33rd Annual Business Industry Breakfast
Our recent Business Industry Breakfast was a tremendous success, providing Year 12 students with the opportunity to engage directly with professionals and alumni across a broad range of industries. The event focused on future careers, emerging industries, leadership, and the realities of navigating professional life beyond school.
A major highlight of the morning was the keynote address and panel discussion led by A.B. Paterson College alumnus Ben Devine (Class of 2016). Ben currently works within the Sydney-based Credit team at Blackstone, the world’s largest alternative asset manager, where he focuses on investments across private corporate credit, infrastructure, real estate credit, and asset-based finance throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Following his graduation from A.B. Paterson College, Ben completed a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) and Bachelor of Laws at the University of Sydney before commencing his career as an Investment Banker at UBS Sydney.
Students gained significant insight from Ben’s reflections on ambition, discipline, career progression, and the importance of remaining adaptable in highly competitive industries.
The panel also featured an outstanding group of alumni representing a diverse range of professional pathways and industries. Adrian Rajkamal (Class of 2018) shared his journey from studying Mathematics and Computer Science at The University of Queensland into the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Now working as a Data Analytics Consultant at A&G, Adrian develops cloud-based AI and computer vision solutions designed to streamline insurance claims processes and improve operational efficiency.
Charlotte Squire (Class of 2023) offered students insight into her studies in Law and International Relations at Bond University, where she has already achieved exceptional academic success, including multiple First in Class results and Dean’s List recognition. Charlotte spoke passionately about diplomacy, international law, peace mediation, and her aspirations to work within organisations such as ASIO, DFAT, and the United Nations.
Students also heard from Ahmad Gundru (Class of 2015), entrepreneur and founder of creative media agency ALGRTHM. Ahmad reflected on his transition from audit at BDO Brisbane into marketing and entrepreneurship, encouraging students to remain open to change, creativity, and unconventional career pathways.
Throughout the morning, students had the opportunity to engage directly with panellists and industry professionals, asking thoughtful questions and gaining practical advice around university, industry, networking, resilience, and the future workforce. The level of engagement from our Year 12 cohort was exceptional, and it was evident that students gained significant value from the experience.
The College extends its sincere thanks to all alumni, industry guests, the College Board, and staff involved in making the Business Industry Breakfast such a meaningful and successful event.
Gina Fulton-Kennedy
Head of Pathways
Watch this video of College Principal Joanne Sheehy reflecting on how valuable events like this are in giving students authentic exposure to the world beyond school.
A.B. Paterson College acknowledges the Kombumerri People as Traditional Custodians of the land, sea, waterways, and skies in which we learn and play. We also pay our respects to elders, past, present, and emerging, and recognise their continuing connection to country and ways of learning.