Yuan (Peter) Peng
3rd-year student, Bachelor of Business in Finance and Information Systems
The wide range of opportunities available beyond the classroom is what he has enjoyed most about studying at AUT, says Yuan (Peter) Peng who is about to graduate with a Bachelor of Business in Finance and Information Systems.
“There are so many different ways for students to explore their interests and develop themselves, whether that is joining or leading student clubs, taking advantage of AUT's international exchange programmes, or using the Employability Lab to prepare for the workforce. I would say that this abundance of opportunities, and the freedom to explore them, has been one of the most invaluable parts of my AUT experience.
He has certainly made the most of those opportunities, from studying overseas to connecting with industry and gaining practical experience alongside his degree.
“There are many achievements I’m proud of, but if I had to choose two, they would be receiving a scholarship to study at Copenhagen Business School on a student exchange – which was the highlight of my university journey – and having the courage to speak at the AUTSA 60th Anniversary Gala Dinner, in front of approximately 15 tables of guests. Through my information systems courses, I also had opportunities to connect and network with industry professionals. I benefitted from AUT’s partnership with the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), through which I completed a mentorship programme and gained an entry-level professional certification at no cost.
“These experiences allowed me to build connections, develop practical industry knowledge and gain a better understanding of what to expect in the workplace. Having the opportunity to learn directly from industry professionals and gain a recognised certification also helped me stand out when applying for graduate roles. I believe these experiences played a significant part in helping me secure a graduate position in banking, which I’m incredibly excited about. I feel very fortunate to have found an opportunity that allows me to apply both my finance and information systems knowledge. Through the graduate programme, I’ll have the opportunity to rotate across different teams and gain exposure to various areas of banking.”
Supported to thrive
Peter says he was impressed by the flexibility he had to complete his degree, particularly when it came to arranging his courses around his study exchange.
“Because I’m studying both finance and information systems, my course structure was relatively fixed, with certain courses requiring prerequisites that I hadn’t yet completed before going overseas. When I returned from my exchange, I needed to work around these requirements while staying on track to graduate. The faculty office was incredibly supportive and understanding. They worked with me to develop a study plan that would allow me to complete my degree within three years, provided I maintained my academic progress. This experience made me realise that learning at AUT extends beyond the content we study in the classroom. It’s also about developing a practical understanding of how to navigate challenges, adapt to different circumstances and make the most of the opportunities available to us.”
There are a few staff who had a particular impact on him throughout his time at AUT.
“I’d first like to thank Kirsten Lovell from AUT Global and Hellena Lee from the faculty office for their support throughout my exchange journey. My exchange was undoubtedly one of the highlights of my time at AUT. Kirsten was incredibly informative and helpful throughout the process, while Hellena helped me plan my degree by advising which courses I should take overseas and how to structure my studies upon returning to AUT.
“I’d also like to give special thanks to my information systems lecturers, Professor Angsana Techatassanasoontorn and Dr Geri Harris. They’ve been incredibly caring and supportive towards their students, and I’m particularly grateful for the encouragement and opportunities they’ve given me. They helped me extend my learning beyond the classroom by connecting me with industry events, introducing me to the IIBA programme and giving me the opportunity to represent the student voice as part of the programme showcase. Lastly, having spent the past year working with AUTSA as vice president academic, I’d like to thank the entire AUTSA team for their support. CEO Jo Hill and the wider team have made my time in the role an incredibly rewarding experience. Representing student voices, advocating for students and helping address issues across AUT has been a journey I’ll always look back on with appreciation.”
Highly recommended
Peter says he wouldn’t hesitate to choose AUT again if he had the opportunity.
“While I can’t speak for other universities, AUT has offered me a well-rounded experience that extends far beyond the classroom. I’ve particularly appreciated the smaller class environments, which gave me more opportunities to engage with others, speak up and gradually step outside my comfort zone and into my growth zone. If I had the opportunity to start over again, I’d still choose AUT.”
He has some great advice for other students who are at the start of their own university journey.
“Don't be afraid to carve out your own path! You can always listen to and learn from other people's experiences, but ultimately, make decisions that are uniquely yours. I once came across a saying that if everyone in the world were the same, it would be a very boring place. I think there is a lot of truth in that. Embrace what makes you different, make the most of the opportunities around you, and most importantly, enjoy the journey and be yourself.”
