February 19, 2025

Meet Sydney Business School, UOW Alumni, Anar Ariunsanaa

Alumni Spotlight: Anar Ariunsanaa

Anar Ariunsanaa, a Sydney Business School, University of Wollongong alumnus from Mongolia, completed her Master of Business in 2022 and now works as a Client Service Officer at Sydney CBD Campus, University of Wollongong (UOW). In this interview, she shares her career journey and valuable insight to our students. 

From Mongolia to Australia

From Mongolia, Anar moved to Australia six years ago to pursue her academic dreams. She completed her Master of Business at the Sydney CBD Campus, UOW in 2022. Throughout her studies, Anar demonstrated not only academic excellence but also a commitment to gaining practical knowledge that would shape her professional career.

Now as a Client Services Officer at the Sydney Business School, Anar supports students with enrolment queries and manages student events. Her role allows her to pursue her passion for student engagement and support current students, while continuing to develop her own skills and expertise in the education sector.

Choosing UOW’s Master of Business Program

Studying abroad is a dream for many international students and Anar was no different. As she explored her options, the Master of Business program at UOW stood out.

Anar shares, "I was looking for a program that offered flexibility, and the UOW Master of Business had more elective subjects compared to other programs. As someone interested in all areas of business, I was drawn to the ability to select different subjects alongside core management topics.”

This diverse selection of options made UOW the ideal choice for Anar, allowing her to explore different aspects of business while building a strong foundation in management.

Applying theory to practice

Anar’s student life at UOW offered her much more than just theoretical knowledge. She shares, "UOW provided excellent learning resources, including access to academic journals that were current and relevant. Our lecturers encouraged us to engage with these resources and apply the theories we studied to real-world situations.”

This hands-on approach helped her develop critical thinking skills that she now applies daily in her job. As a Client Services Officer, Anar frequently analyses problems, identifies root causes, and devises quick and effective solutions – skills she developed during her time at UOW.

From student to professional

The transition from student life to professional life wasn’t always easy for Anar. After completing her studies, she faced the added challenge of becoming a new parent while searching for a job. "Balancing the demands of parenting, navigating visa challenges, and entering the workforce was one of the most difficult times in my life," she reflects. However, with the support of those around her, Anar successfully made the shift into professional life. Her resilience and determination helped her face these challenges head-on, and she continues to grow in her career.

Memorable moments at UOW

Looking back, Anar remembers her first visit to the UOW campus fondly. She says, "I was impressed by how modern and welcoming the campus was. I would often study at the library on weekends, grabbing a coffee and spending time there."

Yet, one of the most rewarding experiences for Anar was becoming a peer mentor in the Business and Law International Peer Mentoring Network (BIPMN). With a big smile, she shares, “Being a peer mentor was incredible. I met so many amazing mentees, many of whom I’m still in touch with today.” Through this role, Anar forged lasting friendships and built a strong support network that continues to enrich her life.

Staying motivated

As a professional, Anar stays motivated by setting clear goals and seeking out opportunities for growth. "Continuous learning is essential, and I make an effort to stay updated with the latest industry trends and best practices," she says.

Her long-term goal is to take on leadership roles in customer service, where she can use her skills to influence strategic decisions and help businesses achieve their goals. For Anar, motivation comes from her desire to improve and make a positive impact, both in her career and in her personal life.

Balancing act

Anar emphasises the importance of striking a healthy balance between work, study, and personal life. "Having hobbies outside of work is essential," she says. "For students, it's important to discover something you love beyond your academic responsibilities to help maintain a well-rounded lifestyle."

For Anar, this balance comes from activities like visiting local coffee shops to try Australian flat whites and running in her neighbourhood at sunset. She adds, "Embracing the local culture is a big part of living abroad, and I hope all students take the time to enjoy that experience while in Australia.”

Last advice for students

To international students adjusting to life and studies abroad, Anar offers words of encouragement: "It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and exhausted, especially in the beginning. In those moments, remember to take a step back and rest."

She also highlights the importance of building a strong support network, adding, "Surround yourself with people who inspire and support you, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. This journey will not only help you grow academically, but it will also shape you as a person, making you stronger and more resilient."