at Otago - School of Business, University of Otago, New Zealand ...

GRADUATE PROFILE
‘Ema Latu
Business Support Officer - Dunedin City Council
BCom
‘Ema Latu expected a top-class
education at the University of
Otago but says she was pleasantly
surprised to also find a support
network that made the institution a
“home away from home”.
‘Ema, who moved to Dunedin from
Tonga during her high school years,
says while Otago’s reputation was
a major attraction, family members
had also recommended study there
– her grandfather was a student
in the late 1940s, her mother
graduated in the 1970s, and her
brother was a recent student.
A highlight of study was
involvement with the Pacific Islands
Centre.
“They were incredibly welcoming
with frequent social activities and
academic mentoring in small groups
of students. The Centre provided
academic guidance and support.
There were barbecues and Kiriketi
matches and on the morning of
graduation the Centre put on a
Pacific Islands breakfast. There was
a real sense of community.”
During her studies, ‘Ema was
involved in events organised by the
Centre, speaking at high schools
to encourage Pacific Island pupils
to consider tertiary study. She was
also a member of the University’s
Student Commerce Society
(OCOM).
The International Business major
offered the opportunity to
pursue an interest in the study of
language and culture in addition to
Commerce papers – the ability to
participate in a student exchange
was also appealing.
Since graduating, ‘Ema has worked
as a research assistant for the
Department of Management and
in a frontline support role at GBL
Personnel Ltd, Wellington. More
recently ‘Ema has worked as a
Business Support Officer for the
Dunedin City Council, before
travelling to Indonesia.
“Although the initial reality of being
away from family can be daunting,
the Pacific Islands Centre at Otago
really is incredibly supportive.
On top of all that you get a top
education from a world-renowned
University, it’s a once in a lifetime
opportunity.”
37