Manish Muthukrishnan

Why did you decide to come to UC?

I chose to study at UC because of its outstanding academic faculty. I had heard that the professors at UC were not only great teachers but also approachable and genuinely invested in their students’ success.

What did you like most about UC?

UC offers a wealth of internship opportunities which allowed me to gain practical experience and boost my employability. It also has an abundance of social clubs and student organisations that make it easy to make friends and build a strong community.

Additionally, the lower cost of living in Christchurch offers an affordable yet high-quality lifestyle for international students.

What are UC’s academic staff like?

The academic staff at UC are exceptional. My professors were approachable, knowledgeable, and always willing to guide students, both academically and professionally. I had many lecturers who inspired and guided me throughout my academic journey, becoming great mentors that played a significant role in preparing me for my career.

What did you like about your degree and major?

Studying Economics allowed me to explore how people make decisions and how these choices impact the world, while Marketing gave me the tools to tell compelling stories that could drive positive change. This combination of analytical and creative skills made my degree both intellectually stimulating and practical for the real world.

It has been very useful for my current role as Principal Advisor – Economic Development at Te Puni Kōkiri (the Ministry of Māori Development).

What is the support like for international students at UC Business School?

UC Business School offers great support, including extensive academic resources, career advice, and personal assistance. Using professors’ office hours was particularly valuable, helping me connect more deeply with the faculty, the university, and the subjects I studied, while ensuring I felt supported throughout my journey.

How did you find life in Christchurch?

Living in Christchurch is both affordable and enriching. The lower cost of living made it easier to manage as a student, and the smaller city size allowed me to build meaningful connections with locals more easily compared to larger cities.

Being in Christchurch also means having convenient access to the natural beauty of the South Island, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring nearby landscapes.

What UC clubs and activities were you involved in, and what did you like about them?

UC’s dance club, UCanDance, allowed me to unwind, meet people with similar interests, and enjoy creative expression outside of academics.

Being part of the Student Volunteer Army enabled me to contribute to various community projects and develop a sense of social responsibility while working with a diverse group of peers.

I also gained valuable experience as a UC Host, where I assisted with events, campus tours, and promotional activities. This role helped me enhance my communication and leadership skills while engaging with the wider university community.

Did you take part in any internships or practical experiences at UC?

I completed two internships, in Economics and Marketing. They helped me build important skills and gain local experience that was invaluable in preparing me for the workforce and building my career in New Zealand.

Additionally, I was selected as a Data and Policy Summer Scholar at the University of Chicago, where I worked on a capstone project exploring insurgent learning tactics in Afghanistan. This unique experience gave me exposure to high-level research, further honed my analytical skills, and broadened my global perspective.

What do you think were the key factors that made you employable, and how did you develop these while studying at UC?

The analytical, problem-solving, and storytelling skills I developed through my coursework and practical experiences were instrumental in finding employment. Internships, research assistant roles, and UC’s emphasis on experiential learning gave me the confidence and ability to tackle complex problems. Employers in New Zealand value local experience, and UC provided me with ample opportunities to gain this.

Would you recommend UC to other international students?

Absolutely! UC is a place where you can grow both personally and professionally. I would recommend it to any international student looking for a world-class education in a supportive and inclusive environment.

UC not only provided me with the academic and professional tools I needed to succeed but also gave me lifelong memories and friendships.