Our collaboration with QUT.
Finding the right combination of financial smarts and communications nous is a tall order!
After as steady stream of successful recruits from Queensland University of Technology, Honner has partnered with QUT Business School since 2019 to provide an Experiential Learning Scholarship – a semester long learning opportunity including a two-week internship at Honner in Sydney.
The Scholarship is open to final year undergraduates and post graduate students from QUT Business School, with the successful applicant receiving $3,000 to cover expenses.
Connie Short
What attracted you to a career in financial communications?
I became interested in financial communications during my final year at QUT while studying Global Public Relations cases. This course offered a global perspective on various communication industries, and financial communications caught my attention as a unique space that intersects finance, sustainability and communications.
At first glance, financial communications was especially interesting given the critical role financial institutions play in the transition to net zero and I wanted to work in an industry where I can help create a more sustainable future for all. Whilst completing an assignment on financial communications using the Boeing 737 MAX Crisis as a case study, this industry proved even more meaningful as I learnt about the relationship between a company’s social license to operate and its broader implications for business partners, shareholders, regulators and investors. Having no finance degree and having not studied more than a first-year unit on Economics, it was a whole new world that I didn’t know existed!
What have been the highlights at Honner so far?
Professionally, it has been incredibly rewarding to work with and learn from some of the leading financial brands and responsible investment leaders in the world. Some of my clients are large investment managers who really do make a positive impact in the world and I love working for such inspiring clients.
Working at Honner, I have learnt so much global events and macroeconomic changes – whether that be the United Nations Climate Change Conference or the monetary policy decisions made during the pandemic and how it impacted me as the end investor. I never thought I could be so passionate or so interested in my work, let alone understand what all these complex concepts mean! On a personal level, the friendships and connections I’ve made at Honner since relocating from Brisbane have made this city my home and the people have made my job so enjoyable.
What advice would you give your younger self today?
Embrace change. Things have to change in order for you to move forward! Accepting a job that excites you and choosing to move interstate on your graduation day will be scary, but it will also be the best decision you can make to grow.
Eleanor Pearson
What attracted you to a career in financial communications?
My interest in financial communications started while I was in my final year at QUT completing my Business degree. During this time, I also worked part time as a Client Service Associate at Computershare, managing public company shareholder communications and Annual General Meetings. I became fascinated by the role of corporate communications and how important it is for companies to be able to articulate their purpose, vision and value accurately to attract investment interest by retail and institutional shareholders.
I was attracted to the role at Honner because, from the time I started working at odd jobs at school and saving money, I have had a keen interest in personal finance and investing. I love that I am now able to work with some super interesting clients who are committed to making wealth creation through investments more accessible to everyone. I personally take great satisfaction when my friends tell me they have started their investment journey off the back of PR campaigns that I have had the privilege of working on at Honner.
What have been the highlights at Honner so far?
There have been many highlights from my time at Honner so far, but I have to say working with some of the biggest Crypto companies in Australia would be one of them. This was a very interesting space to work in, especially during a highly volatile market in 2022. I look back now and am thankful for the experience I gained working with clients to support them navigate the opportunities and challenges in the market.
Another highlight is the people that I get to meet, work and connect with at Honner. I feel lucky that I work alongside and learn from a team of extremely smart and driven people.
As a self-confessed fashion tragic, I’ll always remember being offered a ticket to Sydney Fashion Week in 2022 as one of our clients partnered with a fashion designer to create an NFT dress. I never would have thought you’d be able to combine the world of fashion and finance so seamlessly!
What advice would you give your younger self today?
I still have a lot to learn, but one piece of advice I always try to follow is never close yourself off to an opportunity and remain open minded when faced with challenges. I know from experience that going outside of your comfort zone is the best way to learn and grow. Whether it be being asked to work on something you wouldn’t normally do or attending an event last minute – always say yes! You never know what might come out of it.
Jacqueline Coleman
Jacqui graduated from Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane with a Bachelor of Business majoring in Public Relations and Economics. She joined Honner as a grad and moved to Sydney for her first job.
What attracted you to a career in financial communications?
I studied both PR and Economics in University and I knew that I wanted to pursue a career that combined the best of both worlds. Combining this with my interest in interacting with people, I knew working in financial communications was the career for me.
You’ve since left Honner, what were the highlights during your tenure?
The biggest highlight during my time at Honner was being selected as the 2022 recipient for the Global Exchange Program. I was granted the opportunity to visit our partner agencies in Paris (Shan) and London (Lansons). I connected with global peers to understand the vastly different (yet surprisingly similar!) environment they work in.
During my tenure I had the opportunity to play a pivotal leading role on accounts, under the strategic guidance of senior colleagues.
Another highlight was the opportunity to progress my studies and advance my professional skill set, as I completed a beginners Kaplan course in Financial Advice.
I was proud to have set up the QUT x Honner Internship Program where we have successfully hosted numerous university students from Brisbane. There are many opportunities for people at all levels to own or contribute to projects that help grow the agency.
What advice would you give your younger self today?
Appreciate the (what can seem mundane) tasks that you are given each day, as they can be a stepping stone to a bigger lesson down the track. My role expanded greatly over time as I gained more experience, however I definitely won’t forget the lessons learnt from earlier on in my career.
Most importantly, be bold and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself.
Jessica Effeney
Jess completed a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Public Relations at QUT. She joined Honner from a corporate PR firm in Brisbane, and moved to Sydney for the role.
What attracted you to a career in financial services?
In high school, I enjoyed Economics and English so the opportunity to combine these passions was really attractive! During my internships, I also much preferred working with corporate clients than consumer clients.
What have been the highlights at Honner so far?
My major highlight was being chosen for the Honner Exchange Program in 2018. I had the opportunity to travel to New York (as you can see in my picture!) and work with our partner agency, Prosek, for a week which was an amazing experience.
Aside from this, the people are a definite highlight – in the five years since I joined Honner, I’ve met life-long friends and worked with some of the best consultants in the industry. It has also been rewarding to work with some of the leading financial brands in Australia and across the globe.
What advice would you give your 21 year-old self today?
At the beginning of my career, I remember being worried about ‘pigeonholing’ myself in one industry (like financial services). The advice I’d give to my 21 year-old self today would be to not stress about this – each industry is so much deeper and more diverse than you realise and the skills you’ll learn are extremely transferrable. You’ll be shocked to discover you love financial services and wonder how you contemplated anything else.