Meet the UNSW First Nations Business Society's Executive Leadership Team

Established in 2022, the UNSW First Nations Business Society is dedicated to empowering First Nations students to thrive at UNSW Business School, contributing to the growth of the Indigenous Business sector in collaboration with industry and government partners, and the wider community.

UNSW First Nations Business Society is pioneering community-led initiatives within business. With over 50 members (and growing) our students range in experience from first-year undergraduate students, to working professionals with decades of experience to successful entrepreneurs. The society works with more than 10 industry partners to build on the many different pathways for its members to become the future business leaders they aspire to be.

The society offers employment pathways, mentor programs, skills building through masterclasses, personal brand building, and community events. The society is open to all UNSW Indigenous Business school students across all degree pathways and alumni.

The UNSW Business School EDI is honoured to introduce you to one of our 2024 UNSW First Nations Business Society's Executive Leadership Team Members: Carlos Brennan, a proud Kunja man, UNSW Bachelor of Commerce with a double major in Finance and Business Economics, Industry Engagement Director of UNSW First Nations Business Society.

Dream career or industry to work at: to be an economist and continue working towards achieving meaningful change for all Australians, whilst ensuring no marginalised group is left behind.

Why did you choose to a Business Degree? And what led you to study at UNSW?

I have deep passion for economics, I find it an incredibly insightful tool and way of thinking; in a world currently facing numerous complex problems, economics provides an insight into how we may approach achieving meaningful solutions. 

I believe this industry is a key enabler of change for the wider society. This interest in the sector and the great reputation of not only the UNSW Business School but the Indigenous Pre-programs led me to undertake my studies here at UNSW.

How has your experience helped you make a positive impact in your degree, career and/or community?

I currently work at Deloitte Access Economics as an undergraduate, during this period I have undertaken a wide variety of projects, ranging from the education sector to the macroeconomic and policy sector.

How has UNSW prepared you to lead in the workplace and community once you graduate?

UNSW has enabled myself and others to gain a deep understanding into the business sector, the University has not only been a safe space to proudly represent my heritage but has also provided numerous opportunities to illustrate how our diverse perspectives as Indigenous Australians can contribute to creating positive impacts in wider society.

What inspired you to join the UNSW First Nations Business Society? Tell us a bit about your Executive role.

In hindsight, it is quite a silly way to see societies, but I originally had no interest in joining a society as I struggled to understand what value they brought to communities, this short-sighted perspective was quickly shattered soon after joining the UNSW First Nations Business Society. I now understand how societies such as this, can not only help students understand more about their future career, but provide a platform to create positive impacts. 

What initiatives or activities do you run? How is this making a positive impact on Business School Indigenous Students?

The society runs many initiatives and activities all with a focus point of increasing First Nations' visibility within the business sector. My personal favourite is the mentoring program with industry partners, with a goal of assisting society members achieve a job within the industry and create meaningful change. In an industry where First Nations' people are heavily underrepresented the value of initiatives such as this are priceless.

How is UNSW Business School helping to improve Indigenous representation within the business sector? And how is the society helping to improve this?

The UNSW Business School and UNSW First Nations Business Society work hand-in-hand in shattering assumptions and improving Indigenous representation within the business sector. Through initiatives such as mentoring programs and workshops, society members are able to interact with a centralised platform to not only understand how the business sector operates but increased awareness of the employment/development opportunities which may arise but often go unnoticed in a fast-paced society.

UNSW Business School strives to cultivate a welcoming environment that supports all Indigenous business students - from their first enquiry to graduation and beyond.

We provide ongoing advocacy and support for Indigenous business students and graduates. We support students to achieve their best throughout their studies and academic, career mentoring and industry opportunities in Australia and overseas.

Find out more about the UNSW First Nations Business Society. 

Find out more about UNSW Business School's Indigenous Engagement.