Knowing that business was a good foundation and there were great intern opportunities convinced me to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce degree. As I have progressed through the different courses, my study has captivated my passion and interests in commerce as a dynamic and constantly evolving foundation of society.

Most of my time outside lectures and tutorials has been invested into my part-time internship with KPMG, which I started as a first-year student and will continue there as a graduate. From there I'll work towards becoming a chartered accountant. I found it really interesting to see and apply what I was learning at university to a practical real-world situation and get hands-on experience in the business world while still a student.

Everyone at university—be they lecturers, tutors, course advisers or coordinators—has been so helpful.

I chose to study Accounting and Taxation because I have always wanted to be a decision-maker in the business world. I felt a degree in Accounting would put me in a good position to accomplish this goal. Since graduating, my degree has opened up numerous opportunities—from an internship at Inland Revenue, to a job at one of New Zealand’s most exciting start-ups.

The main thing I liked about studying Accounting and Taxation at the University is the way it taught me to think. This came from having passionate and informed lecturers and tutors who were involved in the industries that they were teaching. They really helped put what we were learning into context.

What makes studying at the University so great is being surrounded by a variety of different industries. Being so close to the seat of government, world-renowned companies and interesting, fast-paced start-ups gives you excellent opportunities to grow and take on new challenges.

Studying a conjoint degree allowed me to learn practical business skills and hone my research and critical thinking skills. I chose to add Taxation as a major in my second year after working as a contractor over summer and realising that tax was going to be something I would be dealing with for the rest of my life. I thought I might as well have a proper understanding of it! The complexities of the tax system really interested me. Choosing Taxation as a major exposed me to some of the top tax policy experts in New Zealand.

Studying and living in Wellington is great because of the amazing work opportunities there. Throughout my studies, I worked part time at Deloitte. I was able to take what I was learning at the University and use it in the workplace. By the time I graduated, I had relevant work experience under my belt and a better idea of the field I wanted to go into.

I’ve had amazing opportunities at Victoria University of Wellington because of all the amazing people I’ve met. As an Ignite consultant, I was part of a student-led team consulting for a not-for-profit in Wellington. This gave me first-hand experience in consulting, which eventually led to a graduate role at Deloitte. For one semester, I also had the opportunity to go on an exchange to Lancaster University in England.

Being able to take a range of business-related courses was key in order for me to decide what I wanted to pursue. I have always had a business mindset, so I wanted to pursue a business-related degree.

I was attracted to the University because of its capital city location. At the hub of decision-making and business, the University provides a leading advantage in delivering exceptional education.

There are so many new and exciting activities and adventures you can try in your first year. The important thing is to experience as much as you can. I am a member of Beta Alpha Psi and I have been on an exchange to the University of Surrey. Being able to experience another way of living and learning for a trimester has been invaluable.