MBA leads to managing multiple large global accounts

He was living in Ho Chi Minh City working for Unilever Vietnam as the Consumer and Market Insights Manager. His eight-year career included stints at multinational companies including Nielsen and PwC where he specialised in data analysis and strategic recommendations in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry, but he was after something more.

After researching different options, he was attracted to Massey’s year-long programme because of its length, the focus on real-life cases and issues, and emerging areas like business sustainability. He says New Zealand also appealed as a place to raise his family.

“I knew that Massey’s MBA would help to open new opportunities and further my career internationally.”

He says the programme helped him build knowledge across many different areas including how New Zealand businesses operate, which he now applies in his current role as Analytics Senior Manager at NielsenIQ NZ.

“What I learned was extremely practical: how to apply business models in solving problems, and how to analyse success and failure stories of companies around the world. Most importantly, I learned from my friends in the MBA course. They came from different countries, work backgrounds and cultures, and shared their values, perspectives, and experiences.”

He says he loves living and working in New Zealand.

Long graduated in early 2021 and says studying and working through a global pandemic highlighted the importance of businesses being adaptable.

“We always need to be prepared for new skills, knowledge, and experiences to adapt to an increasingly uncertain, complex, and unpredictable world.”

In his current role, he leads multiple large global accounts at NielsenIQ where he is responsible for identifying new opportunities, markets and consumer trends for clients to help their businesses grow. His team also makes recommendations for clients on all areas of marketing such as product mix, pricing and promotion and distribution channels.

“I really enjoy delivering value and creating impact for my clients’ business through my analysis and recommendations. I am working with different clients in various industries in New Zealand to solve their business issues and help them to improve their sales performance.”

He says he loves living and working in New Zealand.

“New Zealand is a beautiful and diverse country. I enjoy exploring the beautiful natural scenery here. New Zealanders are generally very friendly and open, promoting community connection and true relationships reflecting the ‘whanaungatanga’ value from Māori culture.”