(Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa)
Master of Business Administration
Property Development Manager, Ngāi Tahu Property
Intern Director, Christchurch City Holdings Ltd Board
After studying Bachelor of Commerce degrees at both Lincoln and Otago universities, Shannon was keen to add more to his skills to contribute to his career goal of an ‘overseas posting with a multinational organisation’. Shannon decided the best way to do so was by taking part in UC’s MBA programme.
"I wanted the opportunity to meet and learn with local business leaders and to advance my career to the next level," he says. "UC has reputable staff at the leading edge of their field of research."
The MBA’s specialised programme towards general management and leadership has proven a valuable step for Shannon.
"UC offers a great learning environment with knowledgeable and approachable teaching staff, with the MBA lecturing staff very passionate about the subjects they teach. The UC Business School provides a great forum within which to meet with and discuss issues being faced by Canterbury’s commercial leaders.
"I benefitted from the exposure to a diverse range of business disciplines and networking opportunities."
Having graduated in 2016, Shannon is able to put his skills into practice at his role with Ngāi Tahu Property, managing building projects which include residential subdivisions and commercial developments. He also served with the CCHL Board as an intern director; an opportunity offered to him during his MBA studies.
Outside of work, he enjoys a good game of rugby playing and coaching with the UC Rugby Club. He is also a member of the Asia New Zealand Leadership Network, a non-profit organisation looking to promote greater understanding between New Zealand and Asia. He was also a Māori Tuakana/Mentor through the Māori Development Team and Aotahi: School of Māori and Indigenous Studies to support other Māori students at UC.
For his involvement within the Māori community, Shannon was awarded a scholarship to partake in the First Nations’ Futures Programme held at Stanford University. The scholarship involves participants from New Zealand, Hawai’i and Alaska with a focus on Indigenous Economies and Innovation.
With so many opportunities in his sights, Shannon recommends the MBA to anyone looking to add extra to their undergraduate degree.
"Don’t be put off by the workload. The MBA is demanding but the pay back is immeasurable – on a professional and personal development level."
