Created in 2018 to help bridge the gap between academic excellence and professional industry experience, ABSA now stands as the leading representative network for business students across Australia and is proud to work with member societies, universities, corporations, and industry bodies, to address the challenges between business students and a competitive corporate sector.
Across its member societies, as at the end of calendar year 2024, ABSA represents the interests of over 40,000 business students across Australia.
• Developing a platform for students to acquire graduate opportunities across the Asia-Pacific region
• Establishing opportunities for graduates to retain the develop ment and networking outcomes provided through ABSA
• Providing the resources for students to acquire new skills and enhance existing skills
• Implementing safe-to-fail environments where students are able to develop their skill sets
• Presenting opportunities for students to identify industry expectations and recognise how their development aligns with such expectations
• Challenging students to go outside of their comfort zone and meet new people
• Advocating an inclusive environment where students and industry professionals can interact and share ideas
• Development and maintenance of professional relationships within the ABSA network and across Corporate Australia
FEB. 2018
The beginning
It was after Thomas G. Ryan realised that the graduate process lacked clarity, efficiency and transparency, that ABSA was born. Together with other industry professionals, Ryan created ABSA bridge the gap between academic excellence and real-world experience.
OCT. 2018
ABSA’s team of 60
Although these roles have been made redundant now, the team at the time held positions relating to Risk Management, Technology, Law, Government Relations, and Human Resources, and Student Engagement.
OCT. 2019
ABSA’s new structure
In 2019, the ABSA team was reorganised to 3 main teams: Marketing, Projects, and External Relations, who worked alongside Operations Associates, and reported to the Vice-President, President, and Board of Directors.
MAY 2020
ABSA turns focus onto university business societies across Australia
In 2020, ABSA underwent a restructure where instead of directly serving a student membership base, it would instead focus on supporting university business student societies in their efforts to serve students at the respective universities across Australia.
MAR. 2021
ABSA’s first conference
2021 marked a major milestone for ABSA with the launch of our first-ever National Conference, “Resurgence”. Bringing together 80 student leaders from across Australia, the conference provided a platform for future business professionals to engage with industry experts and build connections, paving the way for the annual tradition of uniting and inspiring the next generation of business leaders.
AUG. 2022
ABSA’s new tradition: You’ve got to be in it to win it
ABSA hosts our first (of many) National Case Competition, also sometimes referred to as our National Start-Up Competition. Held on an annual basis, prizes for this competition are always coveted, with the winning teams that year walking away with 1-on-1 mentoring with Google, cash prizes, or 6 months access to Founder Hub for each member.
FEB. 2025
ABSA launches new look across social platforms and website
The ABSA website is entirely redesigned to improve user experience, brand perception, and overall functionality. Outdated features, confusing titles, and more are replaced with a cohesive theme, fun or animated components (like this timeline), and updated information. The new visual identity extended to social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, emphasising professionalism with a touch of personality.