15-year-old Felix Kisa, a year 10 student at Sunshine Coast Grammar School in Queensland, recently joined us for a week of work experience at Alberts, where his enthusiasm, curiosity, and sharp mind left a lasting impression on our team. As Felix prepares for his final years of high school – taking on Math Methods, Maths Specialist, Literature, Physics, Chemistry, and Legal Studies for his Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) subjects – the trumpet player and Jackie Chan fan could be well on his way to fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming a scientist. He shares his insights from his time at the Alberts office in Sydney.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Growing up, I always perceived that I would fall into a science-based role. Whether it was an astronaut or a marine biologist I always held passion for sciences, for learning new things. As a child, I can clearly recall that my free time was always spent watching science-related YouTube videos and absorbing all the info I could squeeze from my science books.
What interested you in choosing Alberts for your work experience?
Last year, my music class had the opportunity to watch the film ‘Blood and Thunder’ (a two-part program documenting Alberts’ role in Australia gaining its own rock ‘n’ roll sound in the 60s & 70s). From that point, I took interest in Alberts from a musical perspective. However, through deeper digging, what really interested me was the sheer number of incredibly diverse ventures that Alberts has undertaken throughout its long history, and that really sparked an interest in me to do work experience here.
What subjects in school are you most passionate about, and how do you think they relate to the work Alberts does?
At the moment, I have an enormous passion for Maths, Legal studies and English – with the latter two correlating to the ventures made by Alberts, and the deep research that goes into each and every one of them to ensure they fit the bill, and maths being the logistical structure of it all.
What does having a positive impact mean to you?
Having a positive impact, I believe, should be about doing what is right for others, even if no one is going to know or remember. But it doesn’t have to be huge, sometimes the smallest stuff makes the big difference when having a positive impact.
What can businesses, government and communities learn from young people that you think would have positive outcomes on the future?
I believe that learning how to do the ‘impossible’ is an incredibly useful tool that can be taught by youth to businesses and governments so that the future can be shaped in a positive way, without being burdened by the way things were conducted in the past.
Which Alberts impact theme – equality, healthy minds, sustainable environment, and vibrant culture – resonates with you most and why?
Being a trumpet player, and always having a passion for design, I believe that vibrant culture resonates with me the most.
Are there any specific artists, musicians, or cultural figures you admire, and why?
I greatly admire Jackie Chan! Coming from very little, he dedicated himself to the art of fighting and acrobatics to become who is today. I also admire artists like Kendrick Lamar who aren’t afraid to make thought-provoking art speaking on issues important to them, irrespective of backlash or risking their careers if it’s for the right cause.
Year 10 student Felix Kissa from Sunshine Coast Grammar School got a glimpse into the world of finance during his work experience at Alberts’ Sydney CBD office, Gadigal Country. Felix had the opportunity to learn directly from Head of Finance, Ben Edmonds.
What inspired you to start playing music and which instruments do you enjoy playing the most?
I’ve always grown up surrounded by music. A key reason for picking up my main instrument (trumpet), was my grandfather, who used to be a trumpet player, which meant there was always a trumpet lying around the house somewhere! One thing led to another, and I began my trumpet journey. Thats when I really began to learn about music: joining school bands, taking private tuition and listening to a huge variety of artists and genres. And through strengthening my skills in trumpet more and more, I began to take more and more interest into music as a whole.
Are there any specific projects or initiatives at Alberts that you’re particularly excited to learn about?
I’m most excited about the upgrade of the commercial building, Wyoming (built in 1939), and how the building is aiming to satisfy Alberts’ four impact themes, whilst maintaining its vivid heritage and history, and I can’t wait to see how it’s going to be carried through with this at the forefront!
What’s been your greatest achievement to date in life?
I think learning how to manage my time, and how to get things done has done wonders for me and would be my greatest achievement.
What do you envision for your future career?
I believe I’ll work someplace where I get to be a part of several varying projects, where I can keep learning about different things and trying it all.
What has been the highlight of your week?
There’s too many to count! From learning about the intricacies of music law, to the calculated risks taken in venture capital, to the immense financial work involved through all of it, I don’t think there was a point in the week which wasn’t a highlight. I couldn’t have asked for a better work experience!
