Megan Smith

Prior to coming to Waikato, Megan was running her own business as a Career Consultant. She was also President of the Career Development Association of New Zealand (CDANZ). It was the frequent policy focus of this role, along with a career spent in the public sector, that led her to want to study public policy.

“It was an area which I wanted to specialise in and to build onto my existing career interest and experience.”

For Megan, Waikato was the obvious choice as it was right on her doorstep. “I have previously undertaken extramural study and have found there is a lot of value in being able to attend classes in person.  By attending Waikato, I have been able to develop valuable networks, engage with the material more readily through discussion, and take up many opportunities.  Waikato also has a beautiful campus and a great student centre.”

A recipient of the FASS Masters Scholarship, University of Waikato Master Scholarship and the FASS Masters Writing Award, Megan has also had the opportunity to present at a number of conferences. These successive opportunities have led to her taking up a position as a Sessional Assistant tutoring a political science course while she looks to further her education.

“Waikato has offered me endless opportunities!  I am currently applying to undertake a PhD. I have also had the opportunity to write journal articles in my areas of my research and I have become involved in advocating for cycling through my masters research, which has been interesting and rewarding.  I am speaking at a Cycling Advocates Network conference in 2016.”