How studying in New Zealand is helping me in my career

Vivek Masoji is a microbiology laboratory technician with a farmer-owned multinational dairy company called Fonterra. He went from Kolhapur, India, to Lincoln University, New Zealand, where he earned his Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science, in Food Science, in 2016. Here he discusses how studying in New Zealand is helping him build his career.

Vivek Masoji got his postgraduate diploma in food sciences from Lincoln University, New Zealand

Studying at Lincoln University was extremely helpful, as I got the chance to know fellow students from different cultures. During our studies, everyone was divided into groups for laboratory work and research work. This has enabled me to work with people from different backgrounds with ease, which is certainly an essential trait at my current workplace.

After my studies in India, I was interested in Food Science subjects. So I enrolled for papers such as Food Microbiology, Food Biochemistry, Food Processing and Quality, Food Contamination and Security, Advanced Microbiology and Applied Toxicology. I gained in-depth knowledge of these subjects as a student in Lincoln University’s Food Science course. Moreover, laboratory work was an essential part of these courses, and helped me learn through a more hands-on approach when it came to studies of various food samples.

Lincoln University library (photo by Kristina D.C. Hoeppner, used under CC license)

Studies in New Zealand are based on self-understanding of a topic, which is very different from studies back home. In India, there are usually no topics assigned to students, and examinations are of utmost importance. But here in New Zealand, topics were assigned to every student, and were to be submitted back to the professor by a deadline. So the grade that you get is through your own work, and you have enough time to complete it, unlike having exams at the end of the year.

I find studies in New Zealand to be more relaxed, non-restrictive, and self-paced. I appreciate these differences now, but the fact is that they were a challenge at first for a student like me, who came from an exam-based study system. But studying at Lincoln was never tiresome. In fact, it was enjoyable.

A quiet corner at Lincoln University (photo by Kristina D.C. Hoeppner, used under CC license)

Being a student isn’t only about studies, though. The Lincoln University Student Association, along with various clubs on campus and the friendly university lecturers, all made sure that I never had a dull day. Also, the availability of computer suites and the play areas (the Workshop) ensured that everyone had access to academics as well as fun and games.

The tutors were extremely helpful and friendly. They had immense knowledge in their respective subjects, and were always there when we faced any difficulties in our studies. They were prompt in marking assignments and replying to emails, no matter how busy they were.

The highlight of my time at Lincoln University was definitely getting on the Dean’s List for achieving straight ‘A’ grades in the first semester! I also scored an overall distinction in my course. This wouldn’t have been possible without the tutors and my colleagues at the University.

Other highlights included being a committee member of the Lincoln University International Students Club, and being President of the Indian Students Club. These experiences helped me develop my people skills and leadership skills and ensured I was an active part of various events that were held at Lincoln.

A piece of advice to students in India who are thinking about study abroad: don’t worry about the different approach to studies – it’s not difficult.

Studying abroad comes with heaps of advantages, such as exposure to different cultures, and getting to know some amazing people while you study. Hard work is the key to overcome challenges and, in the end, you will definitely emerge a more confident and more study-oriented person.

The Christchurch Educated Job Ready Programme helped me understand what exactly an employer wants in a potential candidate, how to format my CV and cover letters for a Kiwi employer, how to find job search websites, and how to tackle interviews.

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