- UOWD partners with Andersen to launch a two-week career-oriented program for 20+ students across Dubai, Abu Dhabi & JAFZA
- Students gained real-world experience in tax, advisory, marketing & technology governance, with mentorship from UOWD alumni at Andersen
- Initiative emphasized skill-building, teamwork, and career confidence, with Andersen leaders reaffirming commitment to nurturing future talent
The University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) announced the launch of a career-oriented initiative with Andersen, a professional services leader. The two-week program was designed to give students real-world experience, equipping them with the necessary skills, confidence, and direction to succeed in their careers.
The project was organized by UOWD's Careers & Alumni Department and gathered in excess of 20 students with Andersen's professionals at offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and JAFZA. The students were grouped into teams based on interests that spanned from tax and advisory roles to marketing and technology governance. This immersive experience provided them with a real-life knowledge of how Andersen's multidisciplinary teams collaborate to provide solutions throughout the UAE, while also instilling collaboration and flexibility in a work environment.
During the course of the program, students participated in exercises to hone their accuracy, logical reasoning, and moral choice-making. They also gained experience through mentorship programs such as those provided by UOWD alumni Joseph Mendez and Rishi Sundaram, currently developing thriving careers at Andersen. Both alumni presented their experiences making the move from university to the corporate sector, providing advice on how to overcome obstacles and take opportunities within the business.
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The program came to a close with a recognition ceremony honoring the students' achievements. Completion certificates were given to signify their dedication, interest, and development for the two weeks. The closing ceremony included comments from students, as well as motivational comments from Andersen's leadership, emphasizing a mutual feeling of pride over what had been achieved in such a brief time frame.
Leaders from both entities emphasized the importance of the collaboration. Mary Gosha, Careers and Alumni Manager at UOWD, reiterated that the initiative extended beyond shadowing professionals, as it assisted students in defining career paths and gaining confidence for the post-classroom life. Andersen's UAE leadership concurred with this view, with CEO Anurag Chaturvedi confirming the firm's dedication to cultivating future leaders through bridging academic learning and professional implementation.
Partnership Deepa Chaturvedi further stated that investing in emerging talent is core to Andersen's purpose, whereas Senior Manager Myra Rodrigues observed that the program promoted mutual learning, new insights, and enforced Andersen's culture of teamwork. The University of Wollongong, which is based in New South Wales, Australia, extended its reach to Dubai in 2020, and continues to build its reputation by embedding academic learning in meaningful industry engagement.
