Management
Management graduates understand the different functions and challenges of organisations and how people and resource decisions contribute to this.
Management students develop an in-depth knowledge of how people can successfully navigate across a range of functions including strategy, leadership, organisational development and growth and operations. They develop technical and interpersonal skills, and improve their analytical and conceptual thinking skills.
Roles and career pathways
Management graduates have specialised knowledge about management practice, skills in critical thinking, problem solving and communication and a good basis of business understanding. Graduates may start their first role as administrators, coordinators or as graduate advisers before moving to more senior or management positions.They may work across all industries, with a focus on areas such as people management, management consulting, operations management and retail management. Roles may include business development adviser, business analyst, project or programme coordinator, volunteer coordinator, events coordinator, sales account manager, hospitality manager, non-profit coordinator, HR adviser, retail manager or training and development adviser. Some of these roles will require additional study or experience.
It is common for Management students to study another Commerce major, for example Public Policy, HR Management, Accounting or Marketing or an outside major or degree in Law, Science or Arts, where subjects such as History, Sociology, Psychology, Environmental Studies or Development Studies can all complement a Management degree. Postgraduate study in Management can lead to research possibilities, policy roles or academic research and teaching
Where Management graduates work
Management graduates work across the private and public sectors in a wide range of organisations including non-profit organisations, Government agencies, global organisations like logistics or IT companies, banks, professional services firms such as management consultancies, recruitment and search agencies. A few examples include:
Build relevant skills and experience
Relevant part-time work and volunteering during study all help to increase your job prospects when you graduate. Programmes such as Wellington Plus and Wellington International Leadership Programme (WILP) offer opportunities to gain diverse volunteer and leadership experience. Government programmes may offer various internship positions.
Many employers offer internship roles, where you can gain valuable work experience and connections before completing your studies. You can explore internships on the NZUni Talent job board and find out more about internships here.
Business Consulting Club offers real-word opportunities to work on business problems with local employers during competition events. The WFHSS Internship course run by the Wellington Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences helps develop leadership skills and practical workplace experience.
Make career connections
Networking associations such as the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and Wellington Young Professionals hold various events and opportunities for networking. The Centre for Labour, Employment and Work is an institute based at the Wellington School of Business and Government and organises a range of seminars and resources for students interested in this area. VicCom is a student led group that offers a range of business networking and social events for Commerce students. The Victoria University of Wellington Alumni as Mentors programme for final-year students also helps enhance your connections and employability while studying.
Graduate career stories
Darren Lee
The confidence and consulting skills from postgraduate Management study have enabled Darren to move from software testing to a lead assurance role.
Elizabeth Beall
A degree in Management has taken Elizabeth from work on Māori management strategies in the context of climate change to the United Nations and beyond.