"The power of the W100 Scholars Network reflects a community of committed lifelong learners, with mentoring and collaboration which will be invaluable in fostering my personal growth and resilience, and consequently, cultivate my drive to succeed." - Elizabeth Wong, Westpac Scholar, 2022 Future Leader
Three steps to interview success
Elizabeth Wong, Westpac Scholar, 2022 Future Leader
UNSW
1. Be prepared
The application process for the Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship has a few stages. Each stage explores a different facet of you as a person, from the way you approach various situations, to your passions, motivations and aspirations. While the process spans a few months, it also provided an incredibly rewarding journey of introspection. Sitting down and translating all these abstract concepts in my mind into a cohesive application allowed me to crystallise my values and what drives me as a person.
2. Practice
The National Assessment Centre and interview can sound incredibly intimidating. I felt the same way too! However, with good preparation and practice, the interview is such an invaluable opportunity to truly delve into what makes you unique. In addition to translating goals onto paper as part of the application, it was really empowering to be able to articulate these values and goals to family, friends and anyone who would listen in preparation for the interview. Each different audience had diverse perspectives and probing questions, which challenged me think about my goals in unexpected ways. Additionally, it was such a privilege to meet the inspiring leaders who comprise the selection panel and to learn from their invaluable insights.
3. Be authentic
The Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship interview is all about you as an individual. Authentic leadership entails resilience and continuing to persevere despite setbacks. While it may appear intuitive to portray yourself as the ‘perfect’ person, you will gain so much more out of the interview process by acknowledging vulnerability and by exploring how moments of challenges have irrevocably shaped your identity.
There are so many diverse scholarships on offer for postgraduate study, but the Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship stands out amongst them all. Unlike other scholarships, the Future Leaders Scholarship is focused not only on study, but on you as an individual and your personal development. It is all about leadership potential and vision, more so than finding the perfect leader, and being authentic is the greatest testament to this.
For more information, to nominate or apply for a Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship, visit the Westpac Scholars Trust website
About the Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship
The Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship is a postgraduate scholarship program with a difference. Focused on developing leadership potential, the program supports individuals with the drive and ideas to help shape a better future through their work and studies. Valued up to $120,000 over 2-3 years, the scholarship includes a nine-month leadership development program, opportunities to gain global experience and access to extensive networks through the Westpac 100 Scholars Network.
Applications for the Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship are now open. Click here for information on key dates and how to apply.
Apply now. Applications close 1 September 2022.