RMIT student honoured at AFR Top 100 Future Leaders Awards

Bachelor of Business (Applied) student Koushik Mukherjee was recognised for his achievements by being selected as a finalist for the 2025 Optus Business and Commerce Award.

The award is open to students studying Business & Commerce at an Australian university into 2025 and aims to recognize future top graduate talents and provide opportunities for networking and career growth.

Mukherjee said he was honoured to be part of ceremony.

“I’m incredibly grateful to have been selected as a finalist for this year’s Optus Business and Commerce Award at the AFR Top 100 Future Leaders Awards,” he said.

“It was an unforgettable experience meeting so many inspiring individuals, each with unique experiences, skill sets, and ambitions that will no doubt shape the future of Australian industries.”

“A huge congratulations to Jaime Pitcher for winning the award, as well as my fellow category finalists – it was an absolute privilege to stand alongside them.

“I want to give a massive thank you to our incredible judges for their insights, and for taking the time to support emerging talent.”

Mukherjee is studying a Bachelor of Business (Applied) in the College of Business and Law at RMIT University. He said juggling his academic performance with leadership roles and an internship was difficult, but his passion drove him through.

This recognition reflects my passion for driving meaningful change through leadership, advocacy, and strategic problem-solving.

“Through my roles as a Student Leader in Kirrip, an International Student Wellbeing Peer Worker, and my involvement as a Student Elected Representative in RUSU, I have worked to create inclusive communities, enhance student support systems, and promote initiatives that improve the overall student experience.”

“Beyond the impact on others, these experiences have shaped me into a more empathetic, adaptable, and resilient individual.”

“Balancing these commitments with my academics has further improved my time management, decision-making, and ability to do well under pressure.”

Despite his talents and numerous achievements, as an international student, Mukherjee faces a more challenging employment market than most domestic students.

At the ceremony, he was heartened to hear from organisations that were changing their graduate employment programs to cater to the international student community.

“One of the standout moments of the night for me was when James Schlunke from Capgemini – who won the UNSW Most Popular Graduate Employer of the Year Award – mentioned that one of the positive steps their company took this year was opening their graduate program to international students.”

“With the graduate recruitment season kicking off for Mid-2025 and Early-2026, I truly hope more companies follow this lead in recognising the value and talent international graduates bring to Australia’s workforce.”

While his focus is on securing graduate employment in the short-term, Mukherjee said that in the long run, he wants to continue to play a role in the community around him.

“Long term, I want to keep contributing to the community while growing in my career, with an eventual goal of becoming a Graduate Program Manager to mentor and support young professionals entering the workforce.”

“I am and will be committed to lifelong learning, adaptability, and making a lasting impact- both professionally and within the community."

26 February 2025

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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