Aoi Yamadera brought nearly nine years of experience in Japan’s insurance industry with her to New Zealand, where she is now studying towards a Master of Applied Management at our Auckland International Campus.
Aoi has a strong interest in business, financial services, relationship management, and working in multicultural environments. She is balancing her studies with part-time work as a travel consultant while also managing family life in New Zealand.
Before joining AIC, she worked for a Japanese insurance company for around nine years. Her experience included business development, relationship management, and supporting insurance agencies to improve their sales performance and operations.
“I worked closely with agency owners, sales staff, underwriting teams, and claims teams to solve problems, improve processes, and strengthen long-term business relationships,” she says.
“Through this experience, I developed strong communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.”
Aoi decided to enrol at AIC because she wanted to broaden her perspective and build a career in a more international and multicultural environment.
“For me, studying at AIC is an important first step toward personal and professional growth in New Zealand.”
One of the best things about studying at AIC, Aoi says, is the support from lecturers.
“They are approachable and supportive, which helps me feel more confident in my learning.”
She also enjoys learning alongside other students in her cohort.
“Studying with people from different backgrounds has helped me learn not only from the course content but also from their experiences and perspectives.”
Aoi says she also appreciates that Employability and Learning Support services are readily accessible when needed.
One of the biggest challenges Aoi has faced so far has been balancing study, work, and family responsibilities while raising a young child.
“I have tried to overcome these challenges by setting a clear schedule, staying focused, and prioritising what needs to be done.”
“I also communicate with my family so they understand my situation and can support me. Their support has helped me keep going, especially during busy study periods.”
Aoi says studying in a new environment can sometimes feel challenging, but you do not have to do everything alone.
“My advice is to do your best with your studies, but also try to expand your network and connect with others. Ask for support, learn from your classmates, and make the most of the opportunities around you.”
After she graduates, Aoi hopes to continue building her career in the financial services industry in New Zealand.
“I would like to apply my previous experience in insurance, business development, and relationship management, while also building on what I have learned at AIC.”
“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.”
“There is great support for students in terms of educational support, employability support, as well as fun student trips that I got to join."
“I’d love to use my new knowledge and skills in new technologies within the New Zealand IT industry, or help bring new technologies into non-IT companies."
“Studying with people from different backgrounds has helped me learn not only from the course content but also from their experiences and perspectives.”
