Narerat (Gigi) Fujii

Why did you decide to return to study for your master’s degree? 

I had completed my undergraduate degree in Media, Hospitality, and Tourism and was working as an interpreter and translator, supporting C-level management. That experience exposed me to how businesses operate at a strategic level and sparked a strong interest in business management. I decided to pursue a Master’s in Management because I wanted a well-rounded understanding of how businesses operate across functions, and the flexibility and strong foundation to grow into different roles.

Why did you choose UC?

I chose UC because of its strong academic reputation and its focus on practical, applied learning. The programme structure combines theory with real business cases, group projects, and industry-relevant skills. I also valued the diverse, international learning environment, as I wanted to continue building my cross-cultural communication skills and global perspective. Additionally, UC’s pathway with Rangsit University (RSU) enabled me to work and study at the same time, and that flexibility was important.

Studying in New Zealand was another key factor. It offered a safe, high-quality education system and a different business environment compared to what I was used to. That exposure has helped me become more adaptable, independent, and confident working in multicultural settings.

What are you doing now that you’ve graduated?

I’m currently working at Tesla in a role that balances sales performance, customer relationship management, and operational execution to deliver a high-quality end-to-end experience. This includes maintaining a strong sales pipeline, supporting order conversions, managing customer expectations, and resolving challenges efficiently.

Before coming to Tesla, I worked as a Sales Manager at Custom Aeronautical Support in Christchurch, a global supplier of aviation parts providing services to clients around the world. My responsibilities there included leading the RFQ process by conducting market research and analysing competitor pricing strategies to ensure quotes were both competitive and accurate.

How well do you feel your UC degree prepared you for your career?

UC’s programme equipped me with both the mindset and practical skills to operate effectively in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment while contributing beyond day-to-day tasks. It also strengthened my ability to analyse situations more deeply and approach problems in a structured way. This helps me better understand customer needs, handle different scenarios effectively, and contribute more meaningfully to decision-making.

In terms of leadership, it developed my sense of ownership and accountability, and helped me understand that leadership comes in many forms. Even without a formal leadership title, I’m confident in taking initiative, managing priorities, and ensuring a high standard of execution across the customer journey.

Additionally, studying in UC’s diverse and international environment helped me build strong cross-cultural communication skills. This is especially important in my role, where I interact with customers from different backgrounds and need to adapt my communication style to ensure clarity and build trust.

How did you find UC’s academics?

The quality of the education at UC is amazing. The lecturers are very professional, intellectual, and supportive. They were always available to help when I needed it. And the facilities are great.

How was your transition to UC and New Zealand?

Since I hadn’t studied for so long, the main challenge was adjusting to the academic world again. UC has a unique culture and grading system that differs from Thailand, but UC Business School and RSU were so supportive, they made the transition easy.

What was your favourite thing about UC? 

I loved the student life and diverse culture. I was able to learn about general New Zealand culture as well as Māori, the indigenous culture – along with other international students’ cultures. It helped me gain a lot of different perspectives and broadened my world view.

What UC support services did you find most helpful?  

UC Business School has a private tutor, which is great if you need help studying. I also used the support for writing papers because English isn’t my first language.

UC’s Centre for Employability and Career Development helped me with my CV and interview preparation. They helped me tailor my CV to highlight my strengths, which gave me a real confidence boost and made me feel more prepared for the application process. This was especially helpful because I wanted to work in New Zealand after studying, which I ended up doing!

What advice would you give to other international students about to start their job hunt?

Start early and be proactive. Use UC’s resources, like career workshops and networking events. Make sure to tailor your applications for each job and see rejections as a chance to learn. Remember that with the skills and connections you’ve built, you’re more ready than you might think.

Would you recommend UC to other international students? 

Yes, I highly recommend it! Pursuing education at UC is a thrilling experience in study and all other areas – personal growth, experiencing other cultures, and more.

Christchurch offers a mix of local and international companies, providing students with valuable real-world experience and professional connections. The city’s beautiful surroundings and high quality of life also make it an appealing place to live while you build your career.

My time at UC was so wonderful. I left my comfort zone to study and build a better future career, and I’m so happy with my decision.