Hands-on learning boosts stude...
Students in AIC’s Business Solution Architecture course are gaining hands-on experience through interactive activities designed...
Success Story: Ayumi Lopes
Ayumi Lopes is balancing study, work, parenting, and peer tutoring while building a future in business and fintech.
Originally from Japan, Ayumi is studying a Master of Applied Management at AIC after already completing a bachelor’s degree in Global Studies in Los Angeles. Her career has included teaching English to children in Japan, operations at a Finnish food delivery startup, and fintech work helping process international student payments.
Ayumi grew up in the Tokyo area but spent the last decade living in Hiroshima. She also studied Spanish and spent about two years in Peru before marrying her Brazilian husband and learning Portuguese.
“I am currently raising trilingual children which is a challenge, but NZ is a great place for that,” she says.
Alongside her studies, Ayumi continues to work in fintech and says her previous experience inspired her to gain formal business qualifications.
“I thought that having a Master of Applied Management would give me the basic business knowledge that is applicable to my career growth.”
She says she has appreciated the support available to international students at AIC, as well as the opportunity to connect with people from around the world.
“There is great support for students in terms of educational support, employability support, as well as fun student trips that I got to join (Rangitoto hike and Piha trip).”
“I love cultures and languages and so getting to be in this international environment is always a blast.”
Ayumi recently started working as a peer tutor within AIC’s Learning Support team after being recommended by a lecturer.
“When I interviewed for the position, the Learning Support team was super friendly and I felt like it would be a great opportunity to get to work with an amazing team, get to know fellow students, and also use my experience to help new students.”
Balancing family life, study, peer tutoring, and work has strengthened her time management skills.
“I manage my calendar and stick to my schedule very strictly to make sure I make time to work on assessments.”
After graduation, Ayumi hopes to spend more time exploring New Zealand with her family and apply what she has learned to her career in fintech.
“Being a peer tutor and a student at a school that uses a different payment system from my current fintech company has given me some insight for how to improve the user experience in fintech, and I can’t wait to start implementing this knowledge and experience at my current role, without having to worry about assessments.”
Ayumi encourages students to make the most of the support available and build connections during their studies.
“Don’t be afraid to talk to the lecturer or come visit learning support. You can come talk to peer tutors not just for assessments but just to meet us and talk about our experiences.”
“Part of being at AIC for me is not just to get the degree but to make meaningful connections with people from different backgrounds. Time flies and so use this time to really meet the great people around you.”
