Hang Nguyen
Office and Payroll Administrator, mSupply Foundation
Master of Business in Management with Honours (First Class)
Studying at AUT was a truly transformative journey, says Hang Nguyen who came to AUT as an international student from Vietnam to study a Master of Business in Management.
“For me, the biggest highlight at AUT was the personal transformation that came with adapting to a world-class university. It pushed me to build real self-discipline such as mastering new research methodologies, managing heavy reading loads and balancing tight deadlines. Besides, studying abroad meant tackling far more than just academic challenges. I had to navigate a new language, culture and step out of my comfort zone. Ultimately, I gained much more than degree knowledge. I left AUT with personal resilience, an international outlook and a lifelong growth mindset.”
She is proud of what she has achieved since first coming to Auckland.
“As a non-native English speaker returning to academia after many years in the workforce, maintaining straight A’s and graduating with first-class honours was a deeply proud milestone. However, the true value of my time here went far beyond my grades. My thesis explored how New Zealand HR professionals view AI adoption in recruitment. Through this research, I connected directly with industry leaders who not only shared their insights for my paper, but also mentored me on navigating the Kiwi job market and navigating a career in the AI era.
“Since May 2025, I’ve also had the privilege of working as a research assistant alongside Dr Betty Ofe-Grant on a project focused on boosting productivity through equal workplace opportunities, specifically exploring recruitment, pay transparency and culture within the Pasifika community. As an HR professional and an international student, contributing to research that drives inclusion and equity in New Zealand has been deeply rewarding. Beyond the classroom, I actively engaged in community work by volunteering with the Cancer Society and Mercy Hospice, eventually working at the Mercy Hospice shop for nearly two years. Through these experiences, I gained practical customer service and communication skills, developed a deep understanding of Kiwi culture, and improved my English proficiency while making a meaningful contribution to the community.”
Supported to thrive
There are several AUT staff whose support Hang particularly appreciated.
“I was fortunate to learn from Professor Helena Cooper Thomas, Dr Anca Yallop, Professor Katherine Ravenswood, Professor Marjo Lips-Wiersma and Professor Ken Hyde. Each brought unique teaching methods backed by extensive expertise. They challenged us to think outside the box, showing us that real learning happens through dedicated research, extensive reading and active problem-solving beyond the classroom. Dr Betty Ofe-Grant holds a very special place in my journey at AUT. Far more than a thesis supervisor and project leader, she cared for me like a sister, patiently guiding me as I learned the ropes of academic research. She challenged me with honest, constructive feedback that made my research stronger, but she also saw my potential. I feel incredibly lucky and grateful to have had her as a mentor.
“A special shoutout goes to Regina Lee from the postgraduate office. She patiently answered my endless questions and addressed every concern from the day I first applied from overseas, right up until graduation day. Her outstanding interpersonal skills and genuine care made me feel supported every step of the way. I also experienced the AUT student support services when my laptop crashed during assignment season, the IT team immediately provided a loan device through a smooth, stress-free process. It saved me financially and ensured I didn't fall behind, proving that AUT truly puts its students first.”
Hang has some great advice for other students who are only at the start of their own university journey.
“Studying abroad is the best test of a growth mindset. It’s always uncomfortable at first, but that initial friction is where real progress happens. When you leave the safety of what you know, your perspective expands. As the saying goes, ‘If you're worried about the cost of going for it, you should see the price of staying exactly where you are.’ In today’s era, if we aren't growing, we're falling behind.”
Putting people at the heart
Hang, who graduated from AUT at the end of 2025 and now works for Auckland’s mSupply Foundation, says she loves working in HR because it puts people at the heart of an organisation's success.
“Every person brings their own unique strengths and possibilities to the workplace. When we create equitable, supportive environments where employees feel valued, we unlock their full potential. Helping people thrive while helping the business grow is what drives my passion for HR.”
She says her studies prepared her well for a career in HR.
“Coming back to academia after a career break, I expected to learn traditional management theory. What I didn't anticipate was how rapidly AUT would push me to engage with future-focused trends like AI and sustainability, and build rigorous research discipline. My professors taught me that true learning isn't about sitting in lectures, but about deep independent research and critical thinking.”
