Thin Thiri Khit
Master of Laws student
Bachelor of Laws
Law has always been a passion-filled interest of hers, says Thin Thiri Khit (Khit) who came to AUT as an international student from Myanmar to study a Bachelor of Laws.
“I was intrigued with both prosecution and defence and wanted to learn more about what happens when the law isn’t followed, and how the law can be used to protect the vulnerable. I was told that law is a hard degree to obtain but I knew anything hard would be worth the hustle and would open endless doors of opportunities. I chose AUT because of the modern and practical aspect that many other universities don’t offer: the workshops.
“Attending classes, particularly the workshops, was a highlight of my bachelor’s degree as there were various discussions between us students and the lecturers. I also enjoyed chatting with the lecturers about my studies and about struggling with being away from home as an international student. I also loved the study areas in the library – motivating, fun and such an inviting space!”
She had a number of highlights throughout the four years of her Bachelor of Laws.
“The AUT Law Students’ Society (AUTLSS) ran many law competitions I took part in – mooting, negotiations, client interviewing – all necessary and useful in my law career. Through these experiences I learned the soft skills the courses couldn’t teach. They were also great opportunities to network with peers and judges from law firms and other organisations. I was proud of receiving the Kuddus Shield as AUT’s Most Improved Mooter, being named Champion for the Bell Gully Junior Moot, and of being a finalist in the Buddle Findlay Senior Negotiations and a semi-finalist for the Bell Gully Senior Moot and the Chapman Tripp Junior Negotiations. In my final year, I was the vice-president of AUTLSS and the AUT Mooting Society, participated in the Shadow a Leader programme and was part of the Dentons Kensington Swan Mentorship Programme.”
A dream come true
After completing her Bachelor of Laws in 2021, Khit chose to stay in Auckland, where she began to build her legal career and settle into life in New Zealand. Over time, she established herself professionally and became a New Zealand permanent resident.
“Managing the legal function alone at a nationwide company was a dream of mine from day one, and I got to live it when I joined ABC Business Sales Limited as the sole legal counsel and compliance officer.
“In this role, I enjoyed being the primary point of contact for everything related to legal and compliance, being embedded into the business and influencing the leadership team’s decisions.”
But her AUT journey was far from over, and in 2025 she returned to AUT to enrol in a Master of Laws, specialising in corporate and commercial law. Expecting to finish her master’s degree later this year, she is now busy planning her next career move.
Advice for other students
Khit has some great advice for other students who are only at the start of their own university journey.
“Prep for your classes, so that when you attend the classes you get to discuss the issues with the lecturers or your peers without feeling lost. At times it will be hard, but it’s so worth it when you’re walking on stage at your graduation. Hard work pays off!”
She also has some specific advice related to a career in law.
“There is more than one pathway you can take with a law degree. All pathways differ, and you choose how you want to get to where you want to go. Truly, endless opportunities await.”
