‘I’ve graduated from Deakin as a confident individual ready to face the professional world.’

High-achieving graduate Aanchal Bhandari rates her two years with Deakin Business School (DBS) as one of life’s most rewarding experiences.

It’s also one that’s just landed her a highly-prized graduate role in her chosen field of accounting.

Originally from Nepal, Aanchal completed a Master of Accounting and International Finance where she not only achieved outstanding results but also took out an award for the highest-performing student in the International Banking and Finance unit.

Recently graduating, she is now about to start a new role as a graduate intern with Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) and says her studies have equipped her with the right attitude, skills and knowledge to excel in the appointment.

‘I’ve graduated from Deakin as a confident individual ready to face the professional world.’

Before moving to Australia and Deakin, Aanchal completed an undergraduate international business degree in Malaysia where she discovered a keen interest in finance and accounting.

‘I decided that I wanted to explore those interests further also felt that a master’s degree would open doors to better career prospects,’ she explains.

Aanchal focused her postgraduate study goals on Australia because she believed it offered her a wide-range of high-ranking universities with diverse course offerings in finance and accounting.

When she began exploring Australia’s university options more closely, Deakin immediately caught her attention.

‘Deakin had high graduate employability outcomes and I was impressed by DBS’s programs which focused on developing real-world employment skills. The Master of  Accounting and International Finance allowed me to concentrate on my two areas of interests and the curriculum encouraged students to apply practical analytical skills in the real workplace context,’ she says.

Although Aanchal admits to being a little apprehensive about the challenges of studying accounting and finance at a master’s degree level, she was determined to ‘step outside my comfort zone’ and work hard to achieve her goals.

Alongside her studies, she also completed an internship with Deakin’s Freelancing Hub where she worked as a project consultant with Wildlife Victoria and developed key employability skills such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving.

‘The internship also enhanced my ability to make decisions which is very beneficial in the professional world,’ she says.

As a member of the Golden Key International Honours Society – which is offered to top-performing students – Aanchal has now accumulated enough points to qualify for the prestigious Global Citizenship Program.

‘The Global Citizenship Program encourages students to engage in several global programs and activities which help develop skills that are essential in the global community and global workplace. Thanks to Deakin, I have been able to excel both academically and in extracurricular activities,’ she says.

Taking out top spot in the International Banking and Finance unit reflects the deep understanding of global trading issues that Aanchal was able to gain during her study.

‘It was really interesting to trade currencies and the unit helped me understand the global financial market, its behaviour, and the risks involved in foreign exchange markets. It gave me the opportunity to use a lot of technical and fundamental analysis in decision-making,’ she says.

Aanchal has ‘truly enjoyed’ her postgraduate studies with DBS and credits this to excellent academic teaching that boasts a strong focus on applied, practical learning.

‘I am also thankful for many Deakin University resources, facilities and activities that were available –they all made my study journey at Deakin very fulfilling. I am confident my experience at Deakin will go a long way towards realising my dreams and helping me excel in my role as a graduate intern at AASB.’