Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti
9 mins ago
Satyam Saha is enjoying his work experience at BDO in Napier and is looking forward to starting there full-time next year as a graduate accountant.
The moment Satyam Saha saw EIT’s website from his home in India, he knew that he wanted to study there.
Now, in the final year of his Bachelor of Business Studies at EIT, the dream he had in Kolkata is coming true.
“I chose to come to New Zealand to build myself, my career and my future and it has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever taken in my life,” says Satyam
“EIT seemed to be the kind of place I was looking for. All the stories about EIT are inspiring. I came across from India to New Zealand and spent a lot of money, so I was looking for some good returns. I think I have got them.”
Satyam started his degree in February 2019 with the goal of eventually becoming a chartered accountant. He is already well on the way, as he is currently doing his Industry Based Learning (IBL) project at the Hawke’s Bay branch of accountancy firm, BDO.
He is enjoying the experience and seems to have made a good impression because he has been offered a role of graduate accountant at BDO in Napier from February next year.
How he got the BDO role is a lesson in persistence and perseverance.
“I reached out to BDO in Napier and asked if I could come in and tell them why they were the ideal place for me to do my IBL. They were interested in the idea and then also wanted to know if I would work with them post study.”
“So, not only did I get my IBL there, but they have signed me up for a full-time graduate accountant role.”
Satyam is quick to point out the role that EIT has played in his achievements.
“A lot of the credit for me getting this work experience and the full-time accountant role goes to the EIT lecturers. EIT really teaches you all the ways to get a successful job at a place where you want to work.”
However, life for the 20-year-old is not just about study and work, it is also about giving back to the community. In 2019, he was elected to the board of Younited, EIT’s Student Association, and was re-elected again this year. He is also the Youth and Student representative for Hawke’s Bay’s Multicultural Association and a student mentor at EIT’s International Centre.
Not content to sit at home during the COVID-19 lockdown last year, he helped deliver food parcels to those in need as part of the Tihei Mauri Ora Emergency Response team.
On top of all this, he is one of 18 councillors on the Hastings Youth Council, a role that he is enjoying because of his interest in local government.
He may be away from his family in India but, for Satyam, New Zealand and Hawke’s Bay is home and with his future secured, life is looking good.
BDO Partner Lisa Townshend says: “After Satyam had contacted BDO about doing his IBL project with us, we were very impressed with his enthusiasm and commitment to his study and career. We were very pleased to be able to offer him employment with BDO in 2022 once he has finished his studies”
Mark Scott, EIT School of Business lecturer, adds: “It has been really great to play a part in Satyam’s success – as one of his lecturers and now as academic supervisor on his IBL project. We aim to ensure that our students’ EIT experience makes them great candidates going into the workforce, so we are very pleased to see that Satyam has secured a graduate position with BDO from 2022”.
