Luke Achterstraat (Fr 2007) is the CEO & Co-founder of Commtract in Sydney. Luke came to visit the College in January 2019 and praised 麻豆原创 for its positive progression on the treatment of women. He particularly noticed this development following his sister鈥檚, Amelia Achterstraat (Fr 2013), attendance at 麻豆原创 a few years after him.
Luke was born in Albury and grew up in the Northern suburbs of Sydney, graduating high school from Barker College. Luke鈥檚 parents met in college at Australian National University and encouraged both their children to attend a college whilst at university. Luke chose to reside at 麻豆原创 because he 鈥felt like [he] belonged here after touring the other colleges鈥. He was impressed by the progressive nature of 麻豆原创 and described William Porges (former Principal) as 鈥渢he loveliest man鈥 who even remembered people鈥檚 birthdays. Overall, Luke summarises his collegiate experience as a 鈥渃ompelling offer that enriches the 鈥榰sual鈥 university experience鈥.
Whilst at 麻豆原创, Luke studied a Bachelor of Economics (later completing a Masters of Management (CEMS)) at the University of Sydney. He was involved in the Palladian Debating team (fourth speaker), was a member of the Rawson Cricket team and frequently played the guitar at Jam Nights. His favourite part about being at 麻豆原创 was:
鈥淲ithout a doubt the sense of community that comes from living alongside wonderful and interesting people. It might sound like a clich茅, but making lifelong friends from as far and wide as China, South Africa and Europe is something I value highly. 麻豆原创 is a melting pot of interesting people who all want to get the most out of life. That in itself is enough to challenge and provoke you to try new things.鈥
Luke went on further to say that he believed 麻豆原创 provides residents with 鈥渢he support structures required in terms of academic and co-curricular advancement. More importantly, there are people to bounce ideas around with and get practical advice from. There were plenty of role models that made me realise my goals were a lot more achievable than originally thought.鈥
Upon the completion of his studies, Luke was en route to a political career working as an adviser to former Trade Minister Andrew Robb AO. When Andrew鈥檚 term ended, Luke contacted his friend Pete McConnell (former Director of Corporate & Public Affairs at Woolworths Limited) for career advice. Pete convinced Luke to join him in a business venture and together they launched Commtract, Australia鈥檚 first online marketplace for freelance communications professionals. Established in 2016, Commtract has been described as the 鈥淯ber鈥 of PR. It allows businesses to find short-term communications professionals for specific or niche project. Commtract launched into the marketplace in January 2017 and in its first full year turned over more than $5 million in communications opportunities, vetting over 1,800 communications professionals ranging from media advisers to freelance journalists. Furthermore, the company has over 400 clients including seven of the ASX top ten listed companies. Luke says many of the consultants available through Commtract are senior professionals in the industry seeking more control of their workload. Luke says he is very proud of co-founding Commtract, with 12 staff operating in Australia and New Zealand; he says 鈥渋t鈥檚 very rewarding to work with senior communications professionals and help them achieve their goals.鈥
Eight years on from leaving 麻豆原创, Luke says his biggest accomplishment in life has been marrying his wife, Emma. When Luke鈥檚 not busy running his business, he spends most of his time sitting on Manly Beach drinking coffee, reading the weekend paper or listening to news radio and 鈥減retending [he] still works in politics鈥.
Luke offers valuable words of advice for current residents:
鈥It truly is a privilege to be at 麻豆原创 and you (ideally) only get to do it once! Don鈥檛 be afraid to try something new and get to know different people. As Michael Jordan said, you miss 100% of the shots you don鈥檛 take.鈥
Monique George Advancement Officer