Emily-Rose Ruka-Lovejoy

2nd-year student, Bachelor of Business in Management and Leadership with minors in Sustainable Enterprise and Te Reo Māori

What she has enjoyed most about her studies so far is how practical and engaging the learning has been, says business student Emily-Rose Ruka-Lovejoy.

“I’ve always been drawn towards leadership and innovation, which made the Bachelor of Business a natural choice for me when it came to selecting my study pathway. As a visual learner who has always had clear aspirations for my future career, I was immediately drawn to AUT’s real-world approach and industry connections. I really value being able to apply what I’m learning to real-world scenarios, and AUT’s approach has made the content feel relevant and motivating.

“I’ve especially enjoyed the collaborative projects and discussions, as they’ve really helped me grow in confidence, communication and leadership. I’m proud of maintaining strong grades and a high GPA, which reflects both the support of AUT’s practical approach to learning and the dedication I put into my studies. Being in an environment where ideas are encouraged and learning is connected to the real world has made my studies genuinely interesting, enjoyable and meaningful.”

She already has a good idea how she sees the future after graduation.

“After I graduate, I’d love to be involved in a career where I can lead and make a real difference, ideally within a business that values innovation and cultural awareness. I’m especially passionate about combining my love for leadership with my Māori culture. Working in a role that allows me to bring people together, advocate for my culture and create inclusive spaces is a huge aspiration of mine. Ultimately, I want a career that challenges me, encourages me to grow and enables me to make a positive impact in both the business world and my community.”

Growing in confidence and independence
Emily-Rose says she is enjoying the sense of independence and community that comes with student life.

“I love that being a student allows you to meet new people from different cultures and backgrounds, and feel connected to a community that is both supportive and motivating. Even just being involved in classes, group work and everyday campus life has helped me grow so much in confidence and independence. Student life has given me the chance to challenge myself, form friendships that I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to, and feel a strong sense of belonging while also working towards my goals.”

She is grateful for the Eric and Kathy Hertz Māori and Pacific Residential Scholarship she has received and says this support has made a significant difference to her university experience.

“The Eric and Kathy Hertz Māori and Pacific Residential Scholarship helped cover a large portion of my student accommodation costs. Being able to live in student accommodation directly across from the AUT City Campus gave me easy access to uni and removed a lot of stress from my day-to-day life. Having a stable place to stay meant that I could focus more on my studies rather than worrying about commuting. Living alongside other university students who understood the challenges of student life created an overwhelmingly positive sense of support and belonging, which really helped me settle into university as a first-year student and build my confidence.”

Advice for other students
Emily-Rose has some great advice for other students who are only at the start of their own university journey.

“My advice to other students would be to stay curious, get involved and never be afraid to ask for help. University can be challenging at times, but taking the time to connect with others, making friends and using the support available around you makes a huge difference. It’s also so important to prioritise balancing your studies with enjoying student life. Building confidence, exploring new opportunities and making the most of your time at uni are just as important as focusing on grades. And never forget that every question you ask and every connection you make are steps towards growing into the best version of yourself and creating an amazing future.”

She wouldn’t hesitate to recommend studying at AUT to others.

“This university has such a practical and hands-on approach that makes learning actually fun and easy to relate to the real world. I’ve loved being part of a community that encourages you to make new friends, build confidence and work towards your professional goals. I’ve found AUT to be a place of acceptance and diversity, which is an overlooked but very important aspect when looking for a university. There are so many opportunities to connect with industries and gain real experience, which makes you feel prepared for life after uni. Studying at AUT has been exciting, inspiring and an amazing experience!”