Jia Chen
Nationality: Chinese
Completed Foundation Studies - Business stream
Completed Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Accountancy, Finance and Information Systems
After completing his Bachelor of Commerce with Honours with excellent grades, Jia Chen is now working as tax consultant for international accounting firm Ernst & Young in Auckland.
Jia credits UC’s academic English language and Foundation Studies programmes for equipping him with the skills he needed to succeed at University. He found the courses prepared him for undertaking a degree in a second language: “The courses provide students with a comprehensive introduction to academic English as well as enabling them how to think and communicate effectively in English.” This is very important given Jia’s career choice as he says “Commerce is all about communicating with people and knowing how to communicate complex accounting methodology is essential”.
Jia undertook the Business stream of Foundation studies and he really enjoyed the Accounting courses. He felt that he was equipped for the first year of University having undertaken some relevant Business courses: “The courses build a buffering zone for students during the first semester of university studies as it can be difficult for students who use English as their second language. Having some knowledge in Accounting, Economics and General Business can make the first semester a bit easier.”
On why he chose to come to UC, Jia says “I came to UC because it has a very good name in China and Christchurch offers a fantastic student environment. The honours programme was particularly rewarding in terms of working closely with lecturers and researchers along with fellow students.” Now living in Auckland, Jia misses the Christchurch lifestyle however is enjoying his new career.