Amy Sparks

“I enjoy structured learning programmes and like to study things that complement what I do for work"

For Amy, Auckland Law School’s reputation and course variety were appealing. “The University of Auckland Law School is highly regarded as the best law school in New Zealand. The MLS programme had a great range of courses. The in-person classes, variety of courses and the engaging teachers were highlights.”

Amy, who has worked in the finance sector for more than ten years, including at ANZ, Macquarie, Deloitte and Morrison, says the taught MLS format suited her perfectly: “I was able to select courses that I had no background in—property law, for example, which I really liked—as well as those I had some familiarity with, like financial markets regulation and climate change law.”

Her postgraduate studies left a lasting impact. “My postgraduate experience at the University of Auckland Law School was my most memorable and useful academic pursuit. I thrived in the learning environment, learnt legal analyses skills I have been able to apply in my profession, and was able to research new areas, for example the climate-related disclosure regime in New Zealand.”

Balancing study and demanding roles required discipline, she says. “You make time for things you want to do. I did most of my postgraduate research on the weekends. You need to carve out time if you want to do well, and having a supportive partner and employer helps.”

She says one of her proudest moments was achieving distinction for the MLS. Looking ahead, she is considering further study. “I would like to do a PhD one day if I could get a scholarship, probably in the area of financial markets regulation and climate-related disclosures.”