Faces of ANU: Anayasha Thoolkar

For Anayasha Thoolkar, moving to Australia for postgraduate study was more than an academic decision – it was a leap of faith. Leaving behind her support system and stepping into the unknown, she took on the challenge of completing a Master’s in Marketing Management at the Australian National University (ANU). What she found was a community that not only nurtured her professional growth but helped her build the confidence to thrive.

“My experience at ANU was transformative,” she says. “The university not only provided me with world-class academic resources but also encouraged hands-on learning through internships and collaborative projects.”

Throughout her program, Anayasha immersed herself in market research, digital marketing, and brand strategy. But one of her standout moments was her CBE internship. “It was one of the most challenging semesters. I was juggling the internship with three courses, but it was also the most rewarding. It really pushed my time management skills and showed me the value of applying what I’d learnt in a real-world setting.”

Among her proudest academic achievements was topping her Marketing Strategy class, a feat made even more meaningful by the creative challenge it involved. “We had to create a YouTube video, which was completely new to me. I had to learn various tools from scratch, but it really pushed me creatively and technically. It definitely took me out of my comfort zone.” She also launched an Instagram page, @stylewithanayasha, as part of the assessment.

But the path wasn’t always smooth. Leaving behind her home and support network to move to Australia came with its challenges. “There were moments when balancing study, work, and life felt overwhelming,” she admits. “But it taught me resilience. It showed me the power of building strong networks and asking for help when you need it.”

Looking back, Anayasha knows exactly how it feels to arrive in a new country, unsure of what to expect. Her advice to international students starting their journey at ANU is simple but heartfelt. “Be out there. Be brave. Don’t be afraid to talk to new people. It’s normal to feel homesick, but it’s important to be social and proactive.”

From joining societies and attending campus festivals to going backpacking with friends she met at ANU, Anayasha made the most of every opportunity and built a global network of friendships along the way.

Now, as a staff member at the university, she’s paying that experience forward. “When I was a student, I realised that things like finding accommodation or knowing what events are on can be confusing or overwhelming. So now, I create content that directly addresses those issues.”

Outside of work, she’s a vibrant part of ANU’s multicultural community. A highlight for her is the Toad Hall Multicultural Festival, where students come together to celebrate their cultures through food, dance, and decoration. “It’s such a beautiful, vibrant experience,” she says. “It’s one of the things I’ll always cherish about being at ANU.”

Her go-to campus hideaway? A charming French café tucked inside the School of Arts Building.

“It’s called Savoir – they have amazing coffee, and their almond croissants are the best on campus. Total hidden gem!”

As for what’s next, Anayasha is clear about her direction. “Coming to Australia taught me how important it is to love yourself. Right now, I’m doing everything I love – marketing, content creation, and creative work. My dream is to work with a fashion-focused brand so I can really let my creativity shine.”