Alexander Teplovodskiy

“My career commenced at Coca-Cola HBC as a Management Trainee. This role kickstarted my journey through the FMCG and pharmaceutical sectors, and I went on to hold various pivotal positions with industry leaders such as Coca-Cola, Mars, Abbott and Johnson & Johnson.

“Despite my progress in the field, I recognised a need to deepen my understanding of international management and international leadership. This led me to the University of Auckland's Master of Management programme, which I chose for its blend of theoretical rigour and practical application.

“The programme's focus on strategic management and cross-cultural leadership was in direct alignment with my career aspirations. I sought to enhance my interpersonal skills to work efficiently worldwide and to devise innovative strategies for navigating complex business landscapes. The hands-on learning experiences and the opportunity to interact with peers from all over the world, as well as with industry professionals, were exactly what I needed to take my career towards future senior strategic roles.

“For my capstone project, I devised a comprehensive business strategy for a New Zealand skincare company, leveraging my accumulated knowledge to address a real-world business challenge. This experience was not only testament to the practical application of the programme's teachings but also a demonstration of my capability to generate strategic insights based on thorough analysis and efficient teamwork to bring realistic tangible business outcomes.

“I took three important insights away from the programme. The first was to embrace your team’s diversity – by valuing your differences, you can make an outstanding product. The second was to build your professional network. By networking with others, you can grow your skills and find opportunities which are not apparent to the public. My final insight was to keep learning and developing; you will then be sure to accomplish your dreams.

“In my current role I oversee strategic marketing initiatives at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare for the product I manage. The Master of Management degree was a key factor in securing this position. First of all, having this degree gave me a competitive edge, as it is widely recognised as the best business education in New Zealand. Secondly, the Business School offers a career counselling service that helped me to understand the New Zealand market, customise my CV, and network with alumni. All those resources were invaluable for my job search in New Zealand. Also, I want to send special thanks to Chris Mullan and Anastasia Timoshkina (Career Development and Employer Liaison Managers) - I wouldn't be here without their assistance.

“In the future I aim to progress into more senior leadership roles within marketing and sales. The programme's focus on strategic decision-making, leadership, and cross-cultural collaboration has equipped me with the necessary tools to face future challenges and contribute significantly to my organisation and the wider industry.

“I recommend the programme one hundred per cent. For those considering it, my advice is to embrace the learning journey fully. Engage with your peers and professors, immerse yourself in the case studies and projects. Network, build relationships and be proactive. The Master of Management programme is not just an academic endeavour; it’s a transformative experience that prepares you for the next step in your career.”