Rachel Stephanie

Digital Marketing & Events Intern, Business North Harbour
Master of Marketing with Distinction

She loved that many of the Master of Marketing assignments reflected what is actually expected in the industry, says Rachel Stephanie who came to AUT as an international student from Indonesia.

“Our assignments included pitching ideas in short, high-pressure five-minute presentations and presenting to real clients. I really appreciated how each course was very distinct in its focus, but at the same time strongly interconnected. It never felt like we were learning things in isolation. I also enjoyed how we were encouraged to explore different formats and tools for our assignments. We worked on creating podcasts with full audio elements, developing video content and building campaign ideas, which made the learning feel very current and relevant. At the same time, we were pushed to continuously develop new technical and practical skills. Another highlight was how quickly AUT recognised the importance of AI and integrated it into the classroom. Instead of avoiding it, we were guided on how to use it responsibly, with clear expectations around ethics and good practice.

“One of my highlights was winning Best Creative Proposal for Mayceys Confectionery during the Marketing Management course. It was really nice to see how much we had grown as a team, especially in developing a comprehensive marketing strategy across both digital and traditional channels. Having the support from the client, who genuinely took our work seriously, made the experience even more meaningful, especially in understanding how to stay true to a brand’s identity. I also had the chance to join AUT’s Shadow a Leader programme where I visited companies like Parkable and Fisher & Paykel Appliances. It was such a valuable opportunity. I also completed the AUT Beyond Award, through which I got to meet new people, join activities I wouldn’t have otherwise considered, and see a completely different side of both New Zealand and myself.”

She says she felt very well-supported from the very beginning of her AUT journey.

“During my admissions process, Angel from the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law made everything feel smooth and manageable, from handling documents to answering all my questions about the visa process. She was always there to help. I also really appreciate Evan Wang, the student immigration advisor at AUT. He guided me through the correct visa process, even though it was very close to the start of my course. Dr Rongmei Zhang also had a big impact on my experience. She constantly tried to equip us with practical skills, brought in guest lecturers and supported students with opportunities outside the classroom. Dr Helene Wilkinson was also incredibly supportive. She is always there for students who need guidance, and you can really feel how much she cares. Her feedback is always detailed, constructive, and very personal, as she really takes the time to understand each student individually.

“I’m also very grateful to the Employability and Careers team. Everyone I met there has been kind, supportive and generous in sharing advice, resources and feedback. People like Shu Wang, Naufa Abdul Sattar, Horowai Broederlow, Dianna Bluck and Diana Bilbrough created a very welcoming environment, especially for me as an international student. They really understood the challenges we face and were always willing to help, which made a big difference in building confidence and feeling supported throughout my journey.”

Supporting local businesses
Rachel – who graduated from AUT at the end of 2025 and is proud of being invited into honours society Beta Gamma Sigma – now enjoys putting her marketing skills to use through her role at Business North Harbour.

“Through this role I can support an organisation that connects and supports local businesses in the North Harbour area of Auckland. We support the community through events, education, and initiatives around sustainability, safety and overall business development. My role involves supporting EDM campaigns, website updates and content management, making sure event information is always up to date and easy to access for members. As a team we plan strategies to promote events through social media and paid advertising like Meta ads, based on our marketing goals and the customer journey.

“It’s been really interesting to see how our daily planning, field visits and client meetings actually build relationships and contribute to how smoothly events run. Everything needs to be considered from different touchpoints to make sure the customer journey is smooth, and engagement and loyalty are maintained. I also get to meet a lot of interesting people and learn about important topics through the events, which I really appreciate. Some initiatives I’ve supported include promoting local restaurants using tools like Google Maps to make information more accessible, as well as events featuring speakers like Chris Hipkins as well as AI-focused sessions with Justin Flitter and others. It feels meaningful because we’re actively helping Auckland’s North Harbour business community stay connected.”

In addition to her role at Business North Harbour, she also enjoys building her experience with large-scale events as part of the New Zealand International Convention Centre’s event support crew.

“I first became aware of this opportunity through a friend. Getting a chance to see inside NZICC for the first time was really cool. The role is very hands-on and has been a great starting point to learn how large-scale events are run, especially in a place like Auckland where major events attract international guests.”

Advice for other students
Having a strong sense of curiosity really makes a difference, Rachel advises other students.

“Curiosity is what helps you not just get through your degree, but actually grow and stand out. You’re here to learn, so make the most of it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, share your thoughts or your doubts with your lecturers. They’re genuinely supportive and want to help, so you’re not doing this alone. With that curiosity, it also means taking your projects seriously. Try to explore things more deeply, look at different perspectives and avoid making assumptions. Be open, and don’t let your own biases limit your thinking. Back up your ideas with research, data and proper references – that’s something that really matters.

“University is also a good opportunity to experiment. It’s a safe space to try different tools, formats and ideas, whether it’s communication styles, editing or AI tools. Think of it as your testing ground before entering the real world. Time management is also important, especially when deadlines start to overlap. It helps to understand your own working style and build good habits early. And if things ever feel overwhelming, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your lecturers are there to help, and support options like the Special Consideration Application (SCA) are really helpful.”

She also has some tips for those dreaming of a marketing career.

“Gaining practical experience is so valuable. It helps you understand how the New Zealand market works and how different groups respond, which can be very different across age groups and backgrounds. Getting involved outside of class, for example by joining the AUT Marketing Club, can be really helpful. It gives you exposure to practical work, new ideas, and opportunities to attend events, workshops and talks where you can learn directly from people in the industry. Networking is also important, even simple conversations can lead to opportunities you didn’t expect.”