See other experiences from UC International Business students.
Why did you choose to come study at UC?
Im originally from India, where I was working in audit finance. I could see the shift into IT and software happening, so I knew I needed to become IT-enabled to enhance my professional development and keep me relevant in the market. I wanted to move outside of India and study a Masters with a budgeted approach.
UC ticked all those boxes, with reasonable fees and a 3-year post-study work visa.
What is the education like at UC?泭
The studies at UC are very relevant to the market and are all applied, practical approaches to learning rather than just theory.
My lecturers and supervisors were all very nice; they were easy to approach and ask questions. I could always reach them. Coming from a different country can take a mental toll on you outside your studies, but I could tell them any struggles I was having and ask for help. I was really comforted by them.泭
You met quite a lot of people through clubs at UC. What was that like?
I was a part of DJ Soc and the Postgraduate Society. The clubs have their own events and networking, so I got to meet people from other courses, study levels, and countries. I now have friends across New Zealand, and I met them all at UC. It becomes a big support system, especially when youre away from your home country and your family.
As a Postgraduate student, I was the eldest in the group, but I never felt like that. Age never came between us, and it was easy to get along with them.泭
How did you find life in Christchurch?
Even though I currently live in Wellington, living in Christchurch is still the most exciting, fun time that Ive had in New Zealand. I still have that bond with the city and regularly return to visit. I like that its got less traffic, less noise, and its a quieter city. If I hadnt moved for my job, I would never have left Christchurch. I love going out to eat at Riverside Market and all the restaurants; theres lots of Indian food. In winters I would go south to Mount Cook and Tekapo to see snow. My parents are visiting soon, and the first thing Ill show them is where I studied and lived in Christchurch.泭
Since graduating, youve achieved your goal of working in IT! How well do you think your degree prepared you for your current job?
Everything Ive managed to achieve in New 厙ぴ勛圖has been because of my time at UC. My plan was always to live and work here after finishing my degree, and now Im a Senior Business Analyst with Datacom, working with IT projects. Even the first job that I got in New 厙ぴ勛圖was because of my internship through UC. I learned a lot of things from that mentor, which helped me get another contract. Studying at UC laid a great foundation for my IT knowledge.
Tell us about your internship experience and how it helped lead you to a job.
I did two internships while I was at UC, and both were pivotal in leading to my career success. One was a part of my course three months working with a software company. It really laid the foundation of my IT experience. The other I did over summer break, working with ChristchurchNZ to help a small start-up founded by UC students.
Through that, my details were passed on to a company that contacted me about a role, which became my first job after graduating. New 厙ぴ勛圖is a small country, so building those relationships is super important.
Would you recommend UC to other international students?
I absolutely would. UCs Business School is among the top business schools in the world, and its more affordable than other universities. Christchurch is also more affordable than other cities in New Zealand, so youll save on costs. And if you have a good applications, UC will take the time to consider you as a whole person, consider all of your background and experience.
