Liam
Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accounting and Taxation (Chartered Accounting Pathway)
Hometown: Blenheim
Why did you decide to study business at UC?
It was all about combining my love of helping people with my love ofnumbers. Accounting lets you do that because it’s got an advisory aspect.UC’s Triple-Crown accredited status and its reputation in business played abig role in deciding which business school that I wanted to be a part of.
What are your career goals?
Initially, I was thinking strictly about accounting. Now, I’d like to findsomething that combines that with my passion for fitness and health, likedoing accounts for a gym or opening my own gym.
UC prepares us well because we do a lot of practical work that’s based oncurrent issues and information. You’re using what you're learning in theclassroom and applying it to the real world.
Have you had any standout experiences so far?
My main standout would be the lecturers and how willing they are to helpyou through everything. Once you take that time to introduce yourself tothem, you see how passionate they are about teaching. I think it’s reallycool how accessible they are.
What are UC’s industry connections like?
UC has particularly strong business connections. There are always careerfairs where businesses come in and engage with students, and UC Careerscentre connects students with companies that offer internships or jobopportunities. You’ve also got companies coming into lectures to giveinsights into how what you're learning applies to what they are doing.
Why did you feel UC was the right choice for you?
UC stood out for the opportunities it offers. That was big for me because regardless of what university you choose, at the end of the day, you're going to come out with a degree, but it's what else you get involved in that's going to set you apartwhen you apply for a job, internship, grad role, or whatever it might be.
What is your favourite extracurricular experience so far?
The top thing I've been involved in is clubs, particularly because there are so many, whether it be cultural, sporting, academic, socialisation, or pure fun. The main two I've been involved with are the Accounting Society and the Commerce Society. I’m also looking at starting a pickleball society. We’ve got over 160 different clubs, so there is truly something for everyone.
Have you tried anything new since coming to UC?
Coming to UC helped me see that fitness is another strength of mine, andnow I take lots of group fitness classes. I’ve even started instructingclasses at UC’s Rec Centre and for the city council. For me, the fun behindit is getting to put tracks together, choreograph different things, and helpothers on their fitness journey.
Did you live in the halls your first year?
I lived in Kirkwood Avenue Hall where there are only 64 residents, so itfeels more like a flat. It was super fun and inspired me to become hall rep.There’s always someone keen to hang out or have a game of pool, andthere are events on all the time. Everyone got to know each other by theend of the year.
After first year, I was a Taurima at Kirkwood. I helped look after residents’welfare and made sure they were handling the transition of moving out ofhome to a university environment before I moved onto flatting this year.
Did you receive any scholarships?
In my first year, I was fortunate enough to receive four scholarships fromUC. Apart from the financial assistance, it also enabled me to be part ofthings like the Emerging Leaders Programme and Kia Angitu, UC’s studentsuccess programme.
The monetary side obviously helps, but the experiences from theseprogrammes have provided so many additional opportunities.
What else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Golf is a huge part of my life. Coming to Christchurch allowed me tocontinue that passion, joining a local golf club and playing in the inter-clubteam. I even got the opportunity to train with the UC Sports Academy. Iwanted to try something different this year, so I tested out Lawn Bowlsand have found another passion, breaking into the Canterbury scene inmy first season.
How have you seen yourself grow since you came to UC?
Being involved in so many different things has increased my confidence.
I’ve developed a motivational attitude that inspires me to try as much as I can, because I can always be better.
Any advice for other students considering UC?
Choose something you're passionate about. It's a lot easier to be engaged with something you're truly interested in. If you find it’s not the right path, it’s so easy to change your mind, so just give it a go.
If you're thinking of studying business, you're going to have opportunitiesto go on global exchanges, do internships, become a class rep, and more.Take all of those extra experiences and use them to set yourself apart.
