Sahan Jayasuriya
To prepare for success in the New Zealand workplace, Sahan joined CDES workshops, student clubs, and CIE programmes that helped him expand his network and gain practical skills.
Home country: Sri Lanka
Programme: Masters of Engineering Management
What motivated you to choose the University of Auckland for your studies?
While working as a Mechanical Engineer in Sri Lanka, Sahan noticed the disconnect in communication between senior management and those at the ground level. “The Master of Engineering Management catered to my interest since it focused on both the engineering and business. It could help me communicate clearly with the organisation and bridge the communicate gap.”
What can you say about your experience with CDES and the Workplace Insights Programme (WIP)?
“During my studies, I was hesitant about kiwi work culture, since I noticed a few gaps and wanted to learn how to better integrate into it. A past alumni introduced me to WIP and the benefits it could provide. I was paired with a mentor who is an experienced senior leader. The programme covered aspects of personal and professional development, and a key takeaway was rewiring the brain and adapting to the situation.”
What were the most useful aspects of WIP for you?
“We were invited to visit our mentor’s organisations. At the Māori lead organisation, I learnt how culture is integrated and how complex challenges can be resolved. I also learnt that kai (food) is a great ice breaker and a way of bonding. At the corporate organisation, he showed us how tools like Agile can be used to avoid stagnation. The concept of coffee catch up was something new to me as an international student.”
What are your plans for your career or further study and how do you CDES or WIP can help take you there?
“CDES has some great programmes, including The Power of Networking, Composing your CV & Cover letters, interview tips and methods of tackling assessment centres. WIP helped me to navigate kiwi work culture. CDES also helped me to develop my LinkedIn profile.”
What would be your advice for those thinking about making the move to study at the University of Auckland?
“People here are welcoming. Join a club to expand your network. There is something for everyone. If you’re inspired to start your own business or build your entrepreneurial skills, visit the Unleash Space. Visit Hiwa, the rec centre to keep yourself fit. Choose a subject that you’re really passionate about and you will find a great community.”
Tell us about your experience with CIE.
CIE, the Centre of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, empowers students with co-curricular programmes to develop innovation and entrepreneurship skills. So far, they have ignited 292 ventures, created 3,760 jobs and raised $5.1 billion in capital.
“Before I attended CIE programmes, I thought innovation was only about technology. But my view has changed, I now realise it’s about everything. I joined Summer Lab, which enabled me to develop my business and marketing skills. After winning 1st place in Summer Lab, I thought my Entrepreneurship life was over. However, I was wrong. They offer multiple programmes like Fireside Chats, where business owners come and speak about their journey and challenges.”
What is it like being part of your student club?
Sahan made the most of life on campus and joined a number of Clubs to expand his network and learn new skills.
MECHA – "a club for Mechanical and Mechatronics students and aids in bridging the gap with industry. They host awesome events such as industry site visits or speed interviews. This club is a good place to start to build up your connections."
Volunteer Club – "Ever since I was small, I was drawn on helping other and was drawn on the social impact of this club. I volunteered at Mercy Hospice Care, where I made butterflies for patients to choose from to represent their cocoon and bloom from life."
AIESEC – "One of the largest international youth volunteer organisations. I worked in a team where I could develop leadership and cross-cultural communication skills."