High School (APHS), was one such student.
Starting her educational journey at Delhi Public School, Bangalore North, Sreemoye cultivated skills in communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. Since moving to Australia in 2023 and matriculating into APHS, Sreemoye focused on developing her technical skills and discovered a passion for transforming raw data into actionable insights.
The ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Business School EDI team caught up with Sreemoye Chakraborty to hear more about her experience during the Girls in Business Camp and how the program has inspired her to take the next steps to purse her passion of a career in tech and finance.Ìý
A New Student, A New Opportunity
As a Year 11 international student newly adjusting to life in an Australian high school, I carried a simple dream: to walk into a business office dressed professionally and earn a good salary.
My understanding of business and technology was limited to that image - until my school’s career adviser encouraged me to apply for the ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Girls in Business Camp 2024.
She believed it would align with my interests, and she was right. What followed was a transformative three-day experience that reshaped my understanding of the business world and helped me envision a future I hadn’t yet imagined.Ìý
Day One: Building Connections and Confidence
The camp began with a warm welcome, an Acknowledgement of Country, and introductions from the hosts. Students from Years 10 to 12 gathered, each bringing unique perspectives and aspirations.
One of our first activities was learning about LinkedIn - a platform I had heard of but never used. Creating and connecting with other participants was empowering. I learned that networking isn’t just about adding contacts - it’s about building relationships that can open doors in the future.
We also spent time getting to know each other: our schools, goals, and interest in studying at ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ. The afternoon sessions introduced us to university-style tutorials based on our selected topics.Ìý
I had chosen Banking and Finance as my first preference and Information Systems and Technology Management as my second. These sessions gave me a glimpse into academic life and helped me understand how these fields operate in real-world contexts.
Day Two: Industry Visits That Left a Mark
This was the highlight of the camp. Based on our topic preferences, we were assigned industry visits. I was placed in the group visiting and - two companies I had only read about but never imagined stepping into.
At Salesforce, I was struck by the grandeur of the building and the welcoming atmosphere. As we entered, we were greeted with coffee, smiles, and a small but meaningful gift - colourful Salesforce-labelled stickers. I still have mine, untouched and brand new, as a core memory of that moment.Ìý
It was my first time inside a corporate office, and everything - from the design to the energy - felt inspiring.
We then joined a panel discussion with ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç alumni now working at the company. They shared their journeys, challenges, and advice on navigating university life and career paths. It was my first real exposure to a CRM-based company, and I left with a deeper understanding of how technology drives business.
Deloitte offered a similarly inspiring experience. The office had a premium feel, with glowing stars across floors and elegant meeting spaces. Again, we heard from professionals who had transitioned from ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç to the corporate world. Their stories made me reflect on my own goals and the reality behind the business world I had once imagined.
What truly captured my heart were the views - from Salesforce, I saw the Opera House and Harbour Bridge in the morning light, and from Deloitte, I watched the sun set over Sydney’s skyline. It was more than sightseeing - it was a moment of clarity, a glimpse into the life I aspired to achieve.
Day Three: Teamwork and Takeaways
Day three was not just about presenting a solution — it was about learning how to collaborate with people I had only just met.
Our group was made up of students from different schools, backgrounds, and year levels, yet we quickly found common ground. We had to listen actively, delegate tasks, and combine our ideas to respond to a real-world business challenge. It was a crash course in teamwork and leadership.
What surprised me most was how naturally we connected. Despite being strangers, we shared a common goal and a shared excitement about business and technology. That energy helped us build trust quickly and present a solution we were proud of. Even though my group didn’t win, placing fourth out of 20+ groups felt like a victory because we had worked so hard and learned so much.
Looking back, Day 3 felt like the perfect conclusion to the camp. It brought together everything we’d learned—from networking and professional tools on Day 1 to industry insights and inspiration on Day 2. It was the moment where theory met practice, and where I saw how collaboration and communication are just as important as knowledge in the business world.
A Clearer Vision for the Future
Participating in the ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Girls in Business Camp was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It gave me a reality check, helped me understand what business and tech truly involve, and inspired me to pursue a university course that aligns with my passions.
As a new student in a new country, this experience gave me confidence, clarity, and a sense of belonging. Above all, it helped me move beyond the image of a business outfit and salary - and toward a deeper understanding of purpose, opportunity, and growth.
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The Girls in Business Camp takes place during the second week of the July (Winter) high school holidays.
Want to see what the experience is really like? Check out the videos of past student experiences on the Girls in Business Camp page
Curious about more opportunities like this? Explore ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Business School’s other outreach programs here