Manusa Rai

3rd-year student, Bachelor of Business in Accounting
Diploma in Business

She’s enjoyed the many opportunities to network with industry throughout the year, says Manusa Rai who is studying a Bachelor of Business in Accounting.

“One of the events I particularly enjoyed was the executive mentoring event for accounting tertiary students. This event pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I was able to ask industry professionals all sorts of questions about the roles I’m interested in. This helped me become comfortable with networking, a critical skill across most industries. The Shadow a Leader day was another opportunity I was lucky to attend. Spending the day with BDO New Zealand gave me first-hand experience at an accounting firm and I learned a lot from the partners.”

But these haven’t been the only highlights of her studies so far.

“I’ve enjoyed coming to the AUT City Campus as the facilities are very accessible and well-maintained. AUT also has several resources that have helped me make the most of my time at university, including extensions, clubs and the Employability Lab. The Employability and Careers team has helped me develop my confidence through the workshops they conduct and the countless opportunities they provide, from volunteering experiences to career expos. I’m proud of the grades I’ve maintained at AUT with the help of my lecturers and study group, and I’ve appreciated that AUT has enabled me to balance my courses and tailor my schedule to my needs.”

Choosing AUT
Deciding to come to AUT for her studies was easy, says Manusa, who grew up in Nepal and previously lived in Singapore before coming to New Zealand as an international student.

“I started my studies with a Diploma in Business and then moved into the second year of the Bachelor of Business in Accounting because I’ve always enjoyed numbers and analysis. The programme also involved workplace experience in my final year, which caught my eye. When I researched different universities, AUT stood out to me for its diverse profile of students. With my international background, I felt that I would be well-supported, not just in my studies but also in my overall development.”

Now in the final year of her studies, she already has a good idea how she sees her future after graduation.

“After I graduate, I’d love to become a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) and work in private accounting for biomedical engineering firms. The intersectionality of biomedical engineering in creating modern solutions to healthcare problems excites me and I’d love to be part of this line of work. It's my way of remaining connected to my previous interest in the healthcare industry before I decided on accounting.”

Advice for other students
Expecting to graduate from AUT in 2027, Manusa has some great advice for other students who are only at the start of their own university journey.

“My advice is to take up any opportunity that comes your way while you’re at university.”

She wouldn’t hesitate to recommend AUT to other students.

“I’d recommend studying at AUT because of the environment the university offers. The people you meet while studying at AUT – your classmates, lecturers and other staff – are one of a kind and they make the AUT experience super lively. I’ve appreciated that AUT emphasises both career development and personal development, supporting students on their journeys as they grow.”