4 minute read
Reviewing the differences between her pre-ANU and post-ANU self, Ridhima Anand concluded that her university experience profoundly evolved her “calibre and confidence”.
“Before I started studying at The Australian National University (ANU) I was shy and would have never taken the road less travelled. Now, I see myself in a completely different light. There’s a stark difference in my calibre and confidence, particularly because of the College’s Employability Programs,” shared Ridhima, who is graduating from the ANU College of Business and Economics (CBE) with a Master of Accounting.
Before ANU, I distinctly recall being meek and introverted, but they are now distant traits.
The Employability Programs Ridhima is referring to are the Internship and MomentuM programs that the College offers to it students.
The CBE Careers and Student Employability team organises programs that enable students to build the professional skills that employers are seeking. These opportunities include the CBE Internship Program, Special Industry Project, Global Learners of Business and Economics (GLOBE) International Internship Program, and the MomentuM professional development and mentoring program.
“I have had a transformational journey at ANU and it all began with MomentuM, where I received professional mentorship for the first time. Through this program, I learnt the importance and etiquette of networking,” she emphasised.
Earlier this year, Ridhima also interned with the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC) and the ANU Tax Clinic. She believes both of these opportunities have laid the foundation for her professional career.
“At CSC, I was entrusted with several research projects under very supportive mentors. My internship refined my research skills and ability to communicate that research. Furthermore, I learnt the value of confidence and thinking outside of the box, and the pivotal role they play to the performance of an employee and an organisation,” she shared.
Through my internships I learnt the value of confidence and thinking outside the box.
Her internship at the ANU Tax Clinic shaped her professional ambitions to pursue a career related to tax systems.
The ANU Tax Clinic is a friendly, student-run clinic where clients receive information from ANU accounting students, under the supervision of experienced tax practitioners. The clinic, established earlier this year, aims to assist unrepresented taxpayers in meeting and complying with their tax affairs.
“The experiences I gained though CBE have shaped my professional outlook. I distinctly recall being meek and introverted but those are distant traits, I feel increasingly confident and determined,” Ridhima asserted.
Originally from India’s northern city of Ludhiana, Ridhima moved to Canberra to pursue higher education in accounting. It was the University’s high global ranking that proved to be a decisive factor in her move to Australia's capital.
“My transition to ANU was smooth because of the community at CBE. In my early days, I vividly remember the emails from CBE that helped me find my feet and make new connections. Attending the CBE Prizes and Scholarships Ceremony, which was a celebration of being a scholarship recipient, was also an extremely proud and encouraging moment for me,” remembered Ridhima, who is a recipient of the Research School of Accounting South Asia Merit Scholarship.
The ANU College of Business and Economics offers an extensive range of specialised programs in Accounting. Click here for more details.