Lily Welsford
Advisor Assistant, Forsyth Barr, Christchurch
Master of Applied Finance with Distinction
For Lily Welsford, discovering her passion for finance wasn’t entirely straightforward, but she says enrolling in the Master of Applied Finance was one of the best decisions she has ever made.
“I chose to study finance after completing my bachelor’s degree and struggling to find career opportunities that truly excited me. It was a challenging period; I questioned whether I had studied the right thing and even felt like I had wasted time. A mentor encouraged me to explore new options and to pursue something that genuinely sparked my interest.
“Finance was a field I hadn’t been exposed to in high school, but after school I learned more about it and became fascinated by the finance world. I was initially encouraged to pursue postgraduate study elsewhere, but the prerequisite requirements would have significantly delayed my start. When I discovered that AUT welcomed students from diverse academic backgrounds into the Master of Applied Finance, I immediately felt encouraged. After speaking with AUT, I applied and moved from Christchurch to Auckland within a couple weeks to begin studying. It was fast-paced and a big leap, but AUT’s inclusive and supportive environment made it possible to transition into a completely new field with confidence.”
She says she appreciated how interactive and connected the learning experience at AUT was.
“The lectures were discussion-based, collaborative and engaging. The academic staff genuinely cared about students’ understanding and success, always ensuring we had the support we needed. But one of the biggest highlights was the strong sense of community within my class. Our cohort came from a wide range of backgrounds, which made discussions richer and more insightful. Because the programme was highly interactive with in-class lectures, we built close relationships quickly. Those friendships became one of my most valued university experiences.
“For me, the applied project was a standout part of the programme. We researched a specific company and had guest speakers from relevant industries present to us. Hearing directly from them brought real-world context to our learning. The support extended beyond lecturers. The AUT Investment Club played a significant role in my development. Through both the club and our coursework, we were regularly introduced to professionals across the finance industry. That exposure to industry professionals was invaluable and helped me better understand the variety of opportunities within finance.”
Transitioning from study to career
After completing her studies earlier this year, she has now returned to Christchurch where she is working as an advisor assistant at Forsyth Barr.
“As an advisor assistant at Forsyth Barr, I support financial advisors and their clients by managing client queries, monitoring and maintaining investment portfolios, and assisting with share transactions. The role provides a strong foundation in understanding financial markets, client relationships and portfolio management in a real-world setting.”
What she values most about her role is the culture of continuous growth and development.
“Forsyth Barr invests heavily in its people and encourages ongoing learning. I’m constantly exposed to market insights, strategic thinking and client-focused decision-making. The team is incredibly supportive and welcoming, and there’s a strong emphasis on professional development. Being in an environment where learning is encouraged and opportunities for progression are clear has made the transition from study to career both exciting and rewarding.”
Advice for other students
Lily – who is proud of receiving top student awards for her international financial management and sustainable finance classes – has some great advice for other students who are considering returning to study.
“Don’t be afraid to start fresh. Changing direction can feel daunting, but it can also be the most empowering decision you make. It’s completely okay to begin a degree without prior knowledge. The support from lecturers and peers at AUT makes a huge difference. Trust yourself, stay open-minded and be willing to put in the work. Growth often happens outside your comfort zone.”
Take full advantage of the networking opportunities AUT provides, she adds.
“Attend guest lectures, join clubs like the AUT Investment Club and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a coffee or a conversation – people are often more willing to help than you expect. Those early connections can open doors and provide clarity about where you want to go. In finance especially, relationships and initiative matter.”
