Yu (Niki) Chen

Why did you choose to come to UC?

The first reason was the location. I chose UC because it’s in Christchurch, which I reckon has the best weather in New Zealand. There are plenty of opportunities here, and the job market is quite stable.

The second reason is the programme itself. I was changing paths and didn’t have a background in accounting, but I wanted a Master’s that didn’t take too long. At 18 months, UC’s programme was the perfect length, and the cost is lower than at other schools. 

What makes the education here stand out?

At UC, there is a combination of lectures, workshops, and internships. My programme had smaller classes, so there was a lot more individual involvement. It requires you to work with your peers a lot, which builds your collaboration and communication skills.

That’s key to succeeding in accounting because you frequently have to present to others who aren’t professional accountants, so you have to present in a way they can understand. UC gives you that practical knowledge on top of the academic learning. 

Are there any support services you found particularly helpful?

I used the UC Careers services to help improve my CV, including the language and wording. As an international student, my English may not have been perfect, so it really helps because the professional industry doesn’t want to see grammatical errors in your CV.

There’s also a programme that offers individual mentoring, and I needed a little personal support so I engaged with one of the staff there. They help talk you through any challenges you’re encountering.

What did you like most about life at UC?

Students in my programme had a space we could use for study or to have a quick workshop or meeting without booking; it was really handy. And UC is so pretty! There are so many fun events and clubs, like a Chinese social club, and the Foundry Bar on campus is very nice. UC’s campus is also very convenient – if you want to grab food, you’ve got cafes; if you want to find a quiet space, you’ve got the library.

There’s also a club for postgraduate students, and we had regular catchups where you could meet people studying different degrees. I made a lot of friends during my time at UC.

What did you enjoy doing when you weren’t studying?

I did a lot of biking and hiking in Christchurch. You can easily get into the hills to hike, and the city itself is flat so it’s perfect for biking around.

In the spring, I would walk through the gardens at Hagley Park. I biked to Sumner and had fish and chips on the beach, and went for walks in Bottle Lake. I also liked going to the art galleries and museums – there’s always a new exhibition, and they’re free entry! 

Since graduating, you’ve stayed in Christchurch. What do you like about living here?

I wasn’t into the outdoors back in China. I actually hated hiking! But everything changed when I got here. The outdoor activities make Christchurch unique. Especially as a student, you can do a lot of things because outdoor activities don’t cost much. And the weather is so good, you can really enjoy being outside.

There are a lot of free events in Christchurch. Hagley Park is so nice to set up a picnic and enjoy some snacks with friends. And people in Christchurch are so nice!

Did you take part in any internships at UC?

I did a three month internship with a manufacturing company as part of my programme. It culminated in a presentation of my final report to the company boss, my mentor, and the programme’s lead lecturer.

It was valuable real-world experience before even graduating, which is something your future employer will be looking for, especially for international students who won’t have had any previous experience in New Zealand. The company boss was even one of my referrals when I was looking for my first job. 

Why is Christchurch a good place to study from a career development perspective?

It’s important to build your practical experience, and there are lots of opportunities for that in Christchurch. The job market here is more stable than in other cities. And since it’s a smaller city, personal connections help a lot.

While studying I was working part-time, and my then-colleague connected me with his sister, who worked at the company I applied with for my first job. I asked her for advice, and my then-colleague became another referral for me. 

How well do you feel your studies prepared you for your career?

Every small facet of my time at UC contributed to my success in accounting. Especially coming into my first job without any accounting background, it provided me with the required foundational knowledge while also teaching me soft skills through presentations and group activities. 

Would you recommend UC to other international students?

Definitely! UC has amazing staff, it’s a very beautiful place, and there are always lots of different events so it’s easy to meet new friends and continue expanding your circle.