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ANU Future Women in Business: careers, community and everything in between
A conversation with Emily and Jemima from the ANU Future Women in Business
The ANU Future Women in Business (FWIB) is on a mission to make sure women at ANU don't just enter their careers – they own them. The society runs across career development, industry networking and genuine community-building, and they're doing it with a lot of intention.
We sat down with club presidents Jemima Thomas (Bachelor of Law [Honours] and Bachelor of Commerce) and Emily Smith (Bachelor of Law [Honours] and Bachelor of Arts) to find out what that looks like in practice.
How would you describe the ANU Future Women in Business society?
ANU Future Women in Business (FWIB) is a society led by female-identifying students dedicated to inspiring strength, confidence and independence in our members. Our mission is to empower our members with the tools, knowledge and connections they need to thrive in professional environments.
At its heart, FWIB is a community of like-minded, supportive students who come together to learn, grow and uplift one another. We bring this to life through engaging networking events, social meet-and-greets, professional development workshops and insightful discussions with guest speakers who share their experiences from the world of business and beyond.
What inspired the creation of FWIB and what drives the purpose of the club today?
We founded FWIB in 2025 to create a space where female-identifying students could feel supported and prepared to step confidently into the world of business. When we looked around ANU for a society that reflected this vision, we realised there wasn't one –and so, FWIB was born.
Today, our purpose is to empower and include a diverse range of students from all backgrounds. No matter what you're studying, we're here to help you build confidence, expand your network and create meaningful friendships along the way.
What kind of events or activities does FWIB run throughout the year?
FWIB hosts a diverse range of events throughout the year designed to connect, inspire, and empower our members. From professional networking sessions and interactive workshops to casual social meet-and-greets and thought-provoking discussions with guest speakers, there’s something for everyone.
This year, for example, we’ve hosted a Pilates and coffee morning, a panel discussion with industry leaders like Susu Feng, Davina Mansfield and Bronwyn Fagan, and a casual Badger catch-up, to name a few. Each event offers members a chance to gain valuable business experience and have fun along the way.
As a new and growing society on campus, we’re excited to start building our own annual traditions that members can look forward to year after year. We love hearing ideas and feedback from our community and want FWIB to be shaped by what its members want to see!
The ANU Future Women in Business society host lots of amazing events throughout the year.
What does a typical semester look like for an active FWIB member?
A semester with FWIB is all about connection, growth and getting involved. Our leadership team meets weekly on Wednesday afternoons for catchups and planning sessions, where we share ideas, updates and plenty of laughs along the way. All are welcome to come along to our meetings if they are keen to get involved.
Each term, we host around three events. This could include a panel event, an interactive skill-based workshop, or casual hangs and/or wellbeing sessions. Being an active member means joining in at these events, meeting new people and taking advantage of every opportunity to learn, grow and build skills both personally and professionally.
Looking ahead to next year, we’re introducing exciting new opportunities, especially for first and second-year students eager to take on leadership roles or get more involved behind the scenes. Keep an eye on our socials for more information.
What kind of impact do you hope FWIB has on the next generation of women studying at ANU?
We hope that FWIB continues to grow as a community of empowerment and support – a place where students feel encouraged, connected and inspired to reach their full potential.
We want FWIB to be a space where friendships flourish among like-minded students and where meaningful relationships with leaders spark motivation and ambition. Our aim is to help students step outside their comfort zones, take on new challenges and believe in themselves, whether that means applying for a role, attending a networking event or simply giving something new a try.
We also hope to bridge the gap between study and post-university life, helping students understand the pathways for entering their ideal careers. Many of our members have shared that they’re unsure how to transition from student life to securing a graduate role or professional experience in their chosen field. FWIB strives to change that.
FWIB is an incredible opportunity to meet like-minded women in a supportive community on campus.
Any advice for women at ANU who want to grow their confidence or explore leadership opportunities?
Just get started! We know it can feel daunting to put yourself forward for professional or leadership opportunities, especially as a student, but confidence truly builds with each step you take.
Getting involved in a university society is one of the best ways to start. It gives you the chance to experience a more professional and leadership-focused environment while still being surrounded by a supportive community of peers.
How can students join or get involved with FWIB?
Membership to FWIB is free and easy to access. We encourage anyone to join. We’d also encourage you to follow our Instagram, @anufwib, to stay updated on upcoming events and leadership opportunities.
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