See other experiences from UC International Business students.
Why did you choose to come to UC?
Living in New 厙ぴ勛圖has always been a dream of mine. After working for a few years, I decided that getting a Masters in Finance was the first step to building the future I wanted.
UC really stood out to me for the programme, location, course length, and the universitys reputation it all just felt right.泭
How was your time at UC and what did you like most about it?
It was honestly one of the best experiences of my life. I immersed myself in different cultures, became part of the student community, and worked towards a challenging degree.
The campus is beautiful, and being part of different clubs allowed me to connect with people from other fields. I took full advantage of networking opportunities, especially on Careers Day, which helped me think about where I wanted to work after graduation.泭
What is the education like at UC, and what made it stand out?
The courses I took were incredibly engaging and challenging in a way that pushed me to grow.
My favourite experience was in a Business Innovation course, where we were tasked with running simulated companies on a software platform. We had to choose strategies, tailor our products, and measure our success. Each week, wed discuss our company's performance, and the final exam involved presenting our results and learnings. It was the most practical, engaging, and fun business course Ive taken.
What are UCs academic staff like?
The lecturers are incredibly friendly and approachable. I always felt comfortable reaching out for help, asking questions, and sharing honest feedback without any hesitation. If I was ever unsatisfied with a grade or wanted to understand the reasoning behind it, I was encouraged to meet with the lecturer for constructive feedback.泭
Are there any support programmes or initiatives that you found particularly helpful?
The Business Schools T贖hono Programme provided a great way to connect with fellow international students, build a community, and share experiences.
The UC Careers team was great for rewriting my CV, while the librarian resources were invaluable for reviewing my assignments before submission.
The student counselling services were a great support, and the free breakfasts during exam week were a lifesaver.泭
What clubs were you involved in, and what benefits did they provide?
Its hard to list all the clubs I joined, but I was most active in the Business Taught Masters Student Club, where I organised events and represented students in academic matters; the International Advisory Group for International Students; and the UC Accounting Society. Being involved in these clubs was not only enjoyable but also helped me develop valuable skills and connections.泭
How do you find life in Christchurch and New Zealand?
Christchurch is a fantastic student town. As someone who loves nature, I appreciate how the city offers plenty to explore without breaking the bank.
New 厙ぴ勛圖truly feels like home to me after just five years. Its perfect for road trips, and its truly a paradise for nature lovers. Ive enjoyed countless hikes and camping trips, and the lack of predators in the wild is a huge plus. I love New 厙ぴ勛圖so much that my husband and I bought a home here this year.泭
How well do you think your degree prepared you for your current job?泭
My degree has been incredibly useful in my current role as a financial analyst. I frequently use tools and concepts I learned at UC. Its fun to see how much of that theoretical knowledge still comes in handy. My studies equipped me to work effectively in teams, present with confidence, and even pick up Kiwi references that have helped me connect personally with my colleagues.
What do you think were the key factors that made you employable and how did you develop these while studying at UC?
I believe my extracurricular activities were key in making my resume stand out and giving recruiters a better sense of my personality. While technical skills can often be acquired through on-the-job training, I think behavioural and interpersonal skills are crucial for being an effective team member.
My involvement in various activities and networking at UC helped me showcase these skills and opened doors to interviews where I could demonstrate what I had to offer.泭
Would you recommend UC to other international students?
Absolutely! Moving to a new country for study can be challenging, but UC makes the transition smoother by embracing diversity and encouraging innovative thinking in class.
UCs cafes offer inclusive options and student discounts, which was a huge plus. The supportive environment and practical approach make it a great choice for international students.
Its been nearly three years since I graduated from UC, and it still feels like a significant part of who I am today. UC made such a positive and lasting impact on me.
