Co-op Alumni insights to welcome 2021 scholars

The 2021 Induction Ceremony was a unique and special event for a variety of reasons. Not only was it the official welcome to the Program for our 2021 Co-op Program Scholarship recipients, but a chance to recognise the 2020 scholars whose ceremony had to be cancelled at the 11th hour last year, due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the welcome from Rorden Wilkinson, UNSW’s Pro Vice-Chancellor Education and Student Success, we were also lucky enough to hear from not one, but two Alumni of the program. Jayde Whiteman commenced in the Accounting Co-op stream in 2003. Since graduating from UNSW Jayde has led an international career, spanning the US, Australia and the United Kingdom, Jayde is now Director, Credit Suisse Private Fund Group, technically based in London, but happily able to join us for the event.

Joining Jayde to share his career journey was Nick Ellsmore, a graduate of the Information Systems Management Co-op Program of 1997. Nick’s love of cyber security led him on a very successful entrepreneurial journey, which started with founding his first company in the final year of University. Nick’s dedication and interest in the field saw him become a clear voice of knowledge and insight on cyber security. He received the inaugural “AISA Information Security Professional of the Year” award in 2012, was an Australian technology delegate to APEC, and delivered numerous local government projects for the United Nations and APEC. Now the Global Head of Strategy, Consulting & Professional Services for Trustwave, his down to earth approach and open honest sharing inspired both the scholars and their families with the opportunities for their future.

Congratulations and welcome to our 2021 Co-op scholars, and belatedly to the 2020s, we are so excited to share the beginning of your career journey with you and know you too will have fascinating stories to share in your future. 

Check out some highlights from the event: