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Find out what it’s like to study Accounting at Victoria University of Wellington from real students.

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Michelle Lu

Bachelor of Commerce student in Accounting and Economics

Being born and bred in Wellington, I didn’t have the same ‘rite of passage’ experience as perhaps other first years living in a hall of residence. However, I had the advantage of already knowing the best cafés around town.

Career choice

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.

Intern to employee

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.

Supportive environment

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

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Arthur Elliott-Jones

Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Taxation

The commerce school’s position right next door to Parliament means you are in the heart of the action.

Creating a career path

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.

Industry-experienced teachers

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.

Ideal location

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.

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Molly Scoular-Sutton

Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Taxation

Bachelor of Arts in History and German

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.

Practical skills

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.

Theory into practise

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.

Great people

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.

Georgia Allen

Bachelor of Commerce student in Accounting, Commercial Law and Taxation

The University has exceeded my expectations. My lecturers have provided me with a high level of education and given me insight into the business world, which will help me when I head into the workforce.

Choice is key

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.

Commerce capital

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.

Taking opportunities

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.

Related subject areas

  • Economics and Finance

  • Law

  • Management