Career-Ready Graduates: UOWD Students Excel Through Internships at Andersen UAE

Wednesday, 20 November, 2024

For many students, the leap from classroom learning to a corporate environment can seem daunting. But students like Sanjana Gulwaney and Athulya Pillai, graduates of the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD), have thrived in this transition, turning their internships at Andersen UAE into transformative experiences.

The UOWD Careers & Alumni Department, led by Ms Mary Gosha, has been working closely with Andersen UAE to create opportunities that empower students to step confidently into the professional world. Through internships and skill-building initiatives, this partnership is giving students the chance to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world challenges, preparing them to excel in dynamic and competitive workplaces.

Athulya Pillai: Exploring Marketing and Content Creation

In Andersen’s marketing department, Athulya’s role brought a creative dynamic to her day. Her mornings started with a team check-in, followed by a review of her daily tasks, which included creating and scheduling social media content, brainstorming ideas for campaigns, and analysing their performance.

One of her proudest moments was leading a campaign for the first time. “It was my first time running a campaign from start to finish, and it was both exciting and challenging,” she shares. “I learned so much about project management and working under deadlines.”

Athulya’s internship provided a comprehensive introduction to digital marketing, where she applied classroom concepts to real-world projects. The experience not only honed her technical skills in SEO and content creation but also reinforced the importance of collaboration and adaptability.

Sanjana Gulwaney: Diving into Corporate Finance

As a Corporate Finance Intern in Andersen’s Deals Advisory department, Sanjana’s days were structured around fast-paced, detail-oriented tasks. Her mornings began with team briefings that outlined priorities for the day, ranging from financial analysis and market research to preparing reports for client meetings. The complexity of her role, particularly in projects like mergers and acquisitions (M&A), demanded precision and critical thinking.

Reflecting on her experience, Sanjana says, “I’ve gained real-world knowledge through hands-on projects—from financial analysis to industry meetings. Being part of the M&A process taught me more about the complexities of these transactions than I ever imagined.”

Her time at Andersen offered rare exposure to corporate finance at a deep level, allowing her to contribute meaningfully to the department. Sanjana also shared her journey on a podcast with Eduardo Alvarez, Andersen’s Marketing Director, where she discussed her transition from the classroom to a challenging corporate role. Watch their conversation below:

Beyond Internships: Preparing Students for Career Success

In addition to offering internships, Andersen UAE supports UOWD students by delivering specialised seminars and an upcoming mentorship program to help them succeed in their careers. The recent seminar series, “Mastering Modern Taxation: Your Guide to Corporate, Excise, VAT, ESR, and Transfer Pricing,” provided students with practical insights into the UAE’s taxation landscape. Delivered by Andersen experts, the sessions covered essential topics like corporate tax, VAT, and excise tax, equipping participants with the knowledge to navigate complex regulatory frameworks.

“These seminars are about more than just technical skills,” says Eduardo Alvarez, Andersen UAE’s Marketing Director. “At Andersen UAE, we aim to prepare students for long-term career success by fostering practical skills and strategic thinking.”

Looking ahead, Andersen’s mentorship program will pair students with professionals for personalised career guidance. This initiative will provide participants with tailored advice and the support needed to transition seamlessly into their professional roles.

A Growing Partnership for Student Success

The collaboration between UOWD and Andersen UAE is more than a collection of internships or seminars. It’s a multi-faceted approach to student development through which the UOWD Careers & Alumni Department successfully blends real-world projects, industry expertise, and professional mentorship. For students like Sanjana and Athulya, these experiences have been transformative, offering not only a foundation of practical skills but also the confidence to step into their careers with clarity and purpose.

For aspiring professionals, this partnership demonstrates the value of bridging academic learning with practical experience, creating success stories that inspire others to make the leap from university to impactful roles in the workplace.