Melanie Sparks
Bachelor of Design
Victoria University offered three really appealing design courses for me to choose from to major in. My first year allowed me to experience a mixture of them all and it was my passion for the outdoors that made me decide on landscape rather than interior or industrial design to continue on with as my major. The week after my graduation ceremony gaining a Bachelor of Design majoring in Landscape Architecture, I started full-time employment with Earthwork Landscape Architects. Not only am I able to liaise directly with clients to discuss their design needs, I also have the opportunity to put down on paper my creative ideas and see my design come to life, which is certainly one of the most rewarding aspects of my job. I’m lucky to have entered a small company which has allowed me to experience many aspects that I may not have had a chance to, had I entered a larger firm. Although I am relatively new to the company, I am already designing my own projects, starting to see clients, and in charge of site surveying. Every project we work on is different, from size, location and requirements. Every one has its own challenges and it always proves to be exciting to come up with something new each time. It’s great to see the excitement from the clients, and the anticipation they have for the project to be built.
Sam Huckstep
Bachelor of Teaching and Bachelor of Commerce and Administration
Victoria offers a conjoint joint degree programme in teaching and commerce. This was perfect for me because I have a keen interest in the business world and also want to make a difference in the lives of children. The BTeach programme provided plenty of teaching experience and really prepared me for my first teaching role. While studying I worked as a peer-tutor and a teacher-aide, and at an after-school care centre. Once I graduated with a Bachelor of Teaching and a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration, I felt more than ready to start teaching. I am currently teaching business studies, accounting and economics at a secondary school in Wellington (Hutt International Boys School). I really enjoy getting to know the students and working with them to help them achieve their goals. For me, the best thing about teaching is waking up everyday and actually wanting to go to work. As well as the teaching, I like being part of a dedicated staff and getting involved with other school activities, such as coaching sports teams and helping with school events.
Tara Morton
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Law honours in International Relations
Victoria University gave me the opportunity to tailor my studies to suit my interests. At Victoria, I was able to pursue a BA with a double major in political science/international relations and modern languages (French and Japanese) and a law degree with a substantial focus on international law papers. After completing my BA/LLB, I did Honours in International Relations. Because of the flexibility and variety offered at Victoria, I was fortunate enough to customise a unique course of study which tied in with the international relations career path I hoped to pursue after finishing. I now work for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in the Legal Division. Working in the Division’s general international law team, I currently work in the international criminal law area and cover a wide range of issues including extradition, sanctions, mutual legal assistance, transnational crime and international humanitarian law.