Sneha Ganesh
Groups, Meetings & Events Coordinator, Hilton Lake Taupo, Taupō
Bachelor of Arts in Global Tourism and Event Management
Deciding to study at AUT in Auckland was easy for her, says Sneha Ganesh who came to AUT as an international student from India to study a Bachelor of Arts in Global Tourism and Event Management.
“I’ve always wanted to travel the world. When researching degrees in tourism, New Zealand was one of the first countries that popped up in my research, and AUT was the first uni. I still remember the first picture I saw of AUT, and was immediately drawn to the infrastructure. When I saw that AUT offered a Global Tourism major and read about the choices of the courses, I knew I wanted to go to AUT.”
It's a decision she certainly hasn’t regretted, and she thoroughly enjoyed her time at AUT.
“The highlight of studying at AUT was the opportunity to connect with the industry. I had the opportunity to work with the New Zealand International Convention Centre team for one of my courses. I also interned at Tourism New Zealand as part of my workplace experience. These experiences as part of my programme gave me the opportunity to work closely with the industry. Just before graduation I received the AUT Edge Award after completing a number of volunteering hours and leadership hours, and developing my career skills through workshops. I was also fortunate to receive a scholarship in my first year, and another one for my semester-long student exchange in the UK in my second year.
“I was incredibly fortunate to learn from many amazing staff members. I had so many amazing lecturers that I immensely respected and believed in. The ones who stood out the most were Professor Alison McIntosh, Dr Brielle Gillovic and Diego Silveira. They were incredibly supportive, gave me constructive feedback and advice that I will apply in all aspects of my life, and made me into the person I am today. They’re the people I look up to, not just for their knowledge but also for who they are as human beings. I’m also very grateful to the Employability and Careers team who helped me hone my career skills and helped me get my first full-time job in the field I studied and hoped to move into.”
The best of both worlds
After graduating from AUT at the end of 2025, Sneha has now moved to Taupō, in the middle of New Zealand’s North Island, where she works as the groups, meetings & events coordinator for luxury hotel Hilton Lake Taupo.
“What I enjoy most about my role at Hilton Lake Taupo is working with different people to plan and coordinate events. As someone who enjoys working with people and all things organisation, this role gives me the best of both worlds.”
She says her AUT degree prepared her well for her role now.
“I didn’t anticipate the amount of networking in the New Zealand work culture. But my time at AUT helped me prepare for this and enabled me to make positive connections in my industry.”
Advice for other students
Sneha’s advice for other AUT students is simple: make the most of it.
“No matter what you’re studying, there are opportunities everywhere. If you don’t like stepping out of your comfort zone, look for opportunities based on what you love and go for it!”
She also has some guidance for those interested in a career in tourism or event management.
“My field is one of the most exciting and practical fields that exists. It will allow me to create experiences, meet people, experience different cultures and, in many cases, travel – in my opinion, the best one of all the opportunities.”
