Stevie Pure

Business Consultant, EY
Bachelor of Business in Management & Bachelor of Sport and Recreation in Exercise Science and Nutrition

When Stevie Pure came home from her 9 to 5 job at a gym one day, she had a bit of an epiphany and decided to change her life, starting with university study.

“It wasn’t long after I left high school, but I had never even thought about university while I was at school. Then one day after work I went online and realised that AUT was offering what sounded like a passion I wanted to pursue. I love sport and anything physical, so studying sport and recreation was a no brainer for me. I chose to also marry this with a Bachelor of Business to open doors for a career more focused on the business perspective of sport.”

She had plenty of highlights over her four years at AUT, says Stevie who received a Hauora Māori Scholarship to support her studies and is now part of academic honour society Beta Gamma Sigma.

“One significant memory was the leadership tramping trip I attended in sport and recreation. This was without a doubt one of the most humbling experiences I’ve had, and it really taught me to appreciate the little things in life. With three days tramping in the Kaimai Ranges – having had no power, no toilet, no cell phone coverage – I was able to come home and be really grateful for the life I lead.

“Another highlight was definitely my workplace experience I had with Athletics New Zealand. I was leading several important projects, including a project that involved planning and delivering a series of rangatahi focus groups, with the goal of retaining more rangatahi in sport. I thoroughly enjoyed this element of work, and the personal growth I saw from the help of my great workplace supervisor was unmatched.”

Helping business grow
Now working as a business consultant for EY, Stevie loves working on a wide range of projects to help improve and grow businesses.

“I love my job and the variety of work available provides diverse, interesting and rewarding opportunities. My role involves the planning, implementation and education of businesses. Much of my work involves communication, thinking of innovative ways to optimise processes, reduce operational costs, implement new technologies, manage risks and improve customer service, all while remaining compliant with changes in legislation and the regulatory landscape.

“My work has taught me, and will keep teaching me, amazing communication and adaptation skills which I know will continuously evolve over the years to come. I love that I can embrace that long-term perspective of carefully planning my own path, while being flexible enough to challenge my own thinking once in a while.”

She is proud to have been offered her highly sought-after role.

“I was extremely proud that I have the opportunity to work with likeminded passionate individuals who share the same cultural pride as I do. When I first got offered the role at EY, I was very proud to realise that I was the only Māori student from AUT that had been accepted in the last year to work in the EY graduate programme.”

Advice for other students
After graduating from AUT at the end of 2021, Stevie has some great advice for other students.

“Kō ngā pae tawhiti, whaia kia tata, the potential for tomorrow, depends on what we do today. Make sure you maximise the resources around you to leverage the achievement of your goals. For example, remembering that every person you meet at university has something to offer you. You’ll meet hundreds of new people, classmates, professors and advisors. Naturally, you won't become friends with everyone, but communicate with as many people as possible as this will benefit your experience and career in many ways you may not yet notice.”

Her other piece of advice is simple: make the most of university life.

“I believe that AUT has such a great array of activities and opportunities, and if you’re not emerged in them you’re really missing out on the full student experience.”