That was the overarching sentiment from a panel of four senior leaders who spoke at a joint FINSIA and the Westpac Youth Network (TYN) event.
Westpac Investor Relations General Manager Justin McCarthy, Westpac Managing Director of Business Lending, Tamara Bryden, Westpac HR Services General Manager Lauren Burton along with FINSIA CEO and Managing Director Yasser El-Ansary F FIN spoke at the in-person session in Sydney.
The panel explored navigating your early career from a professional development and career exploration perspective and importantly, how to embed a continuous learning mindset.
It also touched on the importance of having a mentor, seeking a sponsor and how young professionals are encouraged to be curious, inquisitive and never be afraid to ask for help.
Young professionals are encouraged to continuously seek knowledge, ask questions, and embrace a learning attitude (something we should all maintain throughout our career). This approach not only fosters personal and professional growth but also demonstrates a proactive and engaged attitude in the workplace.
“Some takeaways from leaders include understanding that the type of learning one can undertake is evolving, whilst the past did focus on traditional academic courses and longer forms of study, today's choice of education is one of micro/bite sized learning in a variety of fields,” Westpac Group Treasury, Reporting and Insights Senior Associate, Aly Merchant SA FIN said.
“A curious learning mindset is driven by exposing yourself to challenge, professionally this might be in the form of a new role or even as simple as a new task.”
For young professionals, talking to your leaders about learning is also crucial, according to Westpac Senior Manager, Mortgages Product Development and Co-Chair of TYN Daryna Kostashchuk. They can open pathways to help better understand the field that young professionals find themselves and how to make the most out of it.
“There is no ‘wasted’ experience, all the learnings you get from traditional and on the job learning, do tie together and with the right mindset these experiences can form a lattice of skills that will aid you in future professional/personal goals,” she said.
The panel underscored that asking for help should never be seen as a weakness. On the contrary, reaching out for assistance or clarification is a sign of strength and a commitment to self-improvement. Embracing this attitude can lead to more effective problem-solving and contribute to overall career success.
The event is hosted by the Westpac Youth Network (TYN) Advocacy group and is a continuation of the partnership with FINSIA.
“It is extra special, as 2024 was the first year of our learning at every age and stage cohort, where by 50 participants were given the opportunity to have a FINSIA membership and explore a suite of professional development opportunities, something we are very proud of at the Youth Network as we continue to advocate for our members and enact on our vision to bring opportunity and inspiration to every young employee,” Aly concluded.
