Studying Distance at Massey: A Personal Account

By Brooke Lynita (she/her)

‘I can’t make it, I’m studying. I can’t this weekend, I’m studying. Yes, you guessed it, I’m studying.” In late 2018 I embarked on an exciting journey to start my degree with Massey via distance learning. And this is that story so far.

I always wanted to study. I wanted that experience of meeting new life-long friends, creating wacky food recipes while being on a budget, stressing over exam results and landing my dream job in my chosen field. It all sounded so appealing. But I had one slight dilemma – I had no idea what it was I wanted to do in the world. So instead, I left high school, joined the army (decided I didn’t love it), and moved to Australia where I’ve been ever since. But I still had this yearning for higher education. I still wanted to earn a degree and found myself trying to find ways to make it happen. The blueprinting began, and Massey was the build. I’d been working in an office in Melbourne and enrolled for a Bachelor of Business with a major in Accountancy.

Semester One began. I’d leave for work around 5:00am, be at my desk by 6:15am with coffee and notebooks and start my study with recorded lectures and materials until work began at 8:30am. This became my ritual. Weekends thereafter were spent keeping up and trying to balance it all. Putting in time would pay off with essays and tests. Norwegian Student Bowls always helped with stress levels. But I still wanted more.

While I loved my work environment and the support from my peers, my dreams still bloomed for a career that could eventually project me onto a global stage – London, New York, Tokyo. My degree would certainly compliment this ambition, but I needed the right role, the right career. I had my sights and goals set for opportunities in the corporate ‘Big 4s’ commonly known as KPMG, Deloitte, EY and PwC, or the Big 4 Australian Banks like the Commonwealth Bank, NAB, Westpac and ANZ. I figured I would study hard, finish the degree and start applying for grad programs or consultancy roles, a common path for fresh graduates (which I’m sure many of you are contemplating). I thought to myself, there was no possible way I would have the capacity to study 3 subjects per semester and learn a whole new full-time role. But fate, and we will call it fate, had an unexpected turn. A colleague approached me for an interview at ANZ at the end of 2019. I kept thinking to myself, it all felt too soon! How would I manage? The role was very senior, and I had no prior experience. The odds weren’t in my favour, but I figured I would go and just get some interview experience. To my surprise I was hired on the spot and offered a salary that could not be refused. Now what? Nerves started to kick in. I redirected my degree to Massey’s Finance major and amped up my inputs. Somehow, I was ahead of my 5-year plan by 6 years! I still had at least three more years ahead until I would graduate. But all of the possibilities I’d wanted had all seemed to align and fall into place — albeit, not in the way I had intended, but even better than I could have ever imagined.

Balancing has been the key ingredient to managing a full-time career and studying. It has not been without sacrifice and many late nights and at times tears and the complications of a changing world with the pandemic. There have been other wonderful experiences and surprises through distance learning with Massey. I have made other Kiwi friends based in Melbourne which has made me feel included and not as though I am the only person in the world who is studying and working full time. Being away from home for such a long time makes you appreciate local connections more, and I am so thankful to have made them.

I am now in my final year and only six more remaining subject to complete. I still recall when it was 24 subjects and 360 credits! But it all starts with you – take breaks, utilise your time well and never be afraid of your own success and goals you want to achieve. Set your goals high and work hard. You never know what this life has next!