AUT Business School postgraduate students share insight on ‘Path Less Travelled’
An event organised by the AUT University Business School recently saw Māori and Pacific students across all levels of postgraduate study at AUT share their insight into their individual postgraduate journeys so far.
Dean of the AUT Business School, Professor Geoff Perry, opened the ‘Path Less Travelled’ event by congratulating the students on their decision to pursue the path of research and academia.
“People who do research take knowledge further - that’s how the AUT Business School collectively improves the world around us, through our individuals and our research.”
The evening featured a couch conversation where students Michael Kirkwood, Megan Phillips and Nimbus Staniland, shared with potential postgraduate students their advice for postgraduate success.
“Choose something you are passionate about - there are lots of opportunities out there, you just have to go for it,” said Megan who is studying a PhD in Marketing and Nutrition.
Nimbus, a PhD student in Human Resources and Management, encouraged potential postgraduate students to find themselves a good support system.
“Find as many other support systems as you can, whether it be at home with your whanau or through other postgraduate students. I think a sense of community is really essential.”
AUT Professor of Retailing and Head of Department Andrew Parsons also joined the students on stage and shared inspiring anecdotes collected from many years of watching postgraduate students pursue research.
The students also talked about the personal difficulties and challenges they faced while pursuing higher education.
Master of Marketing student Michael Kirkwood says he never thought he would ever find himself on the academic pathway.
“Before I started studying, I got into a lot of trouble. The trigger point for me was when I was at my lowest point and I started to question what I was doing with my life. I didn’t want to be a deadbeat dad. I wanted to add real value to my life.”
“The support system at AUT has been really fundamental to my success. Getting grades that recognise the hard work I’ve put in has been really rewarding for me. It motivates me to try harder,” says Michael.
“My postgraduate journey has redefined who I am and who I am going to be.”
Event Organiser and Programme Director – Equity Initiatives, Agnes Naera says it took real courage for these students to reveal some of their stories in front of a crowd.
“The powerful and persuasive humanisation of these stories really left a lasting impression on many in the room and we cannot wait to see these students achieve the success they are working so hard towards.”