The professors were highly experienced in “real-world accounting” and helped me with technical matters relating to the accounting profession.

Many were current or former members of major accounting firms and their knowledge and experiences helped me to develop the right attitude to life, study, and work. I was not only studying in the Master of Professional Accounting program but also building my career pathway through different courses.

We had guest lectures from local companies and organisations. It was a great opportunity to get their insights and different perspectives on the field of accounting.

For example, one of the speakers had worked in the public sector for many years, and gave us insights into methods of public resource use, in the context of managing public organisations, and public policy processes.

We were also trained in the use of local accounting software, such as Xero and MYOB, which helped us to gain technical skills around data analysis.

Throughout my degree there were ongoing career expos and presentations from job recruiters which gave me plenty of opportunities to network with peers and staff in accounting firms or other organisations.

The courses were very flexible. I could choose to start in Trimester 1 (March) or Trimester 3 (November), and to take day or evening courses, to suit my study plan and lifestyle.

As a full-time international student, I felt I had a perfect balance between my study and my personal life, with time to enjoy the stunning scenery of New Zealand!

A long-held desire to become a chartered accountant took Akreeti Chaliha from Sivasagar in Northeast India to Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand.

“After I had completed my Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, I worked as an account executive dealing with inter-company operations. However, I had always aspired to go abroad to pursue my postgraduate education and become a chartered accountant.

“I felt that the programme was tailor-made for me. I couldn’t have asked for more.”

“All the lecturers were very approachable and empathetic towards our different backgrounds. As we were a small group, they knew all of us. The programme, the staff and the University’s amenities not only lived up to my expectations, but also often exceeded them.”

During her final trimester Akreeti was offered a job with Fairfax Media as an accountant for group operations.

“It was not a graduate position. My work experience and the MPA programme helped me get the offer.”

Sarah reached a point in her career where she felt she needed formal education in finance and accounting to progress further.

Although she had received some excellent on-the-job training in this area, she felt unable to improve her skills further without going back to university.

“I had a Bachelor’s degree, but hadn’t done any accounting papers, and was attracted to the MPA programme because an accounting background wasn’t a compulsory entry requirement.”

As an international student from China, Sarah says Wellington was the perfect location in which to study and live.

“People in Wellington are very friendly. And, as the capital city of New Zealand, Wellington has many museums, galleries, theatres, and international festivals which make life more colourful.”