Kim Keromen
2nd-year student, Bachelor of Arts in Event Management and Global Tourism
She has always loved events and tourism, says Kim Keromen who came to AUT as an international student from Tahiti in French Polynesia, and is studying a Bachelor of Arts in Event Management and Global Tourism.
“Since I was very young I’ve been passionate about events, travels and hospitality, and more recently I’ve also become interested in sustainable tourism. I’ve previously completed certificates and diplomas in tourism and travel management at a private school, but my instinct told me to pursue a university degree where I can use my creative side related to the event, hospitality and digital industries. Studying event management and global tourism is intense, but I feel very confident about the skills I’ve learnt over the past few years.”
While Kim still has another year of studies ahead, she already has a good idea how she sees her future after university.
“Once I graduate with my Bachelor of Arts, I plan to pursue a postgraduate certificate in hospitality management. My dream career is to be a project manager in the event, hospitality or tourism industry in French Polynesia, and to live it to the fullest, trusting myself and trusting life.”
The right university environment
Kim says she chose to come to AUT based on the recommendations of industry professionals, and because her inner voice said it would be the right university for her. That inner voice proved to be right.
“When you come from a little island in the Pacific, you realise how lucky and how blessed you are when you have the opportunity to study overseas and to study at a world-class university like AUT. I’ve enjoyed talking to my lecturers about their previous careers, and asking them for feedback to help me be better and more efficient in my assessments and personal journey. The AUT lecturers are amazing and encourage us to succeed in our future career.
“I’ve also found the classes and studying spaces very comfortable, and have met classmates who are very nice and very sociable. As I love being alone on my free time between classes, Newsfeed café at the AUT City Campus is definitely my go to place for a break and to grab one of their coffees.”
Earlier this year she also had to opportunity to travel to China after being recommended by one of her lecturers, and it’s an achievement she is particularly proud of.
“I was nominated as one of the students to join the University of Macau Partners Summer Camp, a four-day summer camp in Macau, China. This experience will forever be in my heart and my mind! I’d encourage other students to focus on getting good grades and sharing your personality in your classes; you never know, there may be an opportunity in your future. Shoutout to my lecturer Madz Crouth for nominating me for this opportunity!”
Advice for other students
Now in the second year of her studies, Kim has some great advice for other students.
“The advice I’d give other student is to always believe in yourself and your dreams, put aside your ego and be an example for the future generations.”
She says she wouldn’t hesitate to recommend AUT to other students.
“You can feel it’s a great university. I feel safe walking around the campus, I feel understood by my lecturers and other AUT staff, and the lectures and tutorials are very interesting. We have everything we need to succeed at AUT.”
