Qiongyang (Jenny) Jin

Why did you decide to study marketing at UC?

I’ve had a strong interest in selling and persuading others from a young age. When it came to choosing my master’s programme, I immediately felt that Marketing was the right fit for me. My undergraduate degree in Journalism gave me a deep understanding of "communication", but it was relatively abstract and focused more on theory. Pursuing a master’s in marketing at UC allowed me to apply these concepts in a more practical way and better prepare for the realities of the workplace.
 

Did you have any opportunities to gain work experience while studying?

I worked part-time as a Sales and Marketing Coordinator for Walnuts New Zealand Cooperative. I got the job from a connection I made through UC Business School’s Global Impact Industry Project. It was good to get work experience in New Zealand because I wanted to work here after graduating, and Walnuts New Zealand ended up offering me a full-time position as a Sales and Marketing Executive. In that role, I was responsible for driving business growth by developing and implementing marketing strategies, identifying sales opportunities, and building relationships with customers.
 

You are now working as a Marketing Executive at The British International School Abu Dhabi. What does this role involve?

I am responsible for both internal and external marketing for the school. This includes website management, SEO, social media marketing, email marketing, and paid advertising. I also handle some photography and video editing. Essentially, I am involved in most aspects of digital marketing that you can think of.
 

How well do you think your degree prepared you for this role, and how did your experience with Walnuts New Zealand support your career?

My time at UC provided me with highly practical knowledge, and the skills I developed while studying are ones I use every day in my role. It’s very rewarding to see how directly applicable my studies have been. UC’s programme provided a strong foundation of practical, job-ready skills.

Employers tend to look for experience. My time at Walnuts New Zealand gave me the opportunity to work with real marketing tools and platforms in a practical setting, which made it much easier for me to secure a role in Abu Dhabi.
 

Did you use any UC services to help you prepare for your job search?

Yes, the UC Business School International team was incredibly helpful. They provided me with valuable guidance and interview tips that really boosted my confidence before my interview with Walnuts New Zealand.
 

What is the education like at UC?

UC’s lectures are very high quality. Courses offer a blend of theory and practice, which has been invaluable in my career. The professors have strong industry connections, and the information they impart is current and applicable to the workplace. We often had entrepreneurs and industry professionals as guest speakers that provided insights into the market.
 

How did you find UC’s academic staff? 

They were all very kind and supportive. When I first arrived in New Zealand I wasn't confident in my English, so sometimes I felt nervous to speak to my lecturers, but they were very patient and helpful. Some lecturers also used their personal network to help us make industry connections. And I felt comfortable talking to them even about issues beyond the classroom. They were like friends!
 

What was the international student support like at UC Business School?  

UC Business School regularly arranged events to gather students together to meet new friends and share experiences. They checked in to see how we were doing and asked if we needed help with anything. They made us feel welcome and supported, like a family. 

The International Team also offered substantial support, organising events to assist international students with their learning, daily life, and career development.
 

Were you involved in any clubs at UC? 

I was vice president of the Global China Connection Canterbury (GCC), which enables Chinese students to share our culture and help others interested in pursuing a career in China. I learned a lot about how business and other things work in New Zealand through organising the events, and I could directly apply things I learned in my courses.
 

What did you like most about your time at UC? 

I loved the range of support services. No matter the problem, whatever you need, there’s always a dedicated department to provide assistance. The central library on campus has really friendly staff, and they’ll refer you to someone that can help with your issue.
 

How did you find life in Christchurch, and why is it a good place to study from a career development perspective? 

I think Christchurch is the best city in New Zealand. It’s peaceful, and I liked the pace of life; it’s slower with a good work-life balance. There’s beautiful scenery, and as a smaller city, it makes it easier to connect with people. I really enjoyed living there! I had the opportunity to meet many professors and engage with local networks. These experiences were instrumental in helping me build valuable relationships that supported my career growth.
 

Would you recommend UC to other international students? 

Yes, definitely! UC always gives you more than you expect. It’s more than just a degree – it’s a great experience. During my time at UC, I grew as a person and learned how to build connections with people from different cultures, on both a professional and personal level.