Liam
Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accounting and Taxation (Chartered Accounting Pathway)
Hometown: Blenheim
Why did you decide to study business at UC?
It was all about combining my love of helping people with my love of numbers. Accounting lets you do that because it’s got an advisory aspect. UC’s Triple-Crown accredited status and its reputation in business played a big role in deciding which business school that I wanted to be a part of.
What are your career goals?
Initially, I was thinking strictly about accounting. Now, I’d like to find something that combines that with my passion for fitness and health, like doing accounts for a gym or opening my own gym.
UC prepares us well because we do a lot of practical work that’s based on current issues and information. You’re using what you're learning in the classroom and applying it to the real world.
Have you had any standout experiences so far?
My main standout would be the lecturers and how willing they are to help you through everything. Once you take that time to introduce yourself to them, you see how passionate they are about teaching. I think it’s really cool how accessible they are.
What are UC’s industry connections like?
UC has particularly strong business connections. There are always career fairs where businesses come in and engage with students, and UC Careers centre connects students with companies that offer internships or job opportunities. You’ve also got companies coming into lectures to give insights into how what you're learning applies to what they are doing.
Why did you feel UC was the right choice for you?
UC stood out for the opportunities it offers. That was big for me because regardless of what university you choose, at the end of the day, you're going to come out with a degree, but it's what else you get involved in that's going to set you apart when you apply for a job, internship, grad role, or whatever it might be.
What is your favourite extracurricular experience so far?
The top thing I've been involved in is clubs, particularly because there are so many, whether it be cultural, sporting, academic, socialisation, or pure fun. The main two I've been involved with are the Accounting Society and the Commerce Society. I’m also looking at starting a pickleball society. We’ve got over 160 different clubs, so there is truly something for everyone.
Have you tried anything new since coming to UC?
Coming to UC helped me see that fitness is another strength of mine, and now I take lots of group fitness classes. I’ve even started instructing classes at UC’s Rec Centre and for the city council. For me, the fun behind it is getting to put tracks together, choreograph different things, and help others on their fitness journey.
Did you live in the halls your first year?
I lived in Kirkwood Avenue Hall where there are only 64 residents, so it feels more like a flat. It was super fun and inspired me to become hall rep. There’s always someone keen to hang out or have a game of pool, and there are events on all the time. Everyone got to know each other by the end of the year.
After first year, I was a Taurima at Kirkwood. I helped look after residents’ welfare and made sure they were handling the transition of moving out of home to a university environment before I moved onto flatting this year.
Did you receive any scholarships?
In my first year, I was fortunate enough to receive four scholarships from UC. Apart from the financial assistance, it also enabled me to be part of things like the Emerging Leaders Programme and Kia Angitu, UC’s student success programme.
The monetary side obviously helps, but the experiences from these programmes have provided so many additional opportunities.
What else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Golf is a huge part of my life. Coming to Christchurch allowed me to continue that passion, joining a local golf club and playing in the inter-club team. I even got the opportunity to train with the UC Sports Academy. I wanted to try something different this year, so I tested out Lawn Bowls and have found another passion, breaking into the Canterbury scene in my first season.
How have you seen yourself grow since you came to UC?
Being involved in so many different things has increased my confidence.
I’ve developed a motivational attitude that inspires me to try as much as I can, because I can always be better.
Any advice for other students considering UC?
Choose something you're passionate about. It's a lot easier to be engaged with something you're truly interested in. If you find it’s not the right path, it’s so easy to change your mind, so just give it a go.
If you're thinking of studying business, you're going to have opportunities to go on global exchanges, do internships, become a class rep, and more. Take all of those extra experiences and use them to set yourself apart.
