Dominic Fawkner

While it was the appeal of practical, real-world learning that drew Dominic Fawkner to study at the University of Waikato, it was the connections he made along the way that made it such a positive experience.

Dominic's interest in community was one of the reasons why he chose to study a Bachelor of Business at the Tauranga campus, rather than his hometown of Hamilton, majoring in Strategic Management with a minor in Project Management.

“The Tauranga campus and overall vibe stood out to me – it felt welcoming and not too overwhelming, which made it easier to settle in and get involved," he says.

"All the lecturers were supportive, which made a big difference and helped create a positive learning environment. It felt like a place where I could apply what I was learning, not just sit in lectures and memorise theory."

"One of the highlights was the group projects and the chance to meet new people and make friends. Working in teams helped build my communication skills and gave me a better understanding of how different people approach problems.”

As a New Zealand triathlete and open water swimming gold medal champion, Dominic excelled in sport during his time at Hamilton Boys' High School. These achievements, alongside his academic ability and leadership potential, earned him a Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship when he began his studies at the University of Waikato. The community of Hillary scholars also provided another way for him to connect with like-minded students.

“I met a great group of people through it and built some strong friendships with others who were also balancing study, sport, and other commitments. Being around like-minded people who were all pushing themselves in different areas was really motivating and made the whole university experience even better.”

Since completing his degree, Dominic has landed a full-time business graduate role working at Freightways.

Dominic’s advice to other students? “Make the most of the people around you – get to know your classmates, work well in groups, and build relationships with your lecturers. Those connections can make a big difference and often make university more enjoyable as well.”