University: The University of Western Australia

Degree: Bachelor of Commerce, Finance and Management

School Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Mathematics Methods, English Literature

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During high school, I was set on pursuing a career in sciences, specifically in anatomy or human biology. However, as I reached the end of Year 12, I realised that I no longer wanted to follow that career path. Initially, I started the Bachelor of Philosophy Honours (BPhil) degree in German Studies and Political Science, but ultimately I settled on my current double major in Finance and Management. If you similarly find yourself in a situation where you want to switch majors, don’t feel that this is a bad thing, but more of a stepping point into the right career path for you.

While Finance and Management is very different from what I studied in high school, I found the transition manageable. Due to the fast pace of uni degrees compared to school classes, I did not feel behind my peers who had studied more relevant ATAR subjects. For instance, as part of my finance major, I had to take a compulsory level 1 accounting class. Students who had taken Accounting as an ATAR subject were obviously more familiar with the basics. However, the lecturer ensured that everything was explained for those encountering accounting for the first time. Thanks to the fast pace of the unit, by the time of the exam, everyone had reached a similar level of knowledge.

Finance

Finance is probably one of the more challenging majors in the Bachelor of Commerce degree. Despite this, I have found the course both manageable and enjoyable. The first-year finance classes are introductory and focus primarily on calculations and problem-solving. While the variety and complexity of questions may seem daunting at first, staying on top of the weekly tutorial problems and lectures makes it all fall into place. None of the calculations are particularly difficult, especially compared to ATAR math courses. However, successfully completing them requires a solid understanding of financial terms and the ability to interpret questions accurately. As such, staying on top of the weekly lectures is essential.

The uni recommends taking the two core level 1 units (Financial Accounting – ACCT1101 and Introduction to Finance – FINA1221) in consecutive semesters. However, I took both simultaneously, as very little information from one unit is required to complete the other.

At level 2, the finance major becomes more diverse, offering interesting and practical units. For example, one unit I took focused on financial planning, covering topics like managing investment plans and superannuation. This was particularly engaging as it demonstrated the practical applications of my degree and provided insight into a potential career as a financial planner.

Overall, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the Finance course at UWA. While some content is challenging, it’s a rewarding major with excellent career prospects. Building strong study habits is essential, as the material becomes more complex and requires a solid foundation in theory with each progressive year.

If you enjoy problem-solving, thinking analytically, and learning about money and investments, Finance is a fantastic major that opens doors to diverse career opportunities.

Management

While still a Commerce major, my second major, Management, is very different from Finance. This major focuses primarily on soft skills and involves almost no maths. It is undeniably one of the easier majors in Bachelor of Commerce, and perhaps in the entire university.

To do well in this major, confidence and the ability to share your ideas with your cohort are essential. Approximately two-thirds of my Management units have required some form of assessed group presentation. My advice (applicable to any course) is to proactively select good group members for projects and presentations. Clear communication and effective coordination with group members make uni life significantly more manageable, less stressful, and more enjoyable.

That said, there will be occasions when you are assigned groups outside of your control. Unlike in high school, you may find yourself working with group members who don’t speak English fluently. This is where your management and communication skills will truly be tested (even more so than in exams!).

Although this course requires learning a fair amount of information and theories, a strong general knowledge base and the ability to adapt and apply information to new scenarios will serve you well. Ultimately, as Management is (content-wise) far easier, I have found it very enjoyable as it also allowed me to spend more time studying for Finance.

I would recommend Management as a good 2nd major for those looking to improve their practical skills and leadership.

Advice to Prospective University Students

The most important piece of advice I can give to future uni students is not to feel locked into studying something related to what you did in school. While you may need to take some bridging units, your career is something you will spend the majority of your life pursuing. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a field that genuinely interests and motivates you.

Don’t be afraid to switch courses if you feel that your initial choice isn’t the right fit. In my case, while studying Political Science, I took some electives from my current majors and realised I was more passionate about those fields.

Also, don’t hesitate to choose a degree that may not have the highest starting salary. When I was in school, it was common to look up a list of the highest-paying jobs and pick one from there. However, if you are driven and passionate, you can build a successful career in almost any industry.