Jullian Liang
Digital Content & Multimedia Producer, Mango Communications
Graduate Diploma in Arts in Event Management
He enjoys the creativity his role offers him, says event management alumnus Jullian Liang who came to AUT as an international student from Indonesia and now works as a digital content and multimedia producer for Mango Communications.
“I’m responsible for producing content for marketing and corporate comms for Mango’s clients, and I enjoy the creative endeavours this role offers. I started here as a digital and social account manager, but was recently promoted to my current role. I can also draw on my experience in event management when I’m designing marketing collateral for events or doing event photography on the day.”
While it’s a big change from his previous role at Auckland Unlimited, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s economic and cultural agency, Jullian says his study and past experiences led him to his current work.
“At Auckland Unlimited I was involved in some of Auckland’s biggest cultural events, assisting event producers in delivering events like Tāmaki Herenga Waka, the Auckland Lantern Festival, the Pasifika Festival and other big cultural festivals. That role enabled me to work across the organisation, including in event production, marketing, communications and sponsorship. This experience and my studies at AUT have laid a solid foundation for my success in my current role.”
The right university environment
Deciding to come to AUT for his study was an easy decision for Jullian who had been working in the events industry in Indonesia for a decade before he decided to enrol at AUT.
“I was looking to upskill and become certified as an event professional. Before I came to AUT, I used to work for private clients and most of our goals were related to profitability. However, through my studies at AUT I rediscovered my passion in events, and learned how events could serve and benefit communities and the city. It’s a ‘level up’ I never knew I needed.”
Studying during the global COVID-19 pandemic had its challenges, he admits.
“I started and finished my study in 2020, when the world suddenly shut down because of COVID-19. The most memorable highlight for me was AUT’s swift move to online learning. AUT ensured that all students had access to everything they needed to move to online study, including mental health support, computers and internet access. Although it was not the experience I had hoped for, online study offered me ways to study and engage with my peers safely. I’m thankful for being able to finish my study on time. Kudos to AUT for that.”
Advice for other students
Jullian, who graduated from AUT in early 2021, has some great advice for other students dreaming of a career in event management.
“My advice for other students would be to go and volunteer or start an internship, and go the extra mile. Volunteering increases your confidence while giving you the chance to socialise, network with the industry and, most importantly, a chance to practise what you’ve learnt.”
AUT is a university that celebrates diversity, he adds.
“Coming from a predominantly Asian country, and as a member of LGBTQIA community, I definitely appreciated the diversity that exists and is respected within AUT. Lexie Matheson, ONZM, was a particular inspiration to me. She affirms that you can be yourself, and be an advocate for the community while achieving great stuff. I’d also like to acknowledge my other lecturers for the guidance, knowledge and patience. They inspired me to be critical, to seek the truth in knowledge, and not to stop learning.”
