Schweizer Setyawan
2nd-year student, Bachelor of Business in Accounting with a minor in Data Analytics for Business
He chose AUT because it’s known for its practical and interactive classes, says Schweizer Setyawan who came to AUT as an international student from Indonesia to study accounting.
“This approach suited my learning style, and I’m glad that my experience here has exceeded my expectations, especially the amount of support I get in my studies as well as outside of it. I’ve particularly enjoyed how the smaller workshop class sizes mean that I can get more personalised support. The many opportunities to connect with industry have also been very valuable to my experience. One example of this is the Shadow a Leader day, where I spent a day with a senior leader from Deloitte and gained useful insights into how he was able to transfer the skills he learned from professional rugby into professional accountancy.”
Expecting to graduate from AUT in 2027, he already has a good idea of how he sees his future after graduation.
“I was inspired to study accounting by my father, who was an accountant himself and was able to build a global career from the foundations he learned from studying accounting. When I graduate, I’d love to be involved in the external auditing field because, based on the conversations I had, working as an auditor will enable me to learn a lot from the clients and managers I meet. Additionally, I’d love to work towards my professional accountancy registration, whether that would be through CA or CPA.”
Opportunities outside the classroom
In addition to his studies, Schweizer is also making the most of the opportunities outside of the classroom.
“I’m most proud of being selected as one of the co-presidents of the AUT Accounting Association. Since I started this role, I’ve been surprised by how much AUT and the business staff encourage and support club organisations. The faculty engagement team organises monthly club meetings to discuss what each club plans to do and how the team can help them, from reaching out to external firms, membership listings to marketing events through their various channels. I didn’t expect that there would be this much support.”
Being part of the AUT student ambassador team has been another highlight for him.
“The student ambassadors I met greatly supported me during my first year at AUT, especially during orientation, and throughout the year with the RUOK advisors. It made such an impact on me that it inspired me to join as a student ambassador in my second year. That’s when I was introduced to Vibhuti Patel and Sereima Dulakiverata, who have led the student ambassadors with great leadership and have given me more opportunities to give back to the AUT community.”
Advice for other students
Schweizer has some great advice for other students.
“My advice is to always go outside of your comfort zone as that allows you to grow and develop your character the most. But to take that first step, I suggest doing this with a friend, so you can learn and push yourselves together.”
He wouldn’t hesitate to recommend AUT to others.
“I’d very much recommend studying at AUT, especially for international students. As an international student myself, I’m very grateful for the help I received regarding my visa, as well as the welcoming presence that helped me integrate into New Zealand culture.”
