Developing a career and sense of self at ANU

The vibrant student life at ANU and its range of study options impressed Sophia Laverty enough to coax her from her home in Sydney to the comparatively quieter Canberra.

After a period of adjustment, she developed a strong love for the University and the city.

“I loved how connected the community is at ANU. What I found most unexpected was how quickly such a large university began to feel like a close-knit community,” says Sophia.

Pondering on the lessons she learned along her way, a particular theme has become evident to her.

The lesson that encapsulates my ANU experience is simple: just go for it. Throw yourself into every opportunity. Take everything that’s on offer at CBE and ANU – it has equipped me with the skills and experience that set me on my career trajectory.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Actuarial Studies and Bachelor of Commerce (Finance), Sophia heads into 2026 as a graduate with Macquarie Bank in Sydney – a career she feels well-prepared for.

“My Actuarial Studies degree gave me the opportunity to learn R Studio for conducting data analysis and investment portfolio return predictions – an invaluable skill for today’s workforce that I will use throughout my career,” she says.

She tested her leadership and management skills in the ANU Student Managed Fund – a highly competitive course where students manage over A$900,000 in investments – through her role as the head of the Asset Allocation team.

“I had no experience managing a team of people before. I was uncomfortable delegating and assigning work to peers, as well as occasionally making the final decision despite being concerned about others’ feelings,” she says.

“Despite this, it was incredibly rewarding to be able to guide new team members, being that first point of contact, offering guidance and support when needed, and teaching them everything they need to know.”

First-year Sophia may not have been able to envision the person she would become.

“While first-year Sophia was focused on adjusting and finding her place, graduate Sophia is self-assured, motivated, and excited to apply what she has learned beyond university,” she says.

“Spending much of the previous years before ANU in COVID isolation, being here pushed me to grow in independence. ANU challenged me and taught me how to manage priorities, and take responsibility for my decisions. I have developed a stronger sense of self and direction.”

Sophia Laverty

Sophia graduated from ANU with a Bachelor of Actuarial Studies and Bachelor of Commerce (Finance). For the first two years of her studies she lived on campus at John XXIII College, and became Treasurer in her second year. Through the CBE Internship Program, she interned at ORIMA Research and then continued in a part-time role in the Data Analytics team. She was the recipient of the Plato Investment Management Women in Finance Scholarship for 2024-25, which provided her with the opportunity to intern at Plato in 2024. During her final year at university, she joined the ANU Student Managed Fund and worked in the Asset Allocation team. In her final semester she was appointed to Asset Allocation Team Head. Sophia now works as a graduate at Macquarie Bank in Sydney, within Macquarie Asset Management.

The ANU College of Business and Economics offers an extensive range of specialised programs. Click here for more details.

Image credit: Tim Rendall/CBE