Lili Wang landed in New Zealand in 1991 “with a suitcase and a head full of dreams.”
She was eager and ready to see the world after studying a bachelors degree in banking and finance. Like many international guests in Aotearoa, she wanted to keep learning as an international student.
Lili chose Massey. The options for postgraduate study interested her. “The programme was a perfect fit,” she explained.
Massey’s postgraduate qualifications are designed for more than upskilling. They are designed to help people connect.
Lili managed to find opportunities and relationships fast in her study. She found a job at ASB within a year of study, and built strong bonds between local and international students who were also eager to learn. Many of her classmates were senior bankers from companies like ANZ, BNZ and ASB.
“For me, coming in as a young international student with no banking experience in New Zealand, it was like being in a real-time workshop. Almost like an internship, but in the classroom. I was fascinated, just soaking it all up.”
In the 1990s, banking was changing. More people were moving from Asia to New Zealand. Banking needed to better serve new customers with people like Lili, those “who understood finance and spoke the language.”
Lili says learning through Massey provided knowledge and built her confidence, allowing her to excel in her role and become a finalist for the Young Banker of the Year in 1997.
She clearly has ambition. Alongside working full time, Lili decided to keep studying for a Master’s degree part time.
She didn’t want to trade off between 2 goals, so flexible study was crucial. “Massey allowed me to balance both.”
Study business with Massey
Work with leaders, focus on real projects and learn how to go far in a fast-paced, exciting environment.
After 5 years in banking, she set her sights for a new challenge – starting a mortgage brokerage company. Since then, she’s continued to be keen for new challenges.
Media is what’s next for Lili. She’s taken on ownership and leadership of the New Zealand Chinese Herald as her next challenge.
“There’s constant change with new tools, platforms and technologies. But I believe in lifelong learning, a value Massey instilled in me, and I’m focused on embracing AI and adapting to the evolving media landscape.”
Through every step in her career, the knowledge, skills and relationships she built at Massey have been crucial.
As an international student, she felt supported and welcomed, which “made the experience even more special.”
Lili wants to be available to more international students like she had. “I’m eager to be a mentor, sharing what I’ve learned along the way.”
