MÄnawatia a Matariki
Matariki was marked at our Auckland International Campus today with a video about the meaning of the event, a quiz, games, and sha...
Success Story: Siraj Junaideen
A masterâs 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 countryâs clean and green image, employment opportunities, and work-life balance.
âNew Zealandâs ahead in terms of work-life balance. You need to have that peace,â 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 AICâs 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.
âI didnât just find employers - I found mentors who trusted me from day one.â
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 managersâ deep understanding of business and the construction sector.
âIâm very happy to help them and at the same time Iâm gaining my local New Zealand experience.â
Siraj says the value of that experience has been immeasurable. He believes itâs 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.
âEven though weâre qualified, we need to demonstrate the right attitude. Thatâs most important in New Zealand.â
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 AICâs Employability Team, to Anna, who helped recruit him for the role, to his bosses and mentors Richard and Janet.
âThis isnât just a job - itâs the New Zealand dream I hoped for when pursuing my masterâs.â
