Gareth Webber
Scrip Settlements Analyst, Jarden
Bachelor of Business in Finance & Management and Leadership
The strong focus on practical, applied learning helped bridge the gap between theory and real-world finance, says Gareth Webber who studied a Bachelor of Business in Finance & Management and Leadership.
“My finance degree included stock analysis exercises, case studies, and written reports that required applying financial concepts to real companies and market data. A key part of this was developing technical skills using Excel, PowerPoint and LSEG Refinitiv, which were used for financial analysis, research, and presenting insights in a clear and structured way. My workplace experience as a finance intern at Nestlé Health Science was a major highlight. It gave me exposure to a real corporate environment and allowed me to see how finance operates within a large organisation. I also valued attending industry networking events, where I was able to connect with professionals in finance, gain insight into different career pathways, and receive advice on entering the industry.
“During my time at AUT I built strong friendships with like-minded, driven students, many of which extended beyond university. Group work was also a consistent part of the programme, and helped develop my ability to collaborate with different people and contribute effectively to shared outcomes. As part of the AUT Edge Award, I also volunteered at the SPCA, which was a really enjoyable experience and gave me the opportunity to contribute to something meaningful outside of university. It also helped me build confidence and develop a more well-rounded perspective beyond academics.”
He says there were several AUT staff members who played an important role in supporting his learning.
“Tejas Pai, Michelle Young and Derwyn Hamidon stood out as teaching staff who were approachable and genuinely invested in student success. They were always willing to go beyond standard teaching, whether through clarifying concepts, providing guidance, or taking the time to support students outside of class when needed. Their support contributed to my overall learning experience at AUT and helped me stay engaged and confident throughout my studies.”
Exposure to real market operations
After completing his studies in early 2026, Gareth now enjoys his role at leading investment and advisory group Jarden
“Working at Jarden gives me direct exposure to real market operations and the post-trade side of financial markets. The role requires strong attention to detail and accuracy, as it involves ensuring settlements are processed correctly and efficiently. I also enjoy the structured and fast-paced nature of the work, where precision is critical and small errors can have real consequences. This has helped me develop discipline and a more careful, process-driven approach to my work.”
Another aspect he values is working alongside highly experienced professionals in the industry.
“Being able to learn from some of the best in the field has been a significant growth opportunity, and the constant learning environment has helped me improve quickly and understand how financial markets operate in practice.”
Advice for other students
Gareth – who is proud of successfully managing a higher course load and finishing his studies a year early – has some great advice for other students.
“Overall, the mindset that helped most was: be present, be curious and don’t be afraid to get it wrong while you’re learning. Go to lectures and workshops as you’ll learn best in person through discussion with lecturers and other students. Don’t be afraid to reach out to lecturers or workshop leaders for help or advice when you don’t understand something, and make use of after-hours sessions and available support. If you’re in your first year, talk to older students and ask for guidance as they can provide valuable insight from experience. Focus on asking questions and learning rather than just getting the right answer. Also, surround yourself with like-minded, driven people who motivate you. The people you spend time with at university can shape your mindset, habits, and ambition far more than you realise.”
He also has some tips for those interested in a finance career.
“Networking is extremely important for breaking into finance. Go to as many events as you can, meet students and professionals, and build genuine connections. Follow up on conversations, connect on LinkedIn and try to organise coffee chats where possible. Building relationships early can open doors later in ways you won’t always expect.
“Just as important is persistence. There will be a lot of rejection and periods where it feels like nothing is working. In those moments, the key is to stay consistent and keep going. I remember during those times, my dad would often remind me to simply keep going, even when things felt slow or uncertain. That advice, as simple as it was, became a key mindset for me. Stay consistent and show up every day. Over time, that consistency builds momentum and increases your chances of success.”
