Amanda Ho

Amanda commenced her New Zealand education at the age of 12, first attending the Intermediate School, and soon after Palmerston North Girls High School. Moving across the world can be overwhelming, however Amanda is grateful for the welcome she received from New Zealanders. “It was daunting in the beginning, not knowing the language. However people were so friendly – the kids and teachers helped me out.”

From secondary school she decided to continue her tertiary studies, attracted to Massey University’s Bachelor of Technology degree. “This degree has a high recognition in the industry for technology graduates. Product Development as a major really stood out for me, as it has a lot of diversity. Idea generation, development through to commercialisation, screening against criteria etc – this methodology can be applied to any industry.”

Within the scope of the Product Development programme, Amanda developed a range of restaurant furniture, applying the project planning and management skills taught within her course, and with support from an industrial sponsor. This too led to results - winning the Commercial Success Award from the Institute of Technology and Engineering at Massey, and her sponsor has since exported her designs to a new chain of restaurants in Sydney, Australia.

The quality of education Amanda received has led directly to career success. “My bachelor and masters degree have helped me built two very successful career paths, one towards product design and the other towards statistics/analytical fields, which I am currently pursuing through my work at the Ministry.”

And Amanda plans to continue her New Zealand education, as part of progressing her career – next step is a post-graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics! Having chosen to remain in New Zealand, she still enjoys the New Zealand lifestyle she was introduced to at age 12, continuing with social netball (first introduced to at secondary school) and with an ambition to bungy jump! “New Zealand is a safe and lovely environment to live in – and there are lots of exciting outdoor activities to do in the weekend!”