Accounting and Finance students recognised for their high achievements in 2008 Awards Night

Accounting and Finance students from the Clayton and Caulfield campuses were recognised for their high achievements in 2007 at our Awards Night which was held at the Clayton campus on the 5th of May 2008. Industry guests, department staff and students were joined by supportive parents and friends to celebrate student academic excellence.

Professor Keryn Chalmers, Head, Department of Accounting and Finance acknowledged the hard work of the students and the support from their families as key elements in their success.

She said "You have given us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate academic excellence, which is the hallmark of a truly great university such as Monash.  Welcome also to your family and friends who have no doubt inspired and supported you during your academic endeavours, and are here to celebrate with you".

"Tonight provides an opportunity for us all to celebrate the successes of the outstanding scholars and potential leaders in the accounting and finance professions."
Guest speaker, Warren McGregor, Honorary Professor, Department of Accounting and Finance and Member of the International Accounting Standards Board, offered some well heeled and insightful career advice to students. Professor McGregor presented six keys of wisdom that have guided his successful career.  They are:-

Have faith in your own ability: As a Monash graduate you will go into your careers with a recognised degree, representing not only your past achievements, but also potential for your future.

Watch Listen and Learn: On your journey you will meet many talented individuals prepared to share their knowledge and experience with you, make the most of these opportunities.

Exhibit strong ethics and principals of honesty and fairness: These are the hallmarks of a professional.
Dare to dream: Believe in your ability to make a difference. Professor McGregor's decision to leave Monash University and pursue a career in standards setting, was driven by a belief that he could make a difference in an area that he could see was badly in need of a review.

Don't be afraid to change direction: You have many opportunities before you, so don't limit your capability to achieve, particularly as business becomes more global and opportunities diverse.

Don't take yourself too seriously and retain a sense of perspective: Remember to maintain a work/life balance as it is the key to great success.

Be yourself: One of the things that Professor McGregor found most helpful over the years, particularly in an international environment was just being Australian: calling a spade, a spade, changing conventions and having a joke - remember to maintain your professionalism and avoid colloquiums.