Master of Engineering in Management
Asset Systems Analyst, Christchurch City Council
Originally from Mumbai, India, Mayank had completed undergraduate study focused on Production Engineering at the Fr. Conceicao Rodrigues College of Engineering before eventually deciding to study overseas.
He ended up picking between Australia and New Zealand as his top choices for postgrad study. "I had watched lot of documentaries on NZ – the scenic views, living conditions, work-life balance were some of the other factors that made the decision-making easier," he says.
When it came to choosing a university and qualification, Mayank was particularly interested in the Master of Engineering in Management (MEM).
"I wanted to get into a management course that mixed theory studies with practical experience. Also I wanted to complete the degree in a shorter time frame and get into the professional work environment," he says.
"MEM was offered in University of Auckland and University of Canterbury. I did a lot of research, asking people I knew in NZ about these universities and the general impression I got was that UC is regarded well in the field of engineering studies.
"It was after contacting a few MEM graduates I gained more information about the MEM course, and its benefits in terms of career progression, job opportunities, and placement possibilities. I also learnt about student life and UC facilities from the website, it was all looking positive. So I chose to study at UC."
He quickly found the MEM at UC to be exactly what he wanted, with an emphasis on practical applications and industry experience.
"The course lecturers, professors and guest speakers had lot of experience from the industry and case studies to share. The group assignments were enjoyable and interesting as I learnt about working together as a team. And the best part of the course was the fact that I was able to apply management concepts such as project management, technology management in my final MEM project made it all worthwhile and rewarding."
As such, he highly recommends others consider studying an MEM at UC.
"MEM will change the way you think and act at a professional level. It is a challenging course that will really get the best out of an individual. If you really apply 100% effort to the course and the teachings, I am sure it will fast track your career goals.
"The MEM brings in practical concepts and business ideas into the mix and to top it off you get to apply the learnings in the real world by way of the final project assignment."
Mayank’s experience gained from the MEM gave him job opportunities straight after graduation, and he now currently works as an Asset Systems Analyst for the Christchurch City Council. His role involves the maintenance and development of the Asset Management Information System and liaising with asset managers and engineers using the system, in particular in the areas of water treatment and supply in Christchurch.
While New Zealand was a big change from India, it is clear that Mayank made a great decision to study here and ended up on the path for success.
"Overall, UC and NZ way of life is very relaxed," he says. "It gave me the perfect calm and peaceful environment I needed to focus on my career."
