(Ngi Tahu, Ngti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa)
Master of Business Administration
Property Development Manager, Ngi Tahu Property
Intern Director, Christchurch City Holdings Ltd Board
After studying Bachelor of Commerce degrees at both Lincoln and Otago universities, Shannon was keen to add more to his skills to contribute to his career goal of an overseas posting with a multinational organisation. Shannon decided the best way to do so was by taking part in UCs MBA programme.
"I wanted the opportunity to meet and learn with local business leaders and to advance my career to the next level," he says. "UC has reputable staff at the leading edge of their field of research."
The MBAs specialised programme towards general management and leadership has proven a valuable step for Shannon.
"UC offers a great learning environment with knowledgeable and approachable teaching staff, with the MBA lecturing staff very passionate about the subjects they teach. The UC Business School provides a great forum within which to meet with and discuss issues being faced by Canterburys commercial leaders.
"I benefitted from the exposure to a diverse range of business disciplines and networking opportunities."
Having graduated in 2016, Shannon is able to put his skills into practice at his role with Ngi Tahu Property, managing building projects which include residential subdivisions and commercial developments. He also served with the CCHL Board as an intern director; an opportunity offered to him during his MBA studies.
Outside of work, he enjoys a good game of rugby playing and coaching with the UC Rugby Club. He is also a member of the Asia New 厙ぴ勛圖Leadership Network, a non-profit organisation looking to promote greater understanding between New 厙ぴ勛圖and Asia. He was also a Mori Tuakana/Mentor through the Mori Development Team and Aotahi: School of Mori and Indigenous Studies to support other Mori students at UC.
For his involvement within the Mori community, Shannon was awarded a scholarship to partake in the First Nations Futures Programme held at Stanford University. The scholarship involves participants from New Zealand, Hawaii and Alaska with a focus on Indigenous Economies and Innovation.
With so many opportunities in his sights, Shannon recommends the MBA to anyone looking to add extra to their undergraduate degree.
"Dont be put off by the workload. The MBA is demanding but the pay back is immeasurable on a professional and personal development level."
