Judy Zhang, Bachelor of Agribusiness and Food Marketing

"There is a good ratio between students and lecturers," she says. "Lecturers are friendly and professional and answer students' questions. They have industry backgrounds and good networks." 

Judy studied for a Bachelor of Agribusiness and Food Marketing, which was a new programme in 2014, and covers the whole supply chain from farm to plate. She is now working in the agribusiness sector, in sales and supply chain management related to exporting. 

Judy says the practical nature of her degree has proven very beneficial for her current role. "The case studies helped me understand the industry from a supply chain perspsective, along with the sales and marketing aspect. It gave me a sense of how to catch on to things quickly in my work and pick up potential problems and how to do things better."

She says the most enjoyable and valuable aspects of her Lincoln study were interacting with her lecturers and the provision of tutors. "They encourage you in trying new things and give you good advice. They invite industry leaders from agribusiness companies as guest lecturers, and are willing to help students build up networks and prepare you for your career." Judy said Lincoln provided tutors on several courses, "which was really valuable in helping students catch up with the lecture notes, especially for international students with English as a second language. These tutors are usually PhD students who lend a hand to Bachelor's degree students to review key points of lectures, and they explain and help with assignments."

She also enjoyed the experience of being a student association member. "It helped me understand how Lincoln is managed as a tertiary institution. I attended a lot of faculty meetings, providing feedback collected from the students, representing students' voice as a student association executive member, and being able to talk directly to the lecturers and faculty head.

"I also listened to the enquiries from international students on any difficulties they encountered and directed them to the right person to seek a proper solution."

Graduation was also special for Judy. "My family came to attend my graduation ceremony, we took photos and they watched me going up on stage and awarded a certificate. It was such a great memory and moment to spend with your dearest family, and the friends who I studied with for three years. A perfect ending for the time at Lincoln." Judy says those friendships would be lifelong, as would her memories of her time at Lincoln.