Jung Eun Choi
Senior SCM Specialist, Samsung Electronics New Zealand
Master of Business Administration
She had always dreamt of doing an MBA to broaden her opportunities at the management level, says Jung Eun Choi who came to AUT as an international student from South Korea.
“When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I realised it was the perfect time to enhance my skills. The unpredictability of the situation highlighted the need for resilience in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world, and I wanted to be better prepared for the challenges ahead.
“I chose AUT because of several factors. Coming from a supply chain background, I appreciated that AUT offered a strong combination of comprehensive business and management knowledge. The flexibility of the programme and being able to tailor my courseload was another major draw. The well-organised international student support was also a plus. Lastly, I thought that being located in Auckland would provide valuable opportunities to connect with businesses during and after my MBA. Indeed, while studying I had the chance to engage with various organisations, which helped me secure a position immediately after graduating.”
Jung Eun has now completed her MBA and has joined Samsung Electronics New Zealand where she enjoys being able to make a positive impact on the organisation.
“My role involves managing the supply chain, which means orchestrating various elements to ensure harmony among stakeholders, including material planning, manufacturing teams, distribution networks and sales departments. This requires effective communication to maintain optimal supply levels and inventory. Although I’m still in the early stages, leveraging my MBA learnings in operations and supply chain management, diversity and inclusion, and leadership has been incredibly fulfilling. The foundation I built at AUT has equipped me to navigate these complexities and make a positive impact.”
Highlights and achievements
Jung Eun says her time studying at AUT was filled with memorable highlights.
“Completing the MBA is my most significant achievement at AUT, and I’m incredibly proud to have completed the course several years after my previous studies in Korea. As an international student, studying in a foreign language was challenging, but I managed it with the support of friends, family, and lecturers at AUT. Attending the MBA courses was consistently motivating, and I loved learning from my lecturers as well my classmates, who brought a wealth of diverse backgrounds and experiences to the table.”
There were a number of highlights throughout her studies.
“The applied business project was the most inspiring part of my AUT MBA journey. This project, which spans at least two terms, involves selecting a topic with a business and working with them as a consultant. Each student has a unique topic. Dr Milind Mandlik, the lecturer, played a crucial role in my success, and the project opened my eyes to new possibilities and broadened my career prospects, sparking a passion for consulting and strategic problem-solving.
“One of my other key achievements was being part of the AUT team for the national MBA Case Competition, where we made history by winning for AUT for the first time. This achievement was a testament to our hard work and teamwork. Another standout experience was the rowing challenge during the course Developing High Performing Teams. It wasn’t just about developing leadership skills; it was also a physically engaging activity that fostered a strong sense of camaraderie among teammates. The experience left a lasting impression on me.”
Advice for other AUT students
Returning to study is a courageous step but it’s one you won’t regret, Jung Eun advises other students.
“The journey is enriching, surrounded by supportive people and the opportunity to develop your knowledge.”
Never be afraid to ask questions, she adds.
“The one piece of advice I’d give a future AUT student is not to hesitate to ask questions when you need them. When I first started, I felt anxious and overwhelmed by the impressive backgrounds of my classmates, but I soon realised that everyone is there to learn and grow. Don’t be afraid to reach out to lecturers, classmates and others for guidance. Asking questions and seeking support is a key part of the learning process and can greatly enhance your university experience.”
