Gaining strength

Sepiuta Vea reflects on the power of support networks.

Sepiuta Vea

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If you are wanting to pursue a career in the business industry, the Bachelor of Applied Management will give you a great start.

Sepiuta Vea gained more than a qualification from Otago Polytechnic – she developed the confidence and knowledge to embark on a career in the business world. Plus, once she has some work-experience under her belt, she’s planning to embark on a postgraduate qualification.

Initially, Sepi enrolled in the Diploma of Business here but soon realised she wanted to continue with her studies. “The Bachelor of Applied Management gives you the understanding and skills you can apply to a range of management environments,” she says.

As a Pacific Island student, Sepi felt hugely supported during her time at Otago Polytechnic. “It’s been a privilege being a Pasifika student here and to be able to share my academic journey with students of similar backgrounds to my own,” she explains. “The support has been outstanding. Not just academically but also financially – through the Pacific Island Community Scholarships that are awarded each year.”

The Bachelor of Applied Management also allowed Sepi to complete an internship during the final stage of the qualification, where she completed 400 hours of work experience and wrote up a research project based on her experience. “It really helped me apply everything I’d learnt during my studies in a real-world context.”

Sepi says she learned many valuable life skills during her time at OP. “Communication and time management are key – as is perseverance. I missed home and my family, but they became my main drive and motivation to keep persevering and never give up.”

Student

Sepiuta Vea

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