Vidhi Ashik Mody

She graduated in 2018 and subsequently completed the Chartered Accountant qualification through Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, as well as becoming a registered BAS Agent with the Tax Practitioners Board.

Over six years, Vidhi built her career across boutique, mid-tier, and Top 60 accounting firms, developing deep expertise in taxation, compliance, and advisory within highly regulated environments.

In 2022, she returned to India to establish Pinnacle Advisors with a clear vision: to strengthen the Australia–India business corridor through high-quality, compliant, and scalable advisory solutions. What began as a solo venture has since grown into an expanding team that delivers cross-border tax and regulatory support, contributing to stronger bilateral business engagement while maintaining a strong professional connection with Australia.

What was your favourite memory from your time studying at UNSW?

When I first arrived at UNSW Business School, I didn’t have a roadmap—just a mindset: be curious, show up, and ask. I realised quickly that opportunities in a place like UNSW aren’t given; they’re created through intent and connection.

In my first year, I attended events, spoke to faculty, and put myself in the right rooms. One conversation led to an opportunity to work at UNSW Medicine; something very few students experience, while balancing my studies. It gave me confidence and exposure.

Soon after, I was invited to represent UNSW Business School in a marketing campaign, sharing my journey as an international student. What started as small steps became defining moments; proving that showing up can truly change your path.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

If I could offer one piece of advice to business students, it would be this: stay curious, and don’t wait for the “perfect” opportunity to begin.

When I moved to Australia, I didn’t have a clear plan; just the willingness to explore. I attended on-campus events, spoke to people, asked questions, and took action even when I felt unprepared. Because the truth is, as an international student, opportunities don’t always come easily; you often have to create them.

I still remember walking into 10–15 accounting firms around Randwick and Bondi with my resume, introducing myself and asking for a chance. That first opportunity changed everything.

It may not be perfect; but it’s where you learn, build skills, and gain confidence. Over time, clarity comes through experience, not overthinking.

“Your degree is just the starting point; what you build from it is entirely up to you.”

How did studying abroad shape your personal or professional growth?

Studying abroad reshaped who I am, far beyond the classroom. I grew up in Mumbai in a family where no one had ever lived outside the city, so moving to Australia was more than a decision; it was a leap into the unknown.

Suddenly, I was navigating a new country, managing life on my own, and figuring things out without a familiar safety net. There were moments of uncertainty, but those moments quietly built something stronger; resilience, self-reliance, and the confidence to make decisions independently, even when I didn’t feel fully ready.

At the same time, my experience at UNSW Business School and within Australian accounting firms exposed me to a world of structure, discipline, and high professional standards. I began to understand not just how international systems work, but how to operate within them with curiosity.

Looking back, it was this combination; personal growth and professional grounding, that gave me the courage to take my next leap: returning to India and building my own firm, shaped by everything I had learned along the way.

Looking back, studying abroad didn’t just shape my career. It shaped how I think, how I approach challenges, and how I build opportunities.