For Bachelor of Business graduate Krystle Miller (Ngāi Tahu/Kāi Tahu, Rangitāne), the road to her degree was anything but simple.

As a full-time working mum, she balanced career, family, and study with determination, grit and a laser-like focus on her long-term goals. Her journey is a powerful example of how resilience, combined with the right support system, can help students thrive — even when life is full to the brim.

Thirty-nine-year-old Krystle recently completed her degree with a double major in management and marketing, an achievement she describes as “a huge accomplishment” and a testament to years of hard work and dedication. Alongside her studies, she worked full-time as an administrative lead for Auckland-based The White Lady Hospitality Group Limited (owners of the iconic ‘White Lady’ food truck) — a role where she has been able to apply much of what she learned in real time.

“I chose this path because it aligned perfectly with my current role and long-term career goals,” she says. “Working in operations and administration, I saw the value in deepening my knowledge in both management and marketing — two areas that directly impact business success.” 

The double major not only strengthened her day-to-day skills but also opened up new career possibilities in marketing, human resources and beyond.

Balancing multiple roles

Krystle’s daily life during her studies was a careful balancing act. She was a full-time mum to daughters Sienna and Savannah, a full-time employee, and a full-time student working towards a demanding double major.

“It often felt like there just weren’t enough hours in the day,” she recalls.

Deadlines, work commitments and family responsibilities sometimes collided, but careful planning, discipline and a willingness to ask for help made it all come together.

It truly “took a village,” she says, crediting her supportive network of family and friends for keeping her on track.

Still, there were moments of self-doubt and fatigue — times when she had to dig deep and remind herself why she started.

“Completing my degree proved to me just how capable and resilient I can be,” she says.

The role of Unitec’s support

Krystle is quick to point out that her success wasn’t achieved alone. The support she received from Unitec’s Business School and the Maia Centre was “invaluable.” She singles out learning advisor Diane Tamati and student support staff member Adriana Lovatt for their encouragement, guidance and practical help with class planning and paper selection.

She says lecturers Alan Lockyer and Denisa Hebblethwaite were also instrumental, providing mentorship in human resources, management and marketing.

“One of the things I loved most about my course were the caring, knowledgeable lecturers who genuinely want to see students succeed make all the difference,” she says. “Their patience and guidance kept me motivated, even in the toughest moments.”

Real-world learning in action

One of the reasons Krystle chose Unitec was its reputation for practical, hands-on learning that connects directly to the workplace. She found the Business School’s blend of theory and application invaluable, allowing her to take concepts learned in class and put them to work in her job immediately.

A highlight of her career so far has been successfully managing the HRM system implementation project at The White Lady Hospitality Group — a complex, multi-stakeholder initiative she completed ahead of schedule. It tested her problem-solving, project management, and leadership skills, reinforcing her confidence in her ability to take on strategic challenges.

Cultural roots and personal growth

Born in Sydney, Krystle carries her Māori heritage with pride. Throughout her studies, her connection to her Ngāi Tahu/Kāi Tahu and Rangitāne whakapapa deepened, inspiring her to start studying te reo Māori after completing her degree.

This commitment extends to her daughters, who now attend a Māori bilingual school in Central Auckland.

“It’s incredibly fulfilling to see them embrace their heritage,” she says. “I want them to grow up proud of who they are, with a strong connection to their language and culture.”

Looking ahead

With her degree completed, Krystle is excited to continue growing in her current role and is open to new opportunities where she can make a greater impact. Areas like project coordination, marketing strategy, and HR support are all possibilities she’s exploring. The knowledge and skills she has gained give her confidence to move into more senior roles and support business growth strategies in the future.

“We’re so proud of Krystle and all she has achieved,” says Dr Kay Kirkland, Head of the School of Applied Business.
“Her journey at Unitec shows the power of pairing determination with the right kind of learning,” she says.
“Krystle has successfully balanced work, family, and study while applying her skills directly in the workplace — exactly what we aim to achieve at the School of Business.
“Our focus on real-world, hands-on learning means our students graduate not only with a degree, but also with the confidence and capability to make an immediate impact in the workplace.
“Krystle is proof that investing in yourself through study can transform both your career and your future,” Dr Kirkland says.

Advice for others

Krystle’s advice for those considering study while working and raising a family is clear.

“Build the right support network around you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The sacrifices you make now — the late nights, the juggling — will pay off tenfold in the end.

“Stay focused on your goals and remember you’re capable of more than you think.”

Krystle’s journey is proof that with resilience, the right mindset, and strong support it’s possible to excel in multiple roles without losing sight of your dreams.

For Unitec, her success underscores the value of flexible, real-world learning that empowers working professionals to advance their careers without having to put their personal lives on hold.

“This experience reminded me that it’s never too late to invest in yourself,” she says. “With the right mindset, anything is possible.”

Learn more about the Bachelor of Business programme.