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“I was nervous yet excited approaching the final aspect of my degree, the Co-operative Education Project, as I didn’t know which project to choose from. In 2017, a new ‘Internship Program’ was established as a practicum element for business students to work in an employment setting. The internship enabled me to apply all the knowledge and skills I learnt and to gain first-hand experience working alongside business professionals and clients”.
“I had the privilege to undergo an internship with Northland Inc, Regional Economic Development Agency, who are based within ‘The Orchard’ which is a co-working business and event space for Northland business professionals. I was guided by the ‘Business, Innovation and Growth team’ who were collaborating with Northland’s food and beverage sector by introducing the ‘Savour Northland’ project. I took the lead on this project by developing a GIS interactive food map for Northland”.
“As a student, it was challenging to link the academic process that we had learnt, to the day-to-day employment environment. It was stimulating to work alongside respected business professionals, and reassuring to have support from my internship stakeholders, community leaders and NorthTec to accomplish the project within the year - all under one building”.
“I finished my final assessment on my birthday, so I was giving myself the greatest gift I ever could, which is ‘education’ and completing my degree. I broke down with four years of emotions, cuddled my babies and was able to rest, go on holiday and focus on our family unit over the summer to celebrate and prepare for the beginning of a new journey.”
“At graduation, the achievement felt official with the formal acknowledgement of all that hard work. I did it! We did it!” At the graduation ceremony Regina was also presented with the NorthTec Council prize for Bachelor of Applied Management – highest academic performance.
“Since graduating, I’ve had offers to facilitate and assist with teaching Microsoft Project. I had mastered the software by trial and error and simply by figuring out its elements and functions. Once I commit to something, I will get right into it, challenge myself, and do the best I can do.”
As Regina looks ahead and prepares to start facilitating the Microsoft Project, a business idea of her own is gestating. “The thoughts are just in the seed stage, but I’d love to link several graduates, Te Tai Tokerau Māori, and the business arena together. These times are bringing an opportunity for new beginnings and I feel I can help that happen.”
“It’s great to be able to study locally. Being in a classroom environment makes you strive that little bit harder and...
“I’m loving learning things I want to learn, compared to school where the subjects didn’t interest me. It’s also much...
“When my mother suggested I look for a career rather than just a job, I decided I wanted to do business and looked at study options. NorthTec was best for me because I preferred the practical study of a polytech rather than a university, and it was closest to my home.”
“I’m loving learning things I want to learn, compared to school where the subjects didn’t interest me. It’s also much easier to learn here because the student-tutor relationship is closer in small class sizes, and we get to apply hands-on what we’ve learnt. My only challenge is stepping up to the more difficult education level, but that’s what I’m here for.”
“Next year, I might go on to study for a fourth year and I can already see myself working with meaning. I’m keen to work in anything to do with business and am still learning the range of choices and pathways that business can offer.”
“I love how family-friendly NorthTec is with flexi-time if personal issues arise, and the tutors also open doors for...
“My mum worked in the accounting field so I grew up knowing about that world, but I initially studied as a teacher in Auckland, thinking I’d teach accounting. When my flat in Auckland dissolved and my Mum had some health issues, it was time to come up here for more affordable housing, advance my skills in a different direction and meet some new people. This NorthTec degree is helping me re-frame my life and the tutors make it so worthwhile to be here.”
“I love how family-friendly NorthTec is with flexi-time if personal issues arise, and the tutors are there for you if you put in the work. I realising I’m a lot more capable than I thought I was. I tend to be self-deprecating so doing this degree has really built my confidence and validated my self-worth. The tutors also open doors for us and, through them, I’ve just started an internship with an accounting firm. It’s amazing the huge difference in my life in just 18 months.”
“I want to graduate with distinction, then work in a large accounting firm that could lead to international experience and eventually to become a Chartered Accountant.”
Another big advantage on my CV was that during our course we were out interacting with local businesses with our...
“I’m Client Assistant here at Perpetual Guardian and I love the flexibility of the role. It includes client and staff communication and analysis of data. I chose the Project Management option for my degree and that choice seemed a positive point of interest at my job interviews.”
“Another big advantage on my CV was that during our course we were out interacting with local businesses with our industry projects. Mine was with a start-up business and I loved that our study was in a social environment.”
“There are several aspects of direct relevance from the course training to what I do in my work here. Because our assignments were done as a team, we learnt the skills and communication of teamwork which I can apply to our team environment here. Time management and scheduling are crucial to my role here in order to motivate myself and other people, and it was a key component of the Project Management study option. Working accurately with numbers and data is essential in business and finance, as is working with business info systems and being tech savvy. And our course also gave us good communication and presentation skills that I use here every day.”
“My first job after graduating was a summer contract at the Regional Economic Development Agency and that gave me a good understanding of business and data analysis. I’ve been working here at Perpetual Guardian since early 2016 and in that time I’ve become even more confident that I can present myself professionally and be respectful in a wide range of situations. My interpersonal skills have really developed and I’m enjoying being part of our team here. I’m learning as much as possible in every situation and I learn something about the world of business every day.”
Aaron Hooper was surprised at how easy the tutors made it for him as a mature student to re-enter study. “The...
“After 20 years in the banking industry I wanted a change. I was concerned that I didn’t have a degree so was more susceptible to the ebb and flow of the tides of employment. We have a young family so I wanted to secure their future, plus I made a decision to move away from the corporate world. We sold a house in Auckland which enabled funding for me to do the degree.” Aaron Hooper was surprised at how easy the tutors made it for him as a mature student to re-enter study. “The processes were so streamlined and the tutors are so accessible and passionate about their subject.” They can also be challenging. Aaron - “They challenged us sometimes to change our way of thinking. As part of the course we had to audit a small business. This forced us out of our comfort zone because we had to create new relationships and networks which were part of building our future.” Aaron completed his Bachelor of Applied Management in 2014 and is now a Partner at MAQ Chartered Accounting. “What we learned is very practical in terms of everyday business use. I’m directly applying the financial accounting, management, and taxation that we studied.” “I was 39 when I started my study so my career path has been different from most. I’ve learnt that we’re never too old to change, to learn, and to progress. Don’t let age ever become a barrier.” Find out more about NorthTec's Applied Management programmes
“The Bachelor of Applied Management not only helped me to run my business, it also helped me in everyday life. I...
Being at a small polytechnic like NorthTec can be such an advantage. The classes are small so you get one-on-one...
“Nearly everyone needs an accountant, so my Applied Management degree has opened a world of opportunity for me.” Nardus arrived in Whangarei at age 14 from South Africa and has wanted to be an accountant since high school. “My Mum was an accountant but this training has introduced me to a broader skill set than I expected.”
“I loved all the accounting content but the managerial papers really helped me develop as a person and improve my communication skills. I was asked to be student rep for the business sector of NorthTec and I loved the interaction with students from all different courses. I met my networking crew through this and we worked as a team to set up student events like end of year dinners.”
Nardus reminds local people to look locally for tertiary study. “Being at a small polytechnic like NorthTec can be such an advantage. The classes are small so you get one-on-one input, plus you can save money by studying from home.”
During the last year of his degree Nardus got the opportunity to work in the financial department of NorthTec. “There is an interview process and the idea is for students to see how the business runs. The experience really helped with the position I’ve now got at Fonterra as Business Services Officer in the accounts payable team. I thank all my friends, family and tutors who have assisted me on this journey.”
“Doing the Applied Management degree opened my eyes to the different specialties within accounting – like tax, auditing, and managerial accounting. I’m keen to become a Chartered Accountant and will probably decide between managerial and financial accountancy. Being with Fonterra gives me a great chance to get experience as well as options for stepping up.”
The skills that I have learnt from the course has helped me to understand why certain people work the way they do.
“The skills that I have learnt from the course has helped me to understand why certain people work the way they do. I now see things from the employers’ point of view which has helped me to not be so petty when given jobs that usually would have been looked at as punishment, instead of as something that needs to be done.”
“Because of my change in attitude towards work, I am now given responsibilities that would usually have required me to take a senior member of staff with me to the job site and assess and organise how the job should be done. I now feel I would like to carry on with training, the knowledge you learn from doing these courses helps one make wiser choices in life, I now know what type of industry I would like to work towards being part of now.”
I am so much more confident at giving instructions at work and at getting resolution in any conflicted situations...
“I am so much more confident at giving instructions at work and at getting resolution in any conflicted situations. The course has really helped me come out of my shell and communicate at work in ways that are effective.”
“I’d been in our company for a while, starting as the parts girl, when I was offered a service role that involved giving instructions. The opportunity came through to enrol for the First Line course and my bosses were ready to support me in that. It involved three block days a month.”
“It was really daunting to walk into a classroom of people I didn’t know. I am naturally shy and I was also a full-time working new Mum at the time, but the tutors created a relaxing environment and made each of us feel comfortable.”
“Public speaking, being involved in discussions, and doing role play, were a real stretch for me but with encouragement and constructive feedback I was able to push past my limits and gain a lot of self-confidence by the experience.”
“I went there very nervous as to whether I could pass. It really surprised me that one of the tutors sorted out a scholarship for me that paid for the course. It boosted my confidence to know someone had taken an interest in me and wanted me to succeed.”
“Now that I am performing at a good level in my Service Co-ordinator role taking calls and organizing the day for our three engineers, I will try for the Service Manager’s role here. This would be more of an H.R. role involving trainings, induction, and handling the pay roll and discipline issues. I understand more now about dealing with different personalities and am better at responding with an appropriate mix of compassion and firmness. I’ll keep giving it my all because I know that gets results.”
“As I progress I may take the H.R course at NorthTec. I’ll highly recommend NorthTec to anyone as a great place to be and to study – whatever the course.”
“I chose to study at NorthTec because I wanted to study locally, get the degree I had always wanted, meet Northland...
“I chose to study at NorthTec because I wanted to study locally, get the degree I had always wanted, meet Northland people and get back into my community. Studying at NorthTec for me achieved that and more. I just really loved it and had brilliant tutors who continue to support me even after I have left.”
One of our study subjects was consumer behaviour so it’s fascinating now to see the exact things we learnt about...
“I did my degree in business management at a university in the Philippines and had worked in the same office job there since then. I was ready for a change, was keen to upskill, and I saw New Zealand as a good opportunity, so applied to the NorthTec international campus in Auckland. I’ve just completed my Graduate Diploma in Business which will be forever on my CV now.”
“The diploma involved eight months of study and the best part of it was the attitude and competence of the tutors. They gave us clear guidelines but were adamant that we were independent in how we went about things. This worked well for me because I prefer to work alone and then get feedback. I found the papers in the last semester were hard but the other students helped me calm down and de-stress.”
“While I was studying I was working part time in a retail store, and since graduating I have been given a position as Assistant Manager in that store. One of our study subjects was consumer behaviour so it’s fascinating now to see the exact things we learnt about, played out in life. All of what we learnt is a perfect fit for my work now.”
“Since I’ve been working here, my sense of responsibility has grown a lot. There’s a real consequence for your actions and you have to do certain things to get results. I’m operating at a whole different level.”
“I’m keen to stay in this job to learn more then would like to progress to the role of Manager. My dream situation would be to be Regional Manager of all the stores of this retail firm in Auckland. That would be a huge leap and require some major life changes but I know it’s possible.”
The aspects of the NorthTec course that provided huge value to my wedding business idea, were the marketing and...
“The reason I did the business study was to get validity and pay equality for the business experience I already had, plus I wanted to get more into management. I previously had a strong background in business and accounting. I had been a PA for a power company, we had a security business, my parents ran a skating rink, and I now work full time for a business in town. Getting the business qualifications gave recognition and value to that experience.”
“Because I work full time, I did my studies part time at home and I finished my degree at the end of 2016. During my study time I was engaged and couldn’t find a venue that I wanted to get married in, so for my industry study project I researched wedding venues. We had an under-utilised, beautiful site here so I’ve now started a business offering our property as a wedding venue.”
“The aspects of the NorthTec course that provided huge value to my wedding business idea, were the marketing and research papers I had to complete. I did a survey on Facebook of other wedding venues, priced out marquees, tepees and permanent buildings, and was in touch with both the Chamber of Commerce and Northland Inc and other venues located in Kumeu, an area similar to my location. As a result I now run two entrepreneurial businesses – one offering the wedding venue and the other one for a B&B that I started here in early 2016. The initial idea for the B&B was that the bride could stay here as part of the wedding venue package.”
“My next step is to get the official sign-off on what we have done so far, and in the meantime I’ll focus on creating the gardens and environment, and then plan our next small building which will be a shack-themed shed that we can use as a bar.”
“I’m at an exciting phase of the project now and if I hadn’t done the degree I wouldn’t be in this position. I still work full time but I have Fridays off so I have three days to concentrate on my own businesses – Willows on Abbey and Abbey Barn B&B.”
“I look forward to creating the next stage of the project and I love seeing the pleasure my clients get from the experience here. That in itself is a rich reward.”
I especially like that everything we do here is underpinned by our values of exceeding expectations, coaching, fresh...
“When I did well at the admin and technology course in Kerikeri a few years ago, the tutor suggested I enrol for the longest and hardest course going – the Bachelor of Applied Management. So I did. It was a push for me but it was great and has landed me this wonderful job at PKF in Kerikeri.”
“When I completed the degree I literally door-knocked at all the accountancy firms around Kerikeri and Paihia and I particularly wanted a firm who could help me become a Chartered Accountant. When I called in here I saw Alison Lemon who is one of the directors, and she said two of their staff were soon to be on maternity leave so they may want to hire a graduate in the near future.”
“I got offered a job as Client Manager, started straight away and jumped in with two feet. In addition to my role managing client cases, I also train clients in using Xero, do training with GST, do annual accounts, compliance work and some coaching. I know everything that goes on here and I love to participate and be involved.”
“I especially like that everything we do here is underpinned by our values of exceeding expectations, coaching, fresh thinking, being passionate, and having life balance. I realise I particularly like client care and our emphasis is on helping people achieve their own goals. We train people so they can be independent rather than rely on us for their financial figuring and systems.”
“The level of tasks in my NorthTec degree was in-depth and intricate and directly relevant to the work I’m doing here. A study context can’t replicate work-a-day situations but the course set the expected standards, and the major case study in our final year involved a business plan, analysis and a large presentation at a professional level.”
“I’m enjoying the fast pace here and every day is different. We have a small team with a really supportive vibe. I’m currently doing my CAANZ (Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand) training and I’m very aware how much support I need to complete that. I hope to have someone point me as to what is best to do in the longer term when I finish that.”