Master’s student Nadeeka Nimali Abeykoon says she grew professionally and personally while completing our Auckland International Campus’s new Placement Ready Programme.
She has now started her role as a Financial Services Operations Management Intern with foreign exchange provider City Forex NZ following a successful interview.
Nadeeka recently completed the Placement Ready Programme, which includes training in professional communication, interview readiness, and workplace expectations.
She says the experience helped her realise that becoming a resilient and strong person is not about avoiding challenges, but about learning how to face them with patience, clarity, and a positive mindset.
“It is about accepting situations, controlling our reactions, continuously improving ourselves, and moving forward even during uncertainty.”
She adds that it is important to have the courage to be yourself, stay true to your values, and understand your identity.
“Don’t be afraid to show who you are while growing in a new environment.”
Nadeeka says she has developed a deeper understanding of self-awareness, mindset, and personal growth, and that these lessons align with concepts found in her Buddhist beliefs.
She is grateful to the Employability Team for the opportunity to complete the Placement Ready Programme.
“Their support has played a significant role in helping me grow both personally and professionally,” she says.
“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.”
