SMSF Association conference gives students practical opportunity to learn

Thirty-five students studying event management and financial services have seized the opportunity to do volunteer work at the SMSF National Conference being held at Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from February 15-17.

Speaking about the initiative, Conference organiser and SMSF Association Head of Education Services Liz Ward said: “One of the major challenges that students face is getting work experience to back up their study.

“We had an overwhelming response from students studying event management and financial services and accounting to gain work experience at an event of this size and calibre.”

The SMSF Association National Conference is the largest event in the superannuation and financial services space in Australia. Students have the opportunity to interact with industry experts and network with more than 1700 SMSF professionals.

Having implemented a new state-of-the-art electronic registration and tracking platform to enhance delegates’ engagement, SMSF needed people on the ground to deliver a seamless delegate experience.

Ward says: “Giving students this opportunity is aligned to the Association’s commitment to developing education about self-managed super funds across Australia.

“There is a growing trend for younger people to take up SMSFs, and this volunteer work is just part of the way in which we can spread the SMSF message as an excellent vehicle for people to ensure a dignified and secure retirement.”

Stand-out volunteers have also been offered the opportunity to work at the Association office and get valuable experience in the SMSF industry.