Antariksh Nag

"I chose to study at the University of Auckland because it is an internationally renowned institution and the highest-ranking university in New Zealand. I hope to learn from the best and expand my horizons and potential career options in New Zealand and abroad.

"I chose an undergraduate qualification in economics because I'm deeply intrigued by its dynamic nature. Economics doesn't settle for the status quo; instead, it constantly challenges its foundational principles to push the boundaries of understanding. This field addresses the fundamental problem of fulfilling unlimited desires in a world of finite resources, a puzzle that has sparked countless breakthroughs throughout history. By studying economics, I aim to contribute to this ongoing dialogue of innovation and problem-solving to improve livelihoods on a global scale.

"Enrolling in a conjoint programme enabled me to complement my economics studies with a focus on statistics. In today's society, data holds immense value. Through the lens of statistics, I've learned to extract meaningful insights from this wealth of data that will enable me to make impactful contributions to society.

"Statistics empowers me to navigate uncertainty and complexity with clarity, fostering critical thinking skills essential for addressing real-world challenges in an understandable and quantifiable manner. I aim to tackle complex societal issues by combining economics with statistics and drive positive change through evidence-based decision-making.

"I particularly enjoyed the statistics capstone course last semester. We completed weekly projects in groups of three to four and presented our work through a live or video presentation, infographic, or report at the end of the week. These projects were a great way of applying the knowledge I acquired through my statistics courses to real-world problems, which was a very rewarding experience. It was also great to meet and work with some other statistics students.

"I really value the breadth of topics the conjoint programme offers. Over my four-and-a-half-year tenure, I've had the opportunity to delve into various subjects. This interdisciplinary approach has been immensely rewarding, allowing me to seamlessly integrate concepts from economics into my statistics courses and vice versa. By bridging these disciplines, I've gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for both fields, enriching my educational experience.

Additionally, I've been consistently impressed by the quality of teaching staff and support facilities, particularly within the statistics department. Their dedication to fostering a supportive learning environment has been pivotal in my academic journey, making the experience informative and enjoyable. Their guidance and resources have enhanced my learning and overall satisfaction with the programme.

"After graduating, I plan to continue my education with a postgraduate qualification, such as an honours or masters degree, in statistics.

"I received the Faculty of Science High Achiever Undergraduate Entry Scholarship in 2020 at the start of my programme. This was very helpful in financially supporting me through my first year of university and motivated me to work hard across all my courses.

"I have made several cherished friendships throughout my time here, both in and outside the classroom. The faculty hubs, such as the statistics assistance room, have given me amazing opportunities to meet like-minded students. Joining different clubs and attending university-organised events, such as the annual Ihaka Lecture Series, have been enjoyable experiences and great opportunities to meet people from various faculties."