Can you tell us about your studies here at UC?
I started studying at UC in 2021, originally doing a double major in Politics and Communications. Politics had always been something I was drawn to, and I quickly found myself completely absorbed in it. In my first year, I also got a taste of Philosophy thanks to Dr. Lindsey Te Ata o Tū MacDonald’s classes—which I genuinely loved.
So when the new BA Specialisation in PPE was announced in 2022, it just made sense. It brought together two subjects I was already passionate about, and added Economics into the mix. While Economics was new territory for me, it slotted in perfectly and gave me a broader lens to understand global politics—something I think is absolutely crucial today.
Politics and Economics are deeply connected, and when you add the critical thinking that Philosophy brings, you end up with a really powerful combination. Studying PPE has helped me grow into someone who can look at the world from multiple angles—and I think that kind of versatility is more important than ever.
Do you have any moments that really stood out to you during your time at UC?
I had a whole range of unique and memorable experiences at UC. One standout was being part of Dr. Natalia Chaban’s Public Diplomacy and Political Communication Student Hub. Through that, I got the chance to travel to Wellington—twice!—and present our findings to the Delegation of the EU to New Zealand.
I was also invited to several ASEAN conferences organised by Dr. Alex Tan, where I got to hear some of the leading voices in the field share their research. On top of that, I took part in a National Security Strategy panel run by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, among many other opportunities.
But honestly, and I know this sounds a bit cheesy, the most memorable part of my time at UC was the people. I met some of the most intelligent, interesting, and inspiring individuals—many of whom are still close friends today. That’s what really made my experience unforgettable.
That all sounds amazing, which moment makes you most proud?
Graduating was the biggest achievement of my life. As an international student coming from Belgium, I went into this degree with a do-or-die mentality. Resitting even a single paper wasn’t financially possible, so I had to pass—no matter what.
That meant countless long nights, often followed by long days working in hospitality just to support myself. Most weeks didn’t include a single day off. It was a huge undertaking, and it came with real sacrifices. But in the end, all of that effort paid off. Crossing that stage and receiving my degree was a moment I’ll never forget.
What was your biggest challenge?
Taking on economics in my second year. I didn’t do much math in high school and had only a basic introduction to economics. During my first year, one of my lecturers said that university is the best place to take on subjects you don’t feel confident in—because it’s one of the few environments where you can learn a completely new skill in a controlled and supportive setting. It’s some of the best advice I’ve ever received. While taking on economics was challenging and required a lot of effort, it completely transformed my capabilities, and I’m very grateful for that.
Do have any advice you’d like to share with us?
Apply yourself and take the difficult courses. As I mentioned earlier, university is the ideal place to challenge yourself and develop new skills and interests. But nothing worthwhile comes easily—this degree requires hard work. However, if you approach it with the right mindset, it will serve you well for the rest of your life.
It sounds like your degree has led to an incredible career pathway. Can you tell us a bit about that?
I am currently employed as a financial adviser at AMP New Zealand, where I give clients advice on their investments, specifically geared towards retirement (e.g. KiwiSaver). In this job I get to use my understanding of politics and economics to help Kiwi’s navigate the complicated landscape of long-term investing. Being able to help people understand how concepts work, ease their minds during volatility or simply improve their retirement outcomes is something I love – We’re a country which is looking at an aging population with a limited financial literacy rate. Playing a part in improving that fate, one step at a time, is something I truly enjoy.
Finally, do you have anything you’d love to achieve in the future?
In the future I would like to come back to study and complete my Masters – I’m interested in completing an MBA to help me pursue a career in banking.
