Alumni

Management graduates can be found in a broad range of occupations, in both the public and private sectors. Some graduates speak about their current work and how studies in Management have prepared them for their respective careers. Other profiles can be found here.

The Department has a Facebook page where you can keep in touch with what we are up to, and a group of former students who survived the 'Ponderosa' negotiation exercise run by Ian McAndrew in MANT343 also have a page.

The University of Otago remains in regular contact with more than 75,000 alumni living throughout New Zealand and the rest of the world. Alumni are resident in more than 130 countries with the largest numbers (outside New Zealand) in Australia, United Kingdom, Malaysia, and USA and Canada.

The University values an ongoing relationship with its alumni. It hosts a programme of functions for alumni in cities around the world and keeps in touch through the University of Otago Magazine which is published three times each year. Check out the alumni pages.

Imogene Bell
BCom(Hons)(2008)
LLB(2008)

  Since February 2009, I have been in Wellington working for Telecom New Zealand. After a six month intensive recruitment process in 2008, I was fortunate to gain a place in Telecom’s Graduate Leadership Development Programme.

After completing a double degree in Commerce and Law, I was after a graduate role that provided ongoing training and development, large scale projects, and diversity within a corporate environment. Telecom provides a structured graduate programme that rotates graduates around four different roles within two years. With exposure to a variety of disciplines, Telecom has provided me with both legal and business rotations.

Currently, I am in a commercial strategy role within Telecoms Technology & Enterprise segment, exposing me to a wide range of people across all of Telecoms business units, which has been invaluable. The project I am working currently working on has allowed me to gain experience in a broad range of areas, such as Legal, Procurement and Finance. Furthermore, I have been interacting with a number of international vendors, and have had the opportunity for some overseas travel, which is always exciting!

In beginning my career with Telecom, I realised how valuable my studies at Otago University have been. Not only did my credentials gain myself a place in a competitive graduate programme, but also my theory and practical experience gained through studying has assisted me in the workplace. Employers enjoy the ‘fresh’ perspective that graduates can offer, due to their recent engagement in learning and study. Studying Management at Otago enabled me to gain a wide breadth of knowledge and experience, which has enabled me to successfully adapt and contribute to Telecoms success.

Brad Jones
BCom(1996)

G'day, I completed my Bachelor of Commerce in 1996.  Soon after, I packed a bag and moved to Brisbane, Australia finding work as a Sales Representative for the then Schweppes Cottee's.

Since then, I have held various management roles and witnessed the acquisition of new brands and businesses, the amalgamation of Cadbury and Schweppes, and the eventual sale by Cadbury of Schweppes to Asahi Breweries.  Currently, I am the State Sales Operations Manager of South Australia and the Northern Territory, after accepting the role and moving to Adelaide in 2009.  I manage a team of 27 people servicing Supermarkets, Service Stations, Convenience Stores, Hotels, Sporting Clubs and Takeaways.  We have a broad range of brands including Pepsi, Schweppes, Gatorade, Spring Valley Juice, Monster Energy and Fiji Water turning over $110 million per annum in South Australia alone.

My time at the University of Otago was both exciting and challenging.  Balancing study as well as the all important social side of Otago taught me valuable lessons for my career.  At Schweppes, no two days are the same so time and people (personality) management are critical to our ongoing success.

I credit the time between school and a career with the management skills I've required to progress through this organisation and contribute to it's overall success.

Naomi Aporo
MBus(2008)
BCom(2007)

I completed my Master of Business (MBus) in February 2008 and began work as an Ernst and Young graduate in March 2008. Ernst and Young is a global leader in assurance, tax and advisory services employing over 130,000 people internationally. My role is within the Wellington Advisory service line and, more specifically, within Business Risk Advisory.

Since starting with Ernst and Young I have had the opportunity to work for a broad range of clients within both the public and private sectors. In particular I have worked for businesses operating within the health, education, transport, energy, agriculture, and telecommunications industries. I have also had the opportunity to work for a number of Maori businesses.

My role within risk advisory requires me to review and analyse different business processes, from relatively generic financial processes, to industry and business specific processes in areas such as supply chain management, human resource management, project implementation and legislative and regulatory compliance. The great thing about what I do (aside from travelling around the country) is that it provides the opportunity to gain insight and experience in many different areas of business while having hands on interaction with the people ‘on the shop floor’ who make it all happen. Because of this, no two reviews are ever the same.

Studying Management at Otago not only gave me an understanding of the dynamic nature of organisational behaviour, but also enabled me to develop specific skills related to strategic management, operations management and human resource management which made me an ideal candidate for job at Ernst & Young. During my first six months of working I have found that the knowledge and skills I gained studying Management have given me the confidence to actively engage with different businesses and to think creatively in ways that my company can potentially add value to our clients’ business processes. I have no doubt that the practical skills I gained during my Management degree have been instrumental in getting my career of the ground and will continue to be a great asset in the future.

John Stevenson
BCom(Hons)(2006)

I am employed as the Employee Relations Coordinator within the Code of Conduct Team at Police National Headquarters in Wellington. We are a small, but pivotal team leading the implementation of considerable change to Police disciplinary and performance management systems in response to the Commission of Inquiry into Police Conduct.

My role within Police is quite diverse; currently I have just finished coordinating a nationwide advertising campaign for recruiting 13 training managers, am organising consultation with 10,000+ staff on the new Code of Conduct, and am involved in devising new training packages and methods to raise awareness within Police about the Code of Conduct. My role also involves providing advice and guidance on the new disciplinary processes and dealing with other employment relations issues.

As a wide-eyed student straight out of college I had little idea of what I wanted to study when entering university. The diversity of Otago's Management degree has prepared me to deal with the wide range of issues encountered when working for an organisation as large and diverse as New Zealand Police, and the critical thinking skills emphasized by Otago staff are particularly beneficial in my current role which requires creative approaches to new challenges.

In general, the skills I gained from studying Management at Otago and flatting in Dunedin have well-equipped me for the job market, enabling me to pick up a coveted job inside a large organisation with many opportunities. The practical assignments often employed by Management staff allow skills to be easily transferred to the workplace, overall creating a challenging but rewarding study environment. I strongly recommend studying Management at Otago to students interested in going places with their degree!!

Stephen Geddes
MBus(2001)
BCom(1999)

Being a student, or being around students has been my life for over 10 years, after spending 4 ½ very enjoyable years completing my BCom and MBus in Management I spent a year in Japan teaching English. When I first returned to New Zealand I worked for Telford Rural Polytechnic, firstly in a student recruitment role, and then later as the polytechnic’s Marketing Manager. I’m confident that my Management degrees gave me the edge when applying for both positions. As Marketing Manager I developed and implemented marketing initiatives that would later lead to record student enrolments.

After my time at Telford I returned to the University of Otago, not as a student, but as a member of staff - firstly with the Otago MBA and then in my current role as the School of Business’s Marketing and Communications Coordinator. My role is quite varied - one day I may be writing press releases or coordinating the design and production of marketing collateral, while on another managing on or off-campus promotional activities.

So how has my time at Otago helped me? The question should really be how hasn’t it helped! As a student studying management and other commerce papers you acquire skills and knowledge that can be applied to so many situations. Your degree is crucial in securing that all important first job, from which point you can begin to develop your own reputation and ultimately your career. Otago’s reputation certainly helps its grads kick-start their careers in the best possible way.

Would I study Management again? You betcha!

Hadleigh Mess
MBus(2005)
BCom(2004)

The current environment within the fuels retailing sector is an immensely challenging, dynamic and competitive place. For almost 3 years I have worked for a management company (Forrest Holdings Ltd) specializing in the effective operation of nine Shell service stations in the Christchurch and Ashburton area. 

As General Manager of Forrest Holdings Ltd, I am responsible for the effective day to day operation of the business, along with the longer term viability and profitability in an ever increasingly competitive marketplace.

In the beginning my role was focused on Operational and HR areas within the business, but increasing experience and development has allowed me to progress to the position of General Manager which has a much broader focus on the business as a whole. Whilst there are ever increasing challenges of a role such as this, the rewards of knowing that you are successfully controlling a dynamic business are well worth it. 

The company as a whole has developed and evolved significantly since we began in 2005. Understanding the systems that allow for control over the business, identifying, training and managing the people on the ground to ensure these systems are utilized has been a significant challenge to say the least. Currently we have a sound business structure with a positive culture among the people who make the business tick. 

Looking back, Department of Management allowed me to not only gain a foothold in a progressive and challenging business, it has ultimately led to a Senior Management position, as it provided the necessary tools to succeed in a competitive environment such as this.

It provided a great array of courses that focused on both the theoretical and practical nature of many of the issues that are faced within my role. I believe that the postgraduate studies undertaken provided the tools not only to cope within the workplace but excel!

Stephen Bradley
MBus(2001)
LLB(2000)
BCom(1999)

People skills, research skills and the desire to challenge convention and think that little bit laterally were the skills the Management Department helped me foster...the outcome of these skills a diverse, rewarding and exciting career to date.

Having graduated with my Masters of Business, I moved into the completely unrelated field of television and sports statistics and graphics. My research, communication and presentation skills, alongside the ability to lead and organise a team had me working as the Head of Sports for Dunedin's Animation Research Limited. During my time with this stellar New Zealand company, I have worked at the Americas Cup Yachting, lead teams in India and Sri Lanka working on cricket and covered golf events in Europe and America. The need to keep challenging and redefining our products made this role enjoyable and stimulating.

When the travel and jet-setting lifestyle became a little too much it was time to return to my core skills of human resource management and employment law. My Masters Degree and excellent training from the Management Department allowed me to land a job with another New Zealand icon, AJ Hackett Bungy. Two years working as the National HR Manager was an incredibly rewarding time. The tourism industry is fast and furious and it was an absolute privilege to work with this terrific company.

Today I am the National HR Manager for a private Healthcare provider and challenge myself on a daily basis to deliver the best to our organisation and our staff. The skills, confidence and colleagues I gained from my time in the Management Department have helped made this exciting career possible. Today (many years later) the Department provides me with a support network to continue developing and achieving. As for what's next who knows, but I'm sure it will be exciting and rewarding.

Kate Logan
MBus(2000)
BA(2000)
BCom(1999)

I have just returned home to New Zealand after 5 years of 'OE' and to my delight, I have been approached by a number of companies offering a variety of roles - from a Lead Six Sigma Black Belt through to a Customer Experience Manager! I have decided to go with Genesis Energy as it involves working in a sector that impacts all New Zealanders, the role will stretch me, and the company is big on doing the right thing.

So what am I doing you may ask - well I work as their Product Development Executive. I am accountable for developing and driving the implementation of products and services that differentiates Genesis Energy in the market and increases revenue and the lifetime value of our customers.

In terms of my background - after graduating I trained to be a professional golfer, next I moved to the UK and decided to use my qualifications to move into the world of business. I worked for a large utility called Centrica. Over the course of four years I progressed within the company and held a variety of roles and responsibilities, including:

• managing the support functions and personnel of a contract worth over 160 million dollars annually - which involved reporting to Members of the Scottish Parliament and their civil service body
• managing 125 call centre staff where we improved our overall customer service significantly,
• leading a team that remoeved 9 million dollars worth of costs within the organisation by re-engineering operational processes using six sigma, and
• designing and implementing a self-financing bonus scheme for Engineers that meant that more people earned a bonus by improving the customer experience and reducing their costs.

It is fair to say that Otago University provided me with an awesome space to grow, learn, challenge and reinforced my inquisitive nature. I took subjects that I found interesting in the hope that if I kept studying stuff that interested me I would end up working in similar stuff... and it has all worked out! Management (and the people within the department) challenged me to think and behave strategically and to appreciate that this 'high level' positioning could not actually happen without having a good grasp of the 'granular' art / science of 'getting stuff done through others'. It gave me a number of tools that I have used within my career and many of the people I met provided a great degree of support and humour through my studies but continue to be part of my life through my business network. Invaluable!

Simon Owen
MBus(2005)
BCom(2003)

I am currently working for Greenslades Ltd, a Dunedin based investment firm that specialises in tailored Portfolio Management. My first role in the firm was as the firms NZX Operator. This entailed executing orders live on the New Zealand stock exchange, sourcing stock and generally helping to keep client advisors informed of any market happenings. After 12 months in this role I moved on to a Broker Assistant role where I have studied to become an NZX Associate Advisor. While tasks in this job are varied I spend most my time in contact with clients and assisting in the management of their portfolios.

I did not expect to end up in the Finance industry when I finished my studies within the Management department. But then again I did not expect to encounter realistic job opportunities within the Logistics and Education fields either. Herein lies the beauty of a Management qualification; I came out not only with a widely recognised degree but also the ability to prove I had a range of skills that a lot of employers are looking for.

When I look back at my time within the Management department, I take great satisfaction from two opportunities I was encouraged to take up. The first was post-graduate study through a Master of Business. Within this programme, we as students were encouraged to think beyond textbooks and to explore ideas in a manner that could be translated into real life situations. The second opportunity I took up was an International Exchange to the Copenhagen Business School. Like attending Otago University this was rewarding both socially and academically and I encourage anyone with a keen sense of adventure to visit the International Office to find out more.

All in all, if you are someone who enjoys studying alongside people who actively support your learning and are keen to have a laugh along the way, the Management department would have to be your first stop.

Brian Casey
BCom(Hons)(2005)
BSc Physics(2002)

I am currently a Finance Graduate for Fonterra, New Zealand's largest Dairy cooperative, and part of their two year graduate recruitment programme consisting of four, six month rotations around the business.

My first major project has been to synchronise the various product costing models on each of Fonterra's twenty three main product sites in New Zealand. This role has placed me at Whareroa, Hawera in Taranaki for my first rotation. The synchronisation process involves juggling the concerns of various stakeholders throughout the sites with best practice models and the desire to formulate business as usual practices.

During my time at Otago I studied both management and physics. This equipped me with a useful blend of skills I now apply daily in my work managing the difference between the operations and financial sides of Fonterra’s business. An important element in this set of skills was my participation in business case study competitions. These not only allowed me to experience the challenges organisations face in today’s business landscape, they also gave me the opportunity to travel the world and are directly responsible for my recruitment by Fonterra. The support the department of management has given me through my degree and competition successes both domestically and internationally has been a huge compliment to the school of business and the staff. In the future I plan to remain in contact with the department and can encourage any students thinking of studying management to seize the opportunity.

Hamish Elliott
MBus(2004)
DipGrad (2004)
BCom(2002)

I am currently a Policy Analyst for the Ministry of Economic Development in Wellington, where my work is predominantly strategy focused. I have developed and implemented the Ministry’s performance monitoring system of the Electricity Commission, and continue to work with the Commission in ensuring its operations and strategic direction are aligned with Government policy. I have undertaken a major project looking strategically at roading and utility infrastructure issues, where I have worked with industry, and local and central government to develop improvement strategies, and legislative remedies. I am also in a strategic-level team working to create a strategy and tools for leading a ‘whole of government’ approach to economic development.

One of the most complex issues facing organisations today is achieving alignment and fit between strategy and operations. During my time at Otago I studied operations management, organisational behaviour, and strategic management, where I developed the skills of organisational analysis and diagnosis that are so important for me now in navigating through the complexities of organisational structure and strategy. My study at postgraduate level taught me how to critically analyse and interpret issues, break them down into key factors, develop solutions, and provide succinct, effective, and pragmatic recommendations. I use these skills every day in my work!

My Otago Management degrees have proven to give me a competitive advantage in the graduate market. Employers view the Otago School of Business and the Department of Management as providing world class education! Everyone in the strategy and economic development fields rave about the work of Prof. Colin Campbell Hunt, CANZ, and the Otago Competitiveness Research Network in understanding and developing New Zealand’s competitiveness!

Dr Jodyanne Kirkwood
BCom(Hons)
MCom
PhD(Otago)

I am a senior lecturer in the Management Department, teaching innovation management, entrepreneurship and operations management. After completing my masters at Otago I worked as a Policy Advisor at the Ministry of Commerce in Wellington. There, in my role with the Radio Spectrum Management group, I was project manager for the world’s first internet auction of radio spectrum. After gaining some work experience, I decided to return to Otago to complete a PhD in entrepreneurship, and work as an Assistant Lecturer.

After finishing my PhD, I decided on an academic career in the Management Department. Now I have been lecturing for over 6 years and enjoy the academic life – being able to research what I am passionate about is a great part of being a lecturer, and I have a number of research interests, such as small-medium enterprises, entrepreneurship, and women entrepreneurs and succession planning. Living in Dunedin is a great lifestyle, and I also get to travel to international conferences on a regular basis to present my research. I have been able to maintain my links with Government by working as a consultant - most recently to the Ministry of Women’s Affairs on a project on Women in Enterprise. Why not consider staying on, or returning to the Management Department as an academic?

Caroline M Short
PGDipCom (2005)
BCom (2005)
BSc (2003)

I am currently a graduate cadet at Mainfreight-Owens International, the international arm of the highly successful Mainfreight Group. Their graduate programme gives me the opportunity to gain an overview of the business, through a structured, two year programme, consisting of four, six month modules.

The Management Department provided me with the opportunity to seek out my field of interest and pursue it with passion. The lecturers provided me with the support to explore and extend my knowledge within the Operations Management field. As part of the post-graduate team, the variety and intensity of the course encouraged the extension of not only my written and analytical skills, but my confidence in my own ideas and the desire to push the boundaries. It is these skills which keep me fresh, and appealed to my employers.

Richard Cassidy
BCom(2002)

I am currently working for New Zealand Post on their graduate programme within the Letters Sales Team. My job is all about keeping our major letters clients happy, making sure New Zealand Post is aligned with their entire communication needs, as well as being on the coal face or the person with all the answers.

During my time at Otago, I focused on Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations. The ability to communicate effectively to a wide range of audiences is a skill that regular tutorial presentations helped me to develop during my time at Otago and a skill that is very important, every day in my job. Studying Management at Otago has given me a huge head start into my career and I would recommend Management studies to anyone who also wants to kick-start their career.

Paula Rose
PGDipCom(2001)
BCom(1999)

I attended Otago as a part-time student and graduated with a BCom in Management in 1999. As a mature student I was intitially a little daunted by the whole idea of university study but found the Management Department friendly and supportive. As part of my degree, I elected to complete four 200 level papers because of the high level relevance to the workplace. I have never regretted this decision. The lectures were interesting and tutorials provided opportunities to apply theory to practice, which I found particularly important.

My current position is Senior Research Officer with the NZ Police, working in Wellington. A significant reason for securing this position was not just a tertiary qualification, but one in management from a reputable university. I have studied at other tertiary providers but my heart belongs to Otago. If you want the chance to undertake a challenging degree that will help secure excellent employment opportunities, pick managment at Otago.

Senta Jehle-Goldsmith
BCom(Hons)(2002)
BA (2000)

I am currently working as the Administration Manager for a research group at the Wellington School of Medicine. I spend my days managing the 3 plus projects we have going at any one time, managing contracts, accounts and liaising with clients, both nationally and internationally.

Initially I took Management papers as interest papers while completing my BA, however, I soon became interested in pursuing a commerce degree. My main areas of focus during my four years with the Management department were international business and communication.

Working with an international team and clients I am constantly employing cross-cultural comunication skills. Research skills learnt both, as a student and a research assistant have also been an asset in this position as awareness of the biotechnology environment shapes the group's long-term strategy. My University of Otago management degree has helped me to hit the ground running and rearing to go in a field, which requires constant multi-tasking and flexibility.

Jo Fleming
BCom(Hons)(1999)

My role is Business Manager for the Financial Markets Team within the Business Banking division of Barclays PLC, London. Financial Markets provides Banking and Finance solutions to Asset, Securitisation, Structured Finance, Insurance and Financial Institutions whose turnover is above £10m per annum.

My current role entails an extensive remit including team and performance management, recruitment of senior executives, control of the cost centre and the overview of communication, internal events and client hospitality.

Earning my degree has led to a diverse and incredibly interesting career both in New Zealand and London. Immediately following University, it served as an introduction for my appointment as Head of Research for a boutique executive search firm. The impressive range of papers available in the Department of Management developed an in-depth understanding of a number of issues in the business world, and the friends I made provided support through my degree and are now an invaluable network of business contacts. But most importantly, the staff provoked intense discussions which developed our ability to rationalise, analyse and construct articulate arguments; skills which have carried me through my career.

Ron Bull
BCom(1999)

I am of Kai Tahu descent from Oraka on the south coast of Te Wai Pounamu. I am currently working as Kaitakawaeka Mäori (Mäori Community Liaison Officer) with the University.

I came to university as a 'mature' student and decided that I would study for a BCom in management because I loved telling people what to do! I studied organisational behaviour and theory, focusing on organisational power structures and why people do things. I soon found that good managers have two ears and one mouth (so much for being the boss!) My management degree has given me many skills that are easily transferred to the workplace. These include communication, critical thinking, analytical skills and the ability to relate to and better understand people, myself included.

The subjects that I chose, both in and outside of the Management department, allowed me to design a degree with components that are unique to me and where I want to go in life. I am now studying management at a post-graduate level with the view of working in policy development and implementation on either an Iwi or national level.

Whaia te iti kahuraki, strive to suceed.

David Tapp
PGDipCom (1995)
BCom (1994)

My role as the Dunedin City Council Customer & Information Services Manager involves managing the DCC Customer Service Agency, the Dunedin I-SITE Visitor Centre, the City of Dunedin website as well as the DCC information management teams. My role has managerial responsibility for 67 staff.

I have enjoyed being involved in a broad variety of positions both here and overseas which include roles in: the financial services industry (in both New Zealand and overseas), National Mutual New Zealand included working in marketing, training, process improvement, and project management roles in transformational change programmes. Roles in AXA Australia included working in IS strategy and planning, programme management, quality improvement, call centre management and customer service management.

I believe that studying at the Otago School of Business set me up well in my career, not just in terms of helping me to find an excellent graduate role, but also in the fact that I was able to draw on a lot of learnings from these studies and put them into day to day professional practice.

I would highly recommend the Management Department of the School of Business - an excellent place to further your studies and enhance your career prospects!

Brent Wilson
BCom(1993)

Brent was Business Development Officer & International Relations Officer for the Dunedin City Council.

Operations has been really useful in providing a framework for understanding and developing solutions to challenges ion industry and production. Industrial Relations gave me a good understanding of how negotiations are structured. Generally my Management degree has helped to provide me with a framework and discipline for researching, structuring and writing my ideas.

Stephanie McFarlane
BCom(1997)

Stephanie is currently Account Support Representative in Corporate Sales at Clear Communications.

The Management papers at Otago gave me an overall view and understanding of employees' behaviour and hot best to motivate them from a management perspective. They are an excellent tool in displaying to a student a 'simple model' of an organisation and how each department - and the people within that department - interact on a professional level. They are also of great assistance to myself when I am in contact with my customers on a face-to-face basis.

Michele Lloyd
BCom(1988)

Michele is currently a Manager in the Macro Economic Policy Section of The Treasury.

The theories I studied in Organisation Theory have helped me considerable in understanding how Government works and the constraints and opportunities presented by the way it is organised. These ideas also help me to understand the way Treasury works and how I can manage successfully in it. For example, being aware of implicit, inherent stereotypes enables me to act more in accordance with EEO principles in my role as manager.