Her journey to Victoria University began at 15, when she made the decision to study abroad. With the support of her parents, she moved to Aotearoa New Zealand and completed her secondary education at Wellington High School.
When it came to choosing a university, she wanted to stay in Wellington. “I had developed my social circle here, and Victoria University was top of my list after attending several open days hosted by different universities. I stayed my first year in Cumberland Hall, and that was a really valuable experience. It’s so easy to socialise and make friends when you are in a hall.”
Mandy was awarded an international scholarship, which supported her and her family with paying fees. She explains, “At the time, I was still trying to figure out my way in the world. Receiving this scholarship certainly provided me with the confidence to pursue excellence and embrace a new chapter in life.”
Mandy’s first degree was a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in international business and economics. “I had a wonderful first year, then chose to take a gap trimester in late 2019 and go back to Beijing, where I interned at a bank. When Covid hit, I had the choice to travel back, but my parents encouraged me to stay home and do remote learning.”
Mandy enjoyed the flexibility of remote learning and picked up online tutoring and was a class representative for several classes. She finished her undergraduate degree while still in Beijing, and started her own business, Mandy’s Baking Studio, designing customised recipes and products for clients.
She returned to Victoria University in November 2022, receiving a Wellington Graduate Award and beginning study towards a Master of Global Business. While she studied, she worked as a tutor, academic inclusion assistant, and programme assistant.
“Halfway through my Master’s, I went to a career session hosted by the careers and employment team at the University. I saw a few opportunities and applied for a few different roles, and was offered a role at MBIE,” says Mandy.
Her policy adviser role has her doing a lot of stakeholder engagement and cross-cultural engagement work.
“The research and analytical skills, and communication skills, as well as critical and creative thinking that I developed over the years at university are core skills I leverage now”.
Her time away from the classroom partway through her undergraduate degree also helped, says Mandy. “My international business background gives me cross-cultural willingness and sensitivity. When I interact with people with different backgrounds, I can always walk in their shoes.”
Mandy loves living in Wellington and spends her spare time catching up with friends and exploring the city. “I have been going to lots of restaurants recently for [local food showcase] ‘Wellington on a Plate’,” says Mandy. “And when the weather isn’t good, I stay inside and design some recipes or watch a movie.”
“I would tell anybody thinking of studying in Wellington that it is really good. You have the flexibility of choosing the degree you find interesting or feel passionate about, and it is easy to switch if you realise it's not right for you. And studying here builds your independence and life skills, as well as giving you amazing career opportunities.
“You can lead the life you really want in Wellington.”
Cross-cultural skills boosted by study at Victoria University of Wellington
International alumna Mandy Zhang credits her experience at Victoria University of Wellington for setting her up with the critical thinking and life skills to succeed in her current and future career.