Introduction: Starting a career in finance is exciting, but it can also be intimidating. You might find yourself sitting in a meeting surrounded by experienced colleagues in suits, heart pounding as you wonder, “Am I really cut out for this, or did I just get lucky?”

Have you ever read a job ad and thought:

“Wow, I’d love this… but I don’t meet every single requirement. Better not apply.”

You’re not alone — and you’re not wrong for thinking that way.

But it might be time to rewrite that inner narrative.

In a recent F3 poll, 100% of respondents said they wouldn’t apply for a role unless they met 100% of the job description.

“Mind the gap” is a familiar warning on train platforms – and it’s also an apt phrase for the gaps we still see between men and women in the finance industry. Despite progress, a gender gap in pay and leadership persists in finance, both in Australia and globally.

Entering the finance world , whether straight out of university or in the first years of your career – is an exciting journey full of opportunity

Have you ever hesitated to tell your manager about a problem, hoping you could fix it before anyone found out? If so, you’re not alone. Early in our careers, especially in corporate or finance environments we often feel pressure to appear perfect.

Have you ever felt like a fraud at work like you’re just one mistake away from being found out? If so, you’re not alone. Imposter syndrome affects many of us, especially women. Even the most accomplished professionals can feel like they’re faking it, despite all the evidence to the contrary.

Navigating a career in finance or the corporate world can feel like climbing a mountain alone. The good news is you don’t have to do it solo. The most successful professionals often have a network of allies guiding and advocating for them behind the scenes.

Advocating for yourself as a woman in the workplace can feel like walking a tightrope. On the one hand, you know you deserve that raise, promotion, or flexible arrangement you’ve been considering. On the other, you worry: Will I be seen as aggressive, ungrateful, or “not a team player” if I push for what I need?

Every year as June 30 rolls around, you might hear people start talking about "EOFY" like it's a major event. But what actually is EOFY, and why does it matter — especially if you're a student?

Australia’s finance sector still has a long way to go on gender diversity.  Women now fill roughly half of financial services jobs in Australia, but they remain a small minority in senior roles .  For example, the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) reports that women make up about 52% of the finance and insurance workforce, yet only 13% of bank and fund CEOs and 28% of Heads of Business are women .