An affinity for numbers led Lauren Holloway to enrol in EIT’s Diploma of Business (Accounting) [Level 5] programme, but along the way also she gained experience as a tutor.

Her qualification through EIT’s School of Business led to Lauren, 31, to finding work as a bookkeeper with Bookkeepers NZ in Napier.

It was a stark career change for the former Sacred Heart College student, who achieved a Bachelor of Arts at Victoria University of Wellington after leaving school. She returned home from Wellington and worked for a number of years in administration, before she decided to go in a different direction.

“I decided that it was time for a change.”

Lauren decided to explore the world of accounting, so she dipped her toe in by enrolling in the Level 4 Accounting Support Services programme at EIT’s School of Business in 2019 while still working.

She found that she actually enjoyed it, so she took the plunge the next year and worked towards the diploma.

“I left my admin job because I wanted to upskill. I found that I quite enjoyed numbers and accounts during the level four certificate in accounting support services, so I just decided to keep going.”

“I really liked the practical side of accounting because you feel like it prepares you to go into the work in your field. But I also believe I got a good foundation of the theory  as well.”

Towards the end of her diploma, the opportunity arose for Lauren to tutor Level 4 Accounting Support Service students.

“At first it was a little strange being on the other side of the classroom, but I quite enjoyed helping the students succeed. It’s a really cool thing to help other people towards their goal.”

Lauren says she decided to get a job after obtaining her diploma, but is keen, at some stage, to do the Bachelor of Business Studies (Accounting) through EIT.

“I wanted to go back to work after I got my diploma, because my husband and I are building a house in Central Hawke’s Bay and we just needed the income, but the plan is to carry on and get the degree in accounting.”

Lauren says she has no hesitation in recommending EIT for anyone wanting to study accounting.

“It’s a really good environment to study in and the small class sizes gives you a more personalised experience. You collaborate with your fellow students and can build good relationships. The

lecturers and all the staff are also supportive and really want to help you succeed.”

Bookkeepers NZ said: “Kelly and Di from Bookkeepers NZ are thrilled to have Lauren on the team. The technical knowledge she has gained from her study with EIT along with the practical skills she is continuing to learn on a daily basis make her a very valued team member.  It’s important to us that we continue to empower to upskill new bookkeepers and love that we found Lauren!”

John West, EIT’s Head of the School of Business says: “As one of our top New Zealand Diploma in business students, we were only too pleased to employ one of our own as a tutor. It’s hardly surprising then to see Lauren graduate and head straight to work as a bookkeeper.”