Master of Applied Management student Swastika Shrestha moved to New Zealand in 2025 with the goal of building a better future through education, personal growth, and professional development.
Originally from Nepal, Swastika completed her bachelor's degree and worked for more than four years at NIC Asia Bank Limited, one of the country's most reputable banks, before moving to New Zealand.
“Growing up in Nepal taught me resilience, respect, and the importance of community, values that continue to guide me throughout my journey abroad,” she says.
She chose AIC because she was looking for an institution that offered practical learning, supportive lecturers, and a multicultural environment.
“The Master of Applied Management programme matched my career aspirations and provided an opportunity to improve my leadership and professional skills in an international setting.”
Swastika says she has appreciated the supportive learning environment and the dedication of the Employability team.
“Beyond academics, the college actively supports students through various employability and career development programmes that focus on building confidence, improving communication skills, and preparing students for employment opportunities in New Zealand.”
She says, as an international student here, she has always felt welcomed, supported, and encouraged.
“The college genuinely cares about students’ personal and professional growth, which has helped me become more confident, focused, and career-oriented.”
Alongside her studies, Swastika works as an Admissions Officer at Expert Education and Visa Services NZ, supporting students as they explore study opportunities and plan their future pathways.
She says moving to a new country and adapting to a different education system came with challenges. Balancing study, part-time work, and personal responsibilities required strong time management, discipline, and consistency.
Actively participating in campus activities helped her build connections, improve her communication skills, and adapt to a new environment.
After graduating, Swastika hopes to build a successful professional career in New Zealand.
“I aim to continue developing myself professionally, gaining industry experience, and growing into a role that allows me to contribute meaningfully to an organisation.”
Her advice to fellow students is to stay positive, work hard, and make the most of every opportunity.
“Moving to a new country and adjusting to student life can sometimes feel overwhelming, but consistency, confidence, willingness to learn, and reaching out for support can make a big difference.”
“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.”
