Lincoln University opens the door to the world

Want to be part of New Zealand’s largest export? Lincoln University’s Faculty of Agribusiness and Commerce has you covered.

Lincoln University is set amid the global top 50 for agriculture and forestry, according to QS World University Rankings.

Lincoln University’s Faculty of Agribusiness and Commerce specialises in industry-based degrees that prepare students to meet the demands of a quickly evolving field.

The agri-food sector accounts for 70 percent of New Zealand’s merchandise exports and globally accounts for 10% of merchandise trade. As the global population continues to grow rapidly, food production and marketing face the constraints of finite resources. As such, the industry requires a savvier business approach.

Industry first education

At Lincoln University, students develop the required skills and expertise expected of the future workforce.

Source: Lincoln University

Offering a comprehensive list of qualifications across 14 disciplines, the faculty provides more than just a degree; it offers contextual understanding of international agribusiness and food marketing sectors.

In fact, the university’s Bachelor of Commerce degree is split into seven majors, all with a specific focus on the value chains of various industries. This targeted approach helps students navigate the business landscape according to their areas of interest, whether in supply chain management, marketing, food and resource economics, global business, or accounting and finance.

Consumer expectations and purchasing powers are changing. As such, there’s an increasing demand for a diverse range of high-quality products, and the next generation workforce must prepare for this.

Lincoln University’s Bachelor of Agribusiness and Food Marketing degree teaches more than just core business concepts. Unlike other universities that offer a generic accounting, finance or marketing course, this programme equips students with an understanding of the unique commercial considerations within the agri-food industry, through courses in food science and agribusiness.

It isn’t all just books and lectures. Take the faculty’s Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) for example. This course teaches through a hands-on approach, using a combination of applied academic courses, real-world case studies, field trips and regional study tours.

Source: Lincoln University

For students seeking a more specialised field such as accounting, the university’s Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture and Professional Accounting) offers accreditation with professional bodies including the CPA (Certified Practising Accountants) Australia, the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

Furthering industry skills

A partner of the Euroleague for Life Sciences (ELLS), the university is part of a network of leading universities cooperating in the fields of natural resource management, agricultural and forestry sciences, life sciences, veterinary sciences, food sciences and environmental sciences.

This makes it the ideal institution for students wishing to further their studies. The university offers a host of master’s programmes aimed at refining the skills of graduates wishing to gain a wider industry perspective.

Taught master’s include topics of sustainable systems-based innovation in the Master of Management in Agricultural Systems, as well as analysis and management of bio-economic systems, plus agribusiness products and services taught through the Master of Management in Agribusiness.

These courses are designed to provide a deep dive into the ins and outs of the industry.

Besides master’s revolving around the agricultural industry, students can also opt to improve their knowledge in business-based skillsets with courses such as Master of Business (Global Management and Marketing) and Master of Business (Finance).

Source: Lincoln University

Uniquely, Lincoln University is also the first and only university in New Zealand to be a registered tuition provider to offer a CPA Australia approved integrated course via its Master of Professional Accounting (CPA).

Let’s get practical

One factor that sets the university apart from other universities is its strong focus on practical work. Some of the bachelor degrees listed above require students to undertake 18–30 weeks minimum of placements in the industry – whether in farms or food production systems.

Practical work is a way the university encourages students to apply the values, knowledge and concepts they’ve learned throughout their academic studies. It also allows them to understand the day to day operations in business, also acquiring skills and competencies that are central to the industry.

Not everyone has their future thought out and practical work is a good way for students to gain experiences and knowledge that helps them advance their careers. Through summer work placements, students also gain an appreciation of some of the social and physical environments in which the business operates.

More than just academics, the university has a strong research team that works closely with the industry, government, professional bodies, and end users.

Source: Lincoln University

One of them is the Lincoln University Centre for International Development (LUCID), which focusses on the management of agricultural and natural resources in developing and emerging economies.

Another initiative is the AgriOne – Centre of Excellence in Farm Business Management. Developed in conjunction with Massey University, it aims to address critical knowledge gaps and improve current thinking in dairy farm business management and on-farm decision making.

Fostering future leaders

Agribusiness is the focus of New Zealand’s largest businesses, including Fonterra, Zespri, Silver Fern Farms, and ANZCO Foods, as well as many smaller food businesses rich with innovation.

Companies in industries like dairy, meat, wine, horticulture and cereal, as well as processed food and beverage companies, are looking for quality graduates that not only have the business expertise, but also industry knowledge needed for the rapidly-changing field.

This can include jobs as product sales, customer service, marketing and communications, new product innovation, logistics and supply chain management, business development, as well as quality and supply management.

Source: Lincoln University

As economies become increasingly interconnected, businesses are more dependent on the international market for raw materials and end consumers. Companies are actively seeking people who understand the global nature of value chains.

With world-class research and partnerships and strong industry focus, Lincoln University prepares students for the demands of the global market, opening up a world of opportunities for its graduates.

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