Christina Fan started with Alpha in March 2014 as one of our fabulous temporary staff in a long term role with Huawei. She arrived in New Zealand from mainland China not long after finishing University and worked in a variety of customer services and logistics admin roles before starting in this role as a Devices Delivery Specialist. This is her story as told to Amy Farr.

1. Tell me a little about where you grew up and what it was like.

I was born in a middle sized town in China. It is called Shenyang City with 8 million population, and is the capital of LiaoNing province. Shenyang City is only about a one hour flight from Beijing. It has obviously four seasons in a year. We could see real snow and ice in winter. 

My home town is a busy heavy industry town and we have nearly 100,000 people working in one major steel company in the city. My parents are both university professors. I spent my first 24 years in China, had my basic education through primary school to university then emigrated as a skilled migrant to NZ to live.

2. Why did you choose the career you have worked in?

I love being organised and running with planning/forecasting/delivery work really suits me, and fits with my major study of shipping and freight from MIT Auckland too. It gave me lots of real practice and I have earned good experience. It will definitely help me in my future career development.

3. What was it about NZ that attracted you?

Good climate, nice people and great culture mix.

4. How have you found living and working in NZ?

China will always be my hometown but NZ is ‘Home’ now :) I love that I have set up home here. Working in NZ, especially for Alpha is a great experience to enrich my life, which will benefit my rest of life.

5. Can you tell me a little about your experience with Alpha, and how we have been involved in your journey?

Alpha is a really good employer. It is very well organised and supportive. It offers lots of study, communication and entertainment activities with us. Specially, it helped lots when my family was in a special situation and needed support. I am really appreciative that our specialist consultant Amy helped me pass through that hard time, negotiated with the Contract party and supported me from both emotion and financial sides. I feel really happy with my two and half years working with Alpha as a temp contractor and will definitely carry on working for Alpha as any new assignment come available.