Nurturing the Next Generation: Andersen UAE’s Mentorship with University of Wollongong Students

Date Posted:Mon, 3rd Nov 2025

Nurturing the Next Generation: Andersen UAE’s Mentorship with University of Wollongong Students

In today’s fast-evolving consulting landscape, firms are taking on a greater role in shaping future talent. Andersen UAE recently highlighted this responsibility by welcoming students from the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) for a two-week mentorship and job-shadowing program. The initiative was designed to bridge the divide between classroom learning and the realities of professional practice, offering students a firsthand look at careers in tax, legal, advisory, and consulting.

 

Commenting on the initiative, Mary Gosha, Careers and Alumni Manager at UOWD, said: “This program is about more than just shadowing professionals; it’s about building confidence, clarifying career paths, and helping our students see what’s possible beyond the classroom. We’re grateful to Andersen for opening their doors to our students and investing in their future.”

You can read more directly from the University of Wollongong in Dubai in their official news release: UOWD and Andersen Launch Job Shadowing and Mentorship Program | University of Wollongong in Dubai

A Holistic Introduction to Professional Services

The program gave students an immersive view of Andersen’s multidisciplinary environment. Spread across offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and JAFZA, they were matched with teams aligned to their interests, from tax and advisory functions to marketing and technology governance. This structure allowed them not only to observe but also to understand how Andersen teams collaborate to deliver client-focused solutions.

Reflecting on the purpose of the initiative, Anurag Chaturvedi, CEO of Andersen UAE, noted: “At Andersen, we are committed to shaping future leaders by offering students meaningful opportunities to experience the professional world of tax, legal, advisory, and consulting. This initiative highlights our dedication to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application.”

Building Skills and Confidence

Students were guided through real-world scenarios that highlighted the importance of precision, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making, skills essential for thriving in professional services. The program wasn’t just about exposure; it was about sparking ambition. While students gained confidence and clarity in their career paths, Andersen professionals found themselves inspired by the energy and perspective the students brought.

Deepa Chaturvedi, Partner – Strategy and Culture at Andersen UAE, emphasized this dual exchange: “This program reflects our focus on investing in young talent and supporting their growth. Over the course of the program, students not only gained professional exposure but also built the confidence and skills that will guide them in their future careers.”

Celebrating Growth

The mentorship concluded with a recognition event celebrating the achievements of the students. Certificates of completion were presented as a symbol of their curiosity, commitment, and readiness to take on new challenges. The closing ceremony featured reflections from students, encouragement from

Andersen’s leadership, and a strong sense of collective pride in what had been accomplished in just two weeks.

Beyond Knowledge Transfer

By hosting this program, Andersen UAE reinforced its position as more than a service provider, it is a firm invested in the future of the region’s workforce. Opening its doors to students demonstrated not only a dedication to education but also a belief in the power of collaboration and shared learning.

As Myra Rodrigues, Sr. Manager – Strategic Growth and Brand Innovation, explained: “Collaboration is at the heart of how we grow and innovate. This initiative brought our professionals and students together in a way that encouraged shared learning and fresh perspectives. It also reinforces Andersen’s brand as one that values partnerships, invests in people, and continues to look ahead to the future.”

Looking Ahead

Andersen UAE’s mentorship with the University of Wollongong stands as a compelling example of how professional firms can contribute to shaping tomorrow’s leaders. By blending mentorship, practical exposure, and cross-disciplinary learning, the program has prepared students not just to enter the job market but to thrive in it. For Andersen, it reaffirmed the value of investing in young talent as a cornerstone of long-term growth and innovation.

Email: [email protected] 

UAE Telephone: +97142435666

Website: https://ae.andersen.com/