A master’s student with extensive experience in finance and accounting is building his knowledge of the New Zealand business landscape through his internship.
Master of Applied Management student Siraj Junaideen has worked in finance and accounting for more than 14 years. His work has taken him from Sri Lankan warehouses to the boardrooms of Timor-Leste, and he has experience across a range of different industries, including retail, hospitality, and real estate.
He made the move to New Zealand in February, drawn by the country’s clean and green image, employment opportunities, and work-life balance.
“New Zealand’s ahead in terms of work-life balance. You need to have that peace,” he says.
Soon after arriving, he started seeking part-time work opportunities aligned with his background to learn more about how businesses operate in New Zealand. He approached AIC’s Employability Team, who first helped him adapt his CV for New Zealand, then started sending job opportunities his way.
One of those opportunities was an Accounts and Office Manager internship with building company Henry Brown & Co. He was able to secure an interview, received positive feedback, and landed the role. Siraj said he received a warm welcome at the company.
“I didn’t just find employers - I found mentors who trusted me from day one.”
Siraj has been helping them with solutions relating to the impact of the recession on the SME sector. At the same time, he is learning a lot from his managers’ deep understanding of business and the construction sector.
“I’m very happy to help them and at the same time I’m gaining my local New Zealand experience.”
Siraj says the value of that experience has been immeasurable. He believes it’s important for those new to New Zealand to understand the culture and how business operates, specifically the can-do attitude required to build a good career here.
“Even though we’re qualified, we need to demonstrate the right attitude. That’s most important in New Zealand.”
Siraj says he loves the way New Zealanders support immigrants. He is grateful to everyone who has helped him on his journey from Dani and Chris in AIC’s Employability Team, to Anna, who helped recruit him for the role, to his bosses and mentors Richard and Janet.
“This isn’t just a job - it’s the New Zealand dream I hoped for when pursuing my master’s.”
“My best advice would be to talk to others. Students might get some insights unexpectedly during a coffee meeting with their friends which might be helpful for their paper.”
“The institution’s core values, developing the whole person, fostering lifelong learning, and contributing to the community deeply align with my own beliefs.”
“The best thing about studying at AIC is the classroom environment and the interactive way of learning which allows one to explore themself.”
"My goal is to integrate my industry experience with my academic knowledge to create meaningful business solutions.”
“This isn’t just a job - it’s the New Zealand dream I hoped for when pursuing my master’s.”
“Rest days were few and far between as I balanced work at the hotel, my internship, and peer tutoring.”
"It felt like a good opportunity to try something new."
“This role represents a meaningful opportunity made possible through the support and recommendations of the AIC Employability Team.”
“Don’t be afraid to show who you are while growing in a new environment.”
“Without my tutor, I couldn't have thought of higher studies."
“Perfecting the art of welding has been one of my main goals.”
“I am so proud and captivated because I got a good job.”
