Jessica Machado da Cruz

Podiatrist, Active Health, Christchurch
Bachelor of Health Science (Podiatry)

No two days in her job are ever the same, says Jessica Machado da Cruz who studied a Bachelor of Health Science (Podiatry) and now works as a podiatrist for Active Health in Christchurch.

“I really enjoy how varied and hands-on the job is – it keeps me engaged and constantly learning. I see a wide variety of podiatric conditions, ranging from sports and biomechanical injuries to diabetic foot care, ingrown toenails and paediatric patients.

“It’s a dynamic and rewarding job that allows me to support people from all walks of life. I love meeting new people and hearing their stories, and no two cases are ever the same, which keeps things interesting. I also feel really lucky to be part of a supportive team where we can bounce ideas off each other and work collaboratively to get the best outcomes for our patients.”

She says her studies prepared her well for the career she has today.

“The hands-on training and detailed learning at AUT gave me the knowledge to feel confident in my clinical approach. This helped me overcome my initial shyness and build the confidence to engage with patients effectively. Being exposed to a range of real-life cases and supported by experienced educators while I was at uni prepared me for the realities of practice. These skills and experiences directly impact my day-to-day work; enabling me to assess and manage a wide variety of foot conditions with confidence, communicate clearly with patients and work collaboratively with my team to provide the best care possible.”

Interactive and supportive
She has always wanted to work in healthcare and help a wide range of people, Jessica says.

“Initially, I was drawn to physiotherapy, but with so many others pursuing that path, I began looking for something a little different, something more niche. That’s when I discovered podiatry. I was intrigued by the broad scope it offers, and it felt like a field where I could really make an impact. What really stood out to me about studying podiatry at AUT was the practical, hands-on approach to learning. The degree was very interactive and pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way, with educators who were supportive and challenging. With fewer than 25 students in my year, we had the benefit of one-on-one time with our lecturers, which really helped me grow.”

The people she met through her studies were one of the biggest highlights for her.

“I was a bit nervous about starting university, especially since I wasn’t living in student accommodation and thought I might struggle to meet new people. But AUT offered so many social events and clubs that made it really easy to connect with others. I was lucky enough to meet one of my closest friends through the podiatry degree, and having that connection made the whole experience even more enjoyable.

“Another highlight for me was the incredible support from the staff. The lecturers genuinely wanted the best for us and were always willing to make time for one-on-one conversations. They noticed when something felt off and would check in to see how I was doing. That kind of support made a huge difference. I particularly appreciated one of my clinical educators, Megan Catterall, who was an incredible support throughout my time at AUT. She was fun, relatable and always pushed me to do my best in a non-judgmental and encouraging way. She was there for me during some of the tougher days, and her support really helped build my confidence.”

Advice for other students
Jessica, who graduated from AUT in 2023, has some great advice for other students who are only at the start of their own university journey.

“Don’t be afraid to be the first to put your hand up – university is the perfect place to make mistakes and learn from them in a supportive environment. The more you expose yourself to, the more confident and prepared you’ll be once you’re out in the real world.”

She certainly knows what she is talking about and says one of the most valuable opportunities she had through AUT was securing a role at GO Orthotics.

“This job gave me the chance to work closely within the podiatry industry, gaining practical experience in the design and production of 3D-printed orthotics used in clinics across New Zealand. Through this role, I developed a deeper understanding of foot biomechanics and the orthotic manufacturing process, while also building strong connections with many podiatrists. The knowledge and relationships I gained during this time continue to benefit me in my career today. Without AUT, I wouldn’t have known about this opportunity, and I’m incredibly grateful. It played a key role in shaping my professional path and preparing me for life after study.”