Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Management
Since completing an intern project during her university studies, Kayla feels ready to take on the business world.
Kayla's UC degree was actually her first experience in business-related subjects. She decided on studies in Finance and Management to learn more about business processes and leading teams.
In her final year of the degree, Kayla completed the MGMT 390 Intern Consulting Project based in the commercial banking team at ANZ.
Her project looked to help improve how organisational changes affect staff. This involved surveying and interviewing staff on how they understood and reacted to past changes, and recommendations for future processes.
At the end of her project, Kayla gave a presentation on her findings to management, which will also go on to be reviewed by the corporate ANZ offices in Wellington and Auckland.
Overall, Kayla says that she gained confidence in her business communication skills and being able to work independently on projects. She found the experience to be less intimidating than she thought an internship would be.
"I enjoyed being part of a corporate environment, it reassured me I am ready for the business world once I graduate. I learned to trust in myself and my ability to deliver work that has value to organisations. I also enjoyed understanding business banking which most people never get exposure to, and creating professional relationships," she says.
"It was incredibly empowering to finish the project and have a professional report to hand over to ANZ, knowing my work will bring them value, benefit staff, and likely influence the way they implement future business changes."
Following graduation, Kayla plans to look for more banking work in her future career. For now, she is gathering more experience with her own business venture Bare Minimal Skincare that she started with support from the UC Centre for Entrepreneurship.
"There are lots of great opportunities beyond your degree; from joining the clubs or entering business competitions, there are lots of ways to stand out above other students," she says.
