Inspiration for women who want to be the boss.
Otago alumna Bhavneet Chahal
E-learning company GoSkills’ co-founder Bhavneet Chahal says her experiences at the University of Otago kick-started a career helping others learn about IT and realise their potential.
Bhavneet completed a Bachelor of Applied Science with first-class honours, majoring in molecular biology in 2006. She later gained a Master of Entrepreneurship.
While working for Groupon in Sydney, Bhavneet realised that online courses were a growth area but that they were not always providing the quality content required by professionals looking to expand their skills.
Since being founded in New Zealand in 2013 – with input from Otago Professor Paul Hansen – more than 104,000 users have signed up to access GoSkills’ 50+ online learning courses.
Bhavneet backs up her advice for young women wanting to start their own business with practical assistance; she proudly supports two $2,000 scholarships each year. The title of these awards leaves little room for misinterpretation: they are called the Scholarship for Women Who Want to be the Boss.
How did Otago help to shape your life and career success?
I studied Applied Science as an undergraduate and, while I always enjoyed science, I couldn’t see myself pursuing a career as a researcher or scientist.
During the last year of that degree I found a student business competition on campus called Kickstart. I entered the competition with a business idea and I was a winner in the first round and a finalist in the competition’s second round.
This opened up my eyes to a totally different world of business and entrepreneurship. I then completed a Master of Entrepreneurship to learn practical skills to start and grow a business.
This degree was right up my alley, I learned the fundamentals of business and felt prepared to one day start my own company.
Highlights and interesting memories of your university days?
Definitely the residential colleges; when I first arrived at Otago I stayed at St Margaret’s College. I later worked as a Residential Assistant (RA) at Cumberland College, which was known at the time as being a bit of a party Hall. It was then that I realised what being an undergraduate at Otago was truly like! I was glad I started off at a relatively tame place and could ease into uni life. Some of my best friends today are people I met at both St Margaret’s and Cumberland!
Recollections of favourite or standout lecturers?
I had two standout lecturers. The first was Richard Higham – he was about 79 when I took his class during the Master of Entrepreneurship. I was inspired by his sharp intellect, boundless energy and superior Excel spreadsheet skills! He was able to bring our class together and teach us how to grow a business in a fun and dynamic environment.
The other standout lecture is Professor Paul Hansen – an economics lecturer and part-time surfer. I was drawn to Paul’s energy and passion for his craft – economics and business. It’s no wonder he’s won student popularity awards and it’s also no coincidence that he’s now my business partner at GoSkills.
What are your career or personal highlights?
Starting a company from scratch, pulling together people and resources and growing it into a global business. Our team can work from anywhere in the world and we sell to customers the world over. Building a business that pushes the boundaries of being in a global and connected world has been extremely fulfilling.
What are your future goals?
Keep building businesses, help others build and grow businesses, and world peace – naturally!
What advice do you have for current students or students considering studying at Otago?
Make the most of every opportunity. There are so many facets to university life – try them all. Join random clubs, try sports you might not have ever considered, enjoy the unexpected friendships you will form along the way. It’s only when you try loads of different things that you discover what you truly like and figure out who you are. University is a time to try things in a safe environment and set yourself up for a future that most aligns to who you are and where you want to be.
Many thanks to the team at the University of Otago Alumni & Friends for providing the content for this blog!
Nicky Richardson is an International Marketing Coordinator at the University of Otago. With degrees in music and marketing, both from Otago, she is passionate about education, and the places it can take you.
International Women’s Day – a look at the past, present and future of women at Otago.
International Women’s Day, the mere idea of this notion would have been considered ridiculous 150 years ago during the early days of Otago University. I think it is important on a day like today for everybody – men and women, to remember the women that came before. The women that literally paved the way for the women of today, and opened up doors that had been closed shut and bolted to women for time immortal. Today’s blog focuses on just a couple of these remarkable women (there are so many to mention), from the past, the present and is a reminder for the future that whilst we are still not yet on an equal playing field, much has been done and the collective attitudes of men and women including perceptions and behaviour can make a difference to future generations.
Caroline Freeman
You just cannot go past a discussion on International Women’s Day at the University of Otago without mentioning Caroline Freeman. In 1878 Caroline Freeman became the first matriculated woman to enrol at the University of Otago. At this time she lived in Green Island, which in those days required her to walk 11 kilometres after lectures in a long dress, through muddy wet tracks. Her health suffered as a result and she was forced to find accommodation in Dunedin. Her academic environment also proved to be hostile with Professor of Classics G.S. Sale, known to be a ‘veritable ogre’ to female students. A staff member once commented that had Freeman been a fighting man, rather an a studious woman, she would have been merited for her ‘pluck and perserverance.’ Caroline Freeman graduated in 1885, to a large applause with flowers thrown across the stage, and by the time of her capping 11 more women were enrolled at the university at different levels. Recognition of her courage, perserverance and passion for education was highlighted when the University of Otago named one of their residential colleges after her – Caroline Freeman College.
Emily Siedeberg
Next up on our list of those who paved the way is Emily Hancock Siedeberg. From an early age her father believed she should train as a doctor, she accepted this and the pair went through the process of enrolling her. Although the university council had already decided that medical training should be open to both women and men, her decision was certainly not celebrated – some showed enthusiasm while others were openly hostile. The dean of the Otago Medical School Dr John Scott was reluctant, but alongside other staff accepted the university’s decision so that in April 1891 Emily became a medical student, graduating in 1896 as New Zealand’s first woman medical graduate. During her time as a student she was told not to show her feelings, to keep men at a distance and not be frivolous. She went on to complete a BSc, and did postgraduate work in obstetrics, gynaecology and children’s diseases. In 1898 with considerable financial support from her father she registered as a medical practioner and set up private practice in Dunedin, which she maintained for the next 30 years.
Ethel Benjamin
Ethel Benjamin was New Zealand’s first woman lawyer – and we have to mention here that the University of Otago was the first university in Australasia to permit women to pursue a law degree – I don’t know about you, but permit? Seriously? It seems crazy now. This really shows how much these women had to fight for what is taken as a given today. Benjamin graduated with an Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in July 1897, and at her graduation she made the official reply on behalf of the graduands. This was the first time a current graduand rather than a past graduate had made the speech, and it was also the first occasion any woman had made an official speech at the university.
However the Otago District Law Society did not take kindly to a woman entering their male dominated profession. Discrimation against her included restricted access to the society’s library, an attempt to propose an alternative dress code to the wig and gown, her complete exclusion from annual bar dinners and whereas young members were usually offered support, she received little.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Otago – Professor Harlene Hayne
It is 2019 and the year that the university celebrates 150 years of education and achievement. When it comes to talking about present women at the University of Otago we cannot go past the fact that the Vice-Chancellor of our university is a woman. Effectively she is at the top of the food chain here, well above my rank and station, so I decided that Professor Hayne could probably address her own thoughts on International Women’s Day herself, in her own words, this excerpt was taken from the VC’s Comment – Issue 42. of the Otago Magazine:
Since my appointment as Vice-Chancellor in 2011, much has been made about my gender. I was the first woman to lead the Psychology Department at the University of Otago and the first woman to become a Deputy Vice-Chancellor. I am the first woman to be the Vice-Chancellor at the University of Otago and only the second woman to become a Vice-Chancellor in New Zealand.
Every time the issue of my gender is raised, however, it takes me by surprise. In the course of my own academic career, my gender has never been an issue. I have never felt that people have expected less of me because I am a woman, and I never felt that a glass ceiling prevented me from pursuing my goals and aspirations.
When I was growing up, my father used to tell me that girls could do anything. At Otago, I have certainly found that to be true. In this way, my own career has been remarkably gender blind.
But I recognise that the privilege of gender blindness is due, in part, to the historical period in which I live and to the places in which I have been lucky enough to grow up, study and work. I know too that I owe a huge debt of gratitude to those women who came before me.
As a university, we have a very proud history when it comes to women.
Dr Carla Meledandri
Dr Carla Meledandri from the Department of Chemistry is an expert in nanoscience, the world’s smallest particles, working at a scale of billionths of a metre. But don’t be fooled by her tiny content, she and her colleagues are looking to tackle the world’s largest problems – ranging from dental decay to climate change.
“Pushing the boundaries of fundamental research is vital – taking what we have found and applying it to solve problems follows on.”
Her expertise in nanoscience, working at a scale of billionths of a metre, helped win her the 2017 Prime Minister’s MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize, the latest in a series of research awards.
Interdisciplinary collaborations with the Faculty of Dentistry have enabled the development of new materials designed to treat some of the causes of oral disease rather than the symptoms, hopefully leading to reduced costs and improving health worldwide.
The Future?
What about the women of the future? The young women like the ones pictured above who are exploring the world, educating themselves and finding out what makes them tick? Well, their future (and those of us who are somewhat further down the life journey) is down to all of us, men and women. We must learn from the past – celebrate success, challenge stereotypes, support each other, don’t accept pay inequality and not settle for anything less than our male counterparts, and that takes all of us. It’s all about balance. Happy International Women’s Day!
Special note to Te Ara – the Encyclopaedia of New Zealand for much of the historical content.
Nicky Richardson is an International Marketing Coordinator at the University of Otago. With degrees in music and marketing, she is a recent graduate of Otago herself – she loves Otago so much she ended up getting a job here!
Startup Dunedin……..what’s the story?
Dunedin is gaining a reputation for many things; wildlife, culture, food, street art, education and……..entrepreneurship. We caught up with chief story-teller and Marketing Manager of Startup Dunedin, Angus Pauley about what they do, and where Otago students can get involved. He’s very passionate about Dunedin and the start up community, so it comes as no surprise to us that this energetic and enthusiastic young man is one of our very own University of Otago alumni! Take it away Angus!
Angus Pauley from Startup Dunedin
How to make Dunedin thrive
Every successful startup ecosystem has certain components which help it thrive. We look at successful startup ecosystems to see what we can recreate, improve and support to give Dunedin the same level of success.
Dunedin at night, panoramic view from Signal Hill lookout shortly after sunset.
What does Startup Dunedin do?
Startup Dunedin is a non-profit organization which coordinates the growth of the Dunedin startup ecosystem. We serve Dunedin based founders by providing the connections, resources and support they need to succeed. This includes initiatives we run, and connection to the initiatives other leaders drive in our city.
Students are a key component
Students are a key part of the startups in our city. They might become founders themselves through a programme like Audacious, or work in a startup as a consultant, intern or employee. Although only some students carry on with the ventures they start at University, all of them use the opportunities and entrepreneurial learning as a springboard for their career. So, how can students get involved?
Audacious
Audacious is a programme for students who want to build the skills and confidence to make a positive impact – whether they’re planning on working in a company, starting their own business or still figuring it out.
Each cohort runs semesterly and consists of a series workshops, culminating in a pitch evening for a cash prize. All the workshops are available online so students can choose to attend as many or as few as they like before pitching with their team at the final event.
Also, students have access to Dunedin’s top business leaders who mentor and judge throughout the programme. This makes it an even more valuable experience, whether the participant wants to start their own startup, or move into employment.
The Distiller
The Distiller is Startup Dunedin’s early stage startup coworking space. It is located on campus next to the executive residence and overlooks the Leith river.
The Distiller provides desk space to early stage startups as well as all amenities including wi-fi and most importantly, coffee. Residents are encouraged to share their experiences as well as the office space. Sharing the good and bad means founders can move past their problems faster and learn from each other’s mistakes.
FoundX
FoundX is Dunedin’s premier startup event. Investors, founders, business professionals, students and local government come together to listen to a fireside-style chat and hear pitches from Dunedin’s emerging startups. The event livestream has an international audience and the evening provides a great networking opportunity with the local business community.
Startup Weekend
Startup Weekends are 54-hour long events where a range of people, including developers, designers, marketers, students, startup enthusiasts, come together to share ideas, build products and launch startups. Teams go from an idea scrawled on a napkin to a working prototype and even paying customers, all within a single weekend. Whether you’re looking for a taste of entrepreneurship, professional development, to join a team long term, or just have some fun – Startup Weekend has something for everyone.
Thanks for explaining to us Angus what Startup Dunedin is all about – we may be a small city size wise in Dunedin, but we are mighty, and there is plenty of fresh thinking and creativity going on behind the scenes. As our local council advertise ‘Dunedin is NZ’s best kept secret.’
Nicky Richardson is an International Marketing Coordinator at the University of Otago. With degrees in music and marketing, she is a recent graduate of Otago herself – she loves Otago so much she ended up getting a job here!
5 reasons Dunedin is an awesome place to be
Dunedin’s population has surged past 130,000 people for the first time according to Stats NZ. So why are people choosing to come and live in this city on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island? Dunedin has in the past, and still does have according to some media outlets the reputation of being cold, wet and miserable. But if you look at the statistics from NIWA Dunedin’s mean annual rainfall is 812 millimetres, compared to Auckland’s 1240 millimetres so that reputation isn’t really warranted is it? So what makes Dunedin such a great place to live, study and work in? Here are our top 5 USP’s (unique selling points) for our little city!
1. It’s so pretty. Yes, it really is as pretty as the pictures! And as recent as last month Dunedin was named the most beautiful city in NZ in the Keep New Zealand Beautiful Awards. The early Scottish settlers that mapped out the city’s footprint made sure that Dunedin had an array of beautiful parks, and areas of greenery throughout. An area known as the ‘Town Belt’ is literally a green belt of native and exotic trees that runs through the city, and even when you’re in the city just look above the buildings and Dunedin is surrounded by green hills. Plus, if you want to go a little off road, a 10-minute drive from the city centre and you will find yourself literally feeling like you are completely away from all forms of urban life. Mountain biking and trail walking and running tracks are all right on your doorstep.
2. Dunedin is a quirky, artistic and entrepreneurial city. We have a street art trail, where 30+ walls have been adorned with art from visiting artists from around the world and New Zealand. Dunedin is home to artists, musicians, internationally recognised fashion designers, an annual fashion festival week, and writers, in fact Dunedin was the first city in New Zealand to initiate a writer’s fellowship, and is now a UNESCO designated City of Literature where writers, books and literature thrive. Dunedin is also gaining a reputation as the perfect place for start-up businesses to thrive and collaborate. And in the deep of winter Dunedin celebrates as only Dunedin can by lighting up the city with a mid-winter carnival complete with fanciful, ethereal and elaborate costumes and lanterns.
3. The University of Otago. Dunedin is a University City which adds to its appeal in regards to the research, literature, culture and people that are attracted to come here to study, research and teach. Otago University is New Zealand’s first University and has a reputation for both academic excellence matched with an extraordinary lifestyle and balance.
4. Weekend travelling. Getaway in the weekends to some of the most untouched, natural scenery in the world and a range of outdoor pursuits. Dunedin is the gateway to some of the most ridiculously beautiful scenery you are likely to encounter. Fiordland National Park, Central Otago, including Queenstown, Wanaka and Arrowtown, or travel a couple of hours south of Dunedin and you enter the dramatic and wild Catlin’s area.
5. Dunedin is NZ’s wildlife capital. Yes, I know, that is a very big call to make, but we aren’t the only ones saying it. Sir David Attenborough from the BBC states: “Otago Peninsula and Taiaroa Head is a unique and very special place. It is a place that every visitor to Dunedin should see.” Dunedin is situated around a natural harbour and adjacent peninsula and it really is the jewel in our crown. We have the only mainland breeding grounds for Royal Albatross in the world, NZ fur seals, sea-lions, rare and endangered Yellow Eyed Penguins also choose to call the Otago Peninsula home. And because Dunedin people are the kind of people who care about the lives of our feathered and furry friends, we have a wildlife hospital. On the other side of the Peninsula is Orokonui Ecosanctuary a local initiative that saw a dream of creating a predator free area of native forest become a reality. Orokonui now houses some of NZ’s most precious living taonga (treasures) and is contributing to the conservation and regeneration of our endemic birds and reptiles.
Dunedin is an interesting little city with a warm heart and welcoming inhabitants. Almost anyone can find their little piece of happiness here. It it is also a place with mysterious secrets than only locals know…..but thats a story for another day.
Nicky Richardson is an International Marketing Coordinator at the University of Otago. With degrees in music and marketing, she is a recent graduate of Otago herself – she loves Otago so much she ended up getting a job here!
