Why did you choose to study at Massey and what courses are you doing?
I chose Massey because I think the variety of courses available to distance students, and the flexibility of study, is very appealing. I am over halfway through a Bachelor of Business with a double major in Management and Strategic Communication. I did not go to university out of school, and for me I saw it as professional development in my career. I find academia and work are mutually beneficial. I believe I am a better student, because I have the experience to put behind the concepts I learn, and I believe studying makes me better in my work, because I can immediately apply learnings.
What do you enjoy most about your courses?
It sounds a bit geeky, but I really love the research! I always find it fascinating reading about new perspectives and ideas when you are gathering sources for an assignment.
What has been your most memorable experience at Massey so far?
Making the Dean's List for the 2020 academic year and winning two competitions with my business idea, Little and Fresh!
What are your plans once you have completed your degree?
Little and Fresh is still at the proof-of-concept stage, so there's a bit of work to be done, but I hope to be working for myself at some point and a successful entrepreneur. I also really enjoy the research aspect of study, so who knows, maybe I will continue with post graduate studies too.
What are your three tips for students entering university?
- Make a plan but be flexible. Juggling work, study and family is a balancing act. I like to be structured and make a plan, but there has to be a degree of flexibility in it, because sometimes life gets in the way.
- Have a good support system. Sometimes, you're going to need help, whether it's sharing the housework or child minding, so you can get an assignment finished.
- Be coachable. The feedback you get on assignments is gold. I always save a copy and use them to help improve my quality of work.