Master of Applied Finance and Economics
Private Wealth Assistant, Craigs Investment Partners
What inspired you to study your MAFE degree?
Growing up in a major financial city, Chongqing China, there’s a strong presence of international business, which drove my passion for finance, economics, and understanding industry trends. I completed my undergraduate degree at the Shandong University of Science and Technology and then decided on UC for my Master’s.
Why UC?
I first came to UC as a part of my university exchange programme; before I arrived in New Ҷֱ, I was able to meet UC representatives at my home university that helped my decision.
What’s more, UC is the only university in Aotearoa New Ҷֱ that offers a taught master’s programme in Finance and Economics, in a triple-crown accredited business school. This programme opens my opportunities to a wide range of professional careers in banking, the financial and the public sector.
Tell us about your student life.
I spend most of my time studying with my classmates at the postgraduate office. I also take part in a wide range of hobbies include dance performance, microfilm shooting, drawing, and photography.
As an international student, I feel at home here, as there is support from my colleagues, lectures and additional services like theAcademic Skills Centre– they helped me with my academic writing and language skills too.
This semester, I am a student mentor at the College of Business and Law and work collaboratively with college staff to enhance the UC student experience. I really enjoy sharing my experience and knowledge to help other students.
How else have you been involved at UC?
I am the Marketing Associate for the UC Investment Society and I manage the club’s social media to promote networking between students and financial companies.
I also co-founded the Master of Applied Finance and Economics (MAFE) club with my classmate Jeremy and the course coordinator Bob Reed, to give MAFE students a chance to network with alumni and financial companies.
Over the summer, I took part in a competition with theUC Centre of Entrepreneurshipto present a business case to grow the New Ҷֱ – Asia relationship. My team and I won the first prize! We are now working with the Asia New Ҷֱ Foundation and the College of Business to make our idea a reality!
How do you spend your time outside of university?
I work part-time and assist Chartered Accountants Australia and New Ҷֱ (CA ANZ) at various industry and career events. I also volunteer as a consultant at the New Ҷֱ Student Consulting Programme providing accounting and financial advice to clients, including Customer Aeronautical Support Ltd (CAS).
I also spend my time playing the piano and completed my Grade 8 certification, and I love hiking around Christchurch too.
How have you found life in Christchurch?
Christchurch is a quiet and natural place, and I will never forget my time here! I have travelled the South Island in an RV camper van, by myself and with friends. I have been able to settle in quite easily here, but I am still catching up with the Kiwi slang!
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I hope to find a job in banking or a consulting firm. I want to continue learning and hope to make the world better through my efforts.
