Narerat (Gigi) Fujii

Why did you choose UC for your master’s degree? 

I had been working for six years and found that I needed to upskill, so I decided to go back for my master’s. I knew that pursuing a Master of Business in Management at UC would provide me with skills and knowledge in a variety of fields and open up many doors. UC’s pathway with RSU enabled me to work and study at the same time, and that flexibility was important.

What did you enjoy most about your studies? 

I loved the opportunity to explore more complex business problems. The world is changing, there is a lot of new innovation and technologies, and I learned about all of it at UC. It’s so different than in Asia. It really broadened my perspective and helped me gain a deeper understanding of other cultures.

How did you find UC’s academics?

The quality of the education at UC is amazing. The lecturers are very professional, intellectual, and supportive. They were always available to help when I needed it. And the facilities are great!

How was your transition to UC and New Zealand?

Since I hadn’t studied for so long, the main challenge was adjusting to the academic world again. UC has a unique culture and grading system that differs from Thailand, so I had to adjust. But UC Business School and the RSU in general are so supportive, they made the transition easy!

What was your favourite thing about UC life? 

I loved the student life and diverse culture. I got to learn about New Zealand culture in general, as well as about Māori, the indigenous culture – along with other international students’ cultures. It helped me gain a lot of different perspectives and broadened my world view.

What types of UC support did you find most helpful?  

UC Business School has a private tutor, which is great if you need help studying. I also used the support for writing papers because English isn’t my first language.

I made a lot of use of UC’s Careers Service, especially for CV and interview preparation. They helped me tailor my CV to highlight my strengths, which gave me a real confidence boost and made me feel more prepared for the application process. This was especially helpful because I wanted to work in New Zealand after studying, which I now am!

What are you doing now that you’ve graduated?

I’m working as a Sales Manager at Custom Aeronautical Support in Christchurch, a global supplier of aviation parts providing services to clients around the world. My current responsibilities include leading the RFQ process by conducting market research and analysing competitor pricing strategies to help ensure our quotes are both competitive and accurate.

It’s exciting to work in a global environment where I get to collaborate with a diverse team and interact with clients from all over the world.

How do you think your time at UC helped prepare you to be successful in this role?

The hands-on business courses gave me a strong background in market research, data analysis, and strategic thinking, which are essential for my current responsibilities.

Additionally, UC’s multicultural environment helped enhance my teamwork and communication skills through group projects and presentations, making it easier for me to work effectively with diverse teams in a global setting.

What advice would you give to other international students about to start their job hunt?

Start early and be proactive. Use UC’s resources, like career workshops and networking events. Make sure to tailor your applications for each job and see rejections as a chance to learn. Remember that with the skills and connections you’ve built, you’re more ready than you might think.

Would you recommend UC to other international students? 

Yes, I highly recommend it! Pursuing education here is a thrilling experience in study and all other opportunities – personal growth, experiencing other cultures. Christchurch offers a mix of local and international companies, providing students with valuable real-world experience and professional connections. The city’s beautiful surroundings and high quality of life also make it an appealing place to live while you build your career.

My time at UC was so wonderful. I left my comfort zone to study and build a better future career, and I’m so happy with my decision.