Alexia Brown
Associate Product Manager, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare
Bachelor of Business in Marketing & Bachelor of Communication Studies in Public Relations
Being able to get industry experience as part of her degrees was what she loved most about studying at AUT, says Alexia Brown who studied a Bachelor of Business in Marketing and a Bachelor of Communication Studies in Public Relations.
“I originally chose to study at AUT due to the great reputation of the School of Communication Studies and the modern, collaborative and hands-on learning that AUT promotes. I had always been interested in all things media and writing, and it wasn’t until my first year at uni that I decided to add business with a marketing major. My biggest highlight for both of my degrees was the industry experience you get. This is something unique to AUT that I believe is so valuable. I was able to carry out a real public relations campaign for a non-for-profit organisation as well as combine my summer internship with the workplace experience in my business degree.”
Participating in the Shadow a Leader programme, where students spend a day with an industry leader, was another highlight for her.
“I had seen advertising for Shadow a Leader around campus and was looking for something to put on my CV to show that I was taking ownership of my learning and career development, so I just went for it!
“I ended up shadowing Fiona Cresswell and the marketing team at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare; learning all about business-to-business marketing at one of New Zealand's largest companies. After this experience I applied for an internship with Fisher & Paykel Healthcare and completed the workplace experience for my AUT business degree with them that summer. Following my internship, I was offered a role in a marketing team there and now work there as a graduate.”
A rewarding marketing career
Alexia says she loves the variety her role as an associate product manager offers.
“I’m part of a marketing team managing a product portfolio of invasive ventilation and humidifiers. I appreciate the culture and people at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, love the variety of work, and enjoy always learning and applying new skills.”
In her role now she frequently draws on what she learned throughout her studies.
“I’m often finding connections between my studies and my daily work, using the ways of thinking I was taught at university and applying them to different scenarios.”
Advice for other students
Alexia, who graduated from AUT in 2024, has some great advice for other students who are only at the start of their university journey.
“I know it sounds like a cliché but get involved and put yourself out there. Hard work pays off and is recognised at AUT.”
Make connections, she adds.
“Make as many connections as you can and never be afraid to ask questions; whether that be of your lecturers, fellow students, other staff members or industry leaders.”
