From the classrooms of Albany Senior High School (ASHS) to a future in tech and risk advisory, Noah Borton is using his passion for data to help organisations work smarter and safer.
For Noah, his time at ASHS wasn’t just about academics – it was the foundation for everything that followed. He quickly immersed himself in the collaborative, future-focused environment ASHS is known for, where learning felt more like a university or professional setting than a traditional high school.
“I always say how lucky I was to have gone there,” Noah says. “One of the things that stood out most to me was the culture—there was no sense of rigid hierarchy between students and teachers. Instead, it felt like we were collaborators.”
That sense of mutual respect and shared responsibility helped Noah build confidence and develop key soft skills that would serve him far beyond high school. Now in his final year at the University of Auckland, he’s studying for a Bachelor of Commerce with a double major in Business Analytics and Information Systems.
Real-World Learning and Industry Experience
Since graduating in 2022, Noah has focused on growing professionally and making the most of every opportunity. He’s held roles at Auckland Council and Legrand New Zealand and, most recently, interned at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare over the summer.
“In this role, I used Excel and Power BI to analyse business data, helping identify trends and insights that supported key decision-making,” he explains. “I was involved in building data models, generating reports, and using visualisation tools to make data more accessible and actionable for stakeholders.”
This hands-on experience played a key role in helping Noah secure a graduate role at KPMG in their Audit – Technology Risk team, starting in February 2026.
“In this role, I’ll be working with clients to manage their technology and data-related risks, focusing on General IT Controls,” he says. “This role perfectly aligns with my studies in business analytics and my passion for data and technology, and I’m really looking forward to taking what I’ve learned so far and applying it to help businesses improve their systems and manage risk.”
Building Skills That Stick
ASHS’s learning environment and emphasis on self-directed projects helped Noah build the independence and initiative he uses every day.
“In both corporate settings and university, it’s rare for someone to constantly check up on your work or provide step-by-step guidance,” he explains. “Impact Projects were a great way to learn how to take initiative and manage tasks independently.”
He also highlights the value of tutor classes, particularly thanks to his tutors Ashleigh and Laura.
“They were incredibly friendly, passionate, and encouraging in every aspect, and they played a huge role in motivating me to do well after high school,” he says. “Their genuine care for students and their enthusiasm really made my time at ASHS special and set me up for success moving forward.”
Looking Ahead
Noah is now preparing to celebrate his journey so far with a solo trip to New York City this June – a moment to reflect, recharge, and look ahead to the next chapter.
“ASHS set students up for success with minimal surprises,” he says. “The focus on critical thinking, practical skills, and building strong relationships gave me an edge as I moved forward in my career.”
