UOWD Students Gain Cutting-Edge Industry Insights Through Stepping into the Corporate World Series

Thursday, 11 September, 2025

The University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) recently hosted three new editions of its Stepping into the Corporate World series, continuing to deliver practical insights on today’s most pressing business topics. Organised by Mr Sherwin Fernandes, Instructor at the School of Business, the series welcomed industry experts who provided students with perspectives that directly connect academic learning to the realities of the corporate environment.

Understanding Corporate Tax and Communication in the UAE

In partnership with MMJS Consulting, the series explored two critical areas shaping careers in business today: taxation and communication.

• Aunali Merchant, Associate Partner – Corporate and International Tax, demystified the introduction of corporate tax in the UAE through a session titled “UAE Corporate Tax: The What, The Why, The How.”
• Jikku Luke, Chief Services Officer, spoke on “The Importance of Communication in the Corporate World,” underlining how effective communication skills remain central to professional success.

Both sessions offered actionable takeaways and sparked strong engagement from students eager to deepen their professional readiness.

Finance and Investment: The Mechanics of Hedge Fund Operations

The series also focused on global finance, featuring Grenville Solomon, a seasoned long-short hedge fund manager. His session, “Financial Markets and Valuation: Concepts for Smart Thinking,” gave students an insider’s view of how investment principles play out in practice.

From the distinctions between short-term trading and long-term strategies to the mechanics of hedge fund operations, students engaged with advanced topics that expanded their understanding of finance well beyond the classroom.

The Future of Careers in Finance

At the latest edition of the Stepping into the Corporate World series, students had the opportunity to learn from Ramkumar Balasubramaniam, Chief Financial Officer of a multinational bank. His conversation with students addressed timely issues in the finance profession, including:

• The evolving responsibilities of FP&A professionals
• How artificial intelligence is reshaping finance roles
• The balance between academic qualifications and professional certifications
• Networking, personal branding, and confidence as career essentials

Students left with a clear understanding of how to position themselves in a rapidly changing job market, as well as practical strategies for long-term career growth.

Continuing to Bridge Academia and Industry

By covering topics as diverse as corporate tax policy, hedge fund strategy, and the future of finance careers, UOWD’s Stepping into the Corporate World series continues to prepare students for real-world success. With each edition, students gain access to seasoned professionals, industry trends, and career-building opportunities that complement their academic studies.

The School of Business looks forward to building on this momentum, ensuring that UOWD graduates remain equipped with the insights, skills, and networks to thrive in competitive global industries.