Master of Applied Management graduate Harshal Nagda arrived at our Auckland International Campus with extensive corporate experience already behind him.
After completing a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Mumbai, he built a successful 15-year career in financial services, progressing to Assistant Vice President at a global organisation. His experience included team leadership, mentoring, process improvement, governance, compliance, stakeholder management, audit coordination, business continuity planning, and project management.
Despite his success, Harshal wanted to broaden his horizons and gain an international perspective.
“I decided to study at Future Skills Academy because of its strong focus on practical and industry-oriented learning,” he says.
“Having already worked in corporate leadership roles, I sought an academic experience that went beyond theory and encouraged real-world application, collaboration, and problem-solving.”
The opportunity to study alongside people from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds also appealed to him.
“For me, studying in New Zealand was not only about gaining another qualification, but also about stepping outside my comfort zone, developing new perspectives, and continuing to grow both personally and professionally.”
Harshal enjoyed the programme’s practical and interactive learning environment. He particularly enjoyed subjects such as Change Management and Human Resource Management, where presentations and class discussions helped him better understand leadership and communication in a New Zealand business context.
“After spending many years in the corporate world, I appreciated how the programme encouraged discussion, collaboration, presentations, and real-world application rather than focusing only on theory.”
Beyond the classroom, Harshal enjoyed cultural celebrations, sports events, and educational trips organised by the institute, including visits to the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Muriwai Beach, and local wineries.
“These experiences helped me connect with students from different cultures and made my student journey more memorable and enriching. I also genuinely appreciated the support provided by lecturers, student services, and learning support teams throughout my studies.”
Alongside his studies, Harshal worked part-time at Lagardère AWPL's Around NZ store in Auckland Airport's international terminal. Around NZ specialises in locally made New Zealand gifts, souvenirs, skincare products, apparel, and homewares.
“It gave me the opportunity to interact daily with international travellers from many different countries and cultures.”
“Working in retail further developed my communication, adaptability, teamwork, and customer service skills in a completely different environment.”
Now that he’s completed his study, Harshal hopes to combine his corporate leadership experience with the international perspective and practical learning gained during his studies in New Zealand.
“I hope to continue building an international career where I can contribute my professional experience while continuing to grow personally and professionally in a multicultural environment.”
His advice to current and prospective students is to stay open-minded and be willing to step outside their comfort zones.
“Studying in a new country is not only about gaining a qualification, it is also about adapting to different cultures, meeting new people, learning new ways of thinking, and growing as a person.”
He encourages them to actively participate in presentations, group activities, networking events, and cultural experiences rather than focusing only on academics.
“Some of the most valuable learning happens outside the classroom,” he says.
“Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. The lecturers, learning support teams, and student services at Future Skills genuinely want students to succeed, and reaching out for support can make a huge difference in your journey.”
“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.”
