Jack Wang
4th-year student, Bachelor of Business in Finance & Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences in Computer Science conjoint programmes
The people and the opportunities his time at university has opened up are what he has enjoyed most about his studies, says finance student Jack Wang.
“I’ve met incredibly driven and supportive peers, and being involved in extracurricular activities has allowed me to build strong friendships and networks. I’ve enjoyed the sense of community, and student life at AUT provides many avenues to get involved, whether through competitions, clubs, group projects or university-led initiatives. For me, it has been rewarding to take an active role and challenge myself outside of lectures. Being surrounded by motivated students and engaging in activities that push you beyond your comfort zone makes student life both dynamic and fulfilling.
“I’m particularly proud of representing AUT in several national and global business case competitions and achieving strong results, including wins at both national and international levels. In 2024, our team won top honours at the McGill International Portfolio Challenge, hosted by McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Competing internationally and contributing to the university’s success on a global stage has been a highlight of my time at AUT.”
A passion for finance
For Jack, deciding to study finance was easy as it’s a field he had long been interested in.
“When I started at AUT, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in corporate finance or financial services. I was always interested in business and finance, especially after I learned more about the importance of understanding how firms operate, how capital is allocated, and how financial decisions shape long-term strategy and growth. Studying finance felt like a natural pathway to build a strong foundation in those areas. I chose to combine it with computer science because I recognise how important technology and data have become across all industries. I’ve found the computational and analytical skills valuable, even though I don’t necessarily plan to work in a purely technical role.”
Choosing where to study was easy for him as well.
“I was drawn to AUT because of its strong emphasis on combining theory with practical, real-world learning. The university does a great job of balancing theory with applied experience. Many courses involve group work, presentations, case analysis and assignments that mirror real workplace scenarios.”
Supported to thrive
Jack says the staff, especially those from the AUT Business School, have been incredibly supportive throughout his time at AUT.
“The lecturers are approachable and genuinely invested in student development, both academically and professionally. I’ve also appreciated the mentorship from lecturers like Dr Prasad Hegde and Dr Ihsan Badshah, who provided guidance and support during the global case competitions. Their advice, feedback and encouragement helped us perform at a high level.
“I’m especially grateful to Melanie Barr who has consistently encouraged student involvement in extracurricular initiatives and has connected students with valuable opportunities. Her support and enthusiasm for student growth have made a real difference. Overall, I’m thankful to all the lecturers and other staff who have supported my journey.”
He wouldn’t hesitate to recommend AUT to other students.
“AUT provides strong academic foundations while also encouraging students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. I’d definitely recommend studying here, particularly for students who value a practical, hands-on learning approach. For students who are proactive and willing to take initiative, there are many opportunities available. If you’re someone who wants to build both technical knowledge and transferable skills, AUT offers a supportive environment to do so.”
