Pictured with Bridget (centre) are Tom Howie (Vice President) and Tim Dippie (Treasurer).
Can you tell us about COMSA and some of its main goals?
COMSA is Otago’s Commerce Students’ Association, and our function is simply to support students across degrees through social events, professional development opportunities and competitions. We collaborate with a variety of companies and individuals to bring further learnings and experiences to our members, aiming to provide experiences external to those possible in the classroom.
Our main goal for the next 12 months is to continue increasing our membership numbers, allowing us to connect students with a variety of opportunities. We have also supported the creation of a Case Club, and we’re excited to see the Investment Fund building a great membership base – we are hoping to collaborate with them to bring even more variety to our events in the future. We are also aiming to host an event alongside Te Tai Tuarā (TTT) and the Otago Pacific Island Commerce Students Association (OPICSA) before the end of the year, so keep an eye out for information about that!
How did you come to be involved in COMSA and what does your role involve?
My flatmate and I had seen a few of the events and opportunities COMSA was helping facilitate a few years ago and were keen to get involved. When applications to join the executive came around in October 2022, we signed up and received the Marketing and Communications Roles. From there we were lucky enough to be selected by our peers to present a 30 second speech at the AGM this year! The following year I volunteered to be the President and have loved the opportunity to run the club this year.
My role generally involves overseeing the other executive members in their specific roles. I run our weekly meetings, which allows me to make sure everyone is on track with running their specific event. My other duties include coordinating with outside organisations and individuals to support with competitions, speaking events and sponsorship deals.
COMSA is very lucky to have an awesome relationship with PwC, which allows us to host case competitions, coordinate career development events, and even have the CEO Mark Averill come and speak to the COMSA cohort!
What degree/s are you studying towards and what are your career plans?
I am in my fifth and final year of study, working towards a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Economics. I am lucky enough to have a law graduate role at Simpson Grierson lined up for next year. I love both of my degrees and feel like economics aids my legal strengths in particular, with my current plan being to enter a transactional role. I am very open to going into a more business focused role in the future, especially after meeting so many awesome people that are in this space through COMSA .
How do students join COMSA and what kind of meetings, events and other support does COMSA provide?
Students join COMSA for free through a simple google form sign up, which they can find in the bio area of our social media. We also have stalls at Clubs Day during O-week, and other careers fairs throughout the year. We distribute all information regarding events and competitions on our social media, and on Blackboard, aiming to make it as accessible as possible for all!
We also try to connect students with tutors or mentors if they need extra support -students can access this by reaching out on any of our social media platforms.
Whilst we are a Commerce society, we welcome everyone, no matter their academic background, to come along to all our events. We know that opportunities at firms that are typically considered ‘business-orientated’, go vastly beyond Commerce students, so we aim to engage students across degrees. We host social events such as Wine and Cheese nights and Pub Quizzes, with the aim of connecting students across age groups. We also host lots of different competitions, with prizes and food included, often collaborating with companies and other Universities.
What advice would you give someone thinking about joining COMSA ?
Whether students are looking to be involved in the executive team of COMSA , or be a member of the club, I would highly encourage them. Being a part of the executive has allowed me to not only improve my communication, organisation and networking skills, but it has also allowed me to connect with some incredible businesspeople, who are always keen to help you excel in whatever way possible. My advice if you are interested in getting involved in any capacity is simply do it! I cannot emphasise the number of opportunities that it can bring, and definitely impresses possible future employers!
Kōrero by Communications Adviser, Sally Knox.