Md Samiul Alim
Master of Business Management student
Choosing to come to AUT in New Zealand for his studies was easy, says Md Samiul Alim who came to AUT as an international student from Bangladesh to study a Master of Business Management.
“I worked in the business department of one of the well-known technology companies in Bangladesh for around nine years. During this professional journey, I developed my skills in communication, sales, marketing, client management and business development, and realised that to progress towards my goal of taking a leadership position within the next five years, I need to strengthen my business and management knowledge beyond my existing technical and professional experience. I chose AUT because of its strong global reputation, and the Master of Business Management closely aligns with my career goals and will help me develop the strategic, analytical and leadership skills to take the next step in my professional journey.”
It's a decision he certainly hasn’t regretted.
“I’ve really enjoyed learning from my lecturers because of their profound subject-matter knowledge and practical experience. My lecturers have always been approachable and willing to clarify questions beyond the classroom, which helped me understand the subjects from both academic and practical perspectives. The classes are highly interactive, and the lecturers are always welcoming and open to questions, which has kept me engaged throughout the classes. I’ve enjoyed working and interacting with students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, as it helps me to understand different perspectives. I’ve also received strong support from the wider AUT support services throughout my studies, including having a very positive experience with the GP service at AUT. Overall, these experiences make me feel supported not only as a student but also as an individual while adapting to a new environment.”
Opportunities beyond the classroom
As much as he is enjoying his studies, some of Md Samiul’s proudest achievements happened outside of the classroom.
“The achievements I’m particularly proud of at AUT were completing the Shadow a Leader day and achieving all the milestones of the Beyond AUT Award. These experiences enabled me to move beyond classroom learning, and become more adaptable and responsible. Through the Shadow a Leader day, I had the opportunity to observe leadership from a different perspective and reflect on how effective leaders communicate, make decisions and manage people. Completing the Beyond AUT Award milestones encouraged me to participate in activities that supported the local community, develop new skills and step outside my comfort zone. As someone who has already worked in a leadership and business development role, these experiences helped me reflect on my existing leadership style while developing greater adaptability, empathy and confidence to work with people from different backgrounds.”
He is also making the most of studying in Auckland and New Zealand as an international student.
“What I’ve enjoyed most about studying in Auckland and New Zealand is the multicultural environment and the opportunity to interact with people from different backgrounds and perspectives. Coming from a professional background in Bangladesh, I found it very valuable to experience a different working and learning culture. Initially, it was quite challenging, but gradually I overcame the cultural barriers and broadened my perspective through volunteering with organisations such as Red Cross, Everybody Eats, Auckland Stadiums and Conservation Volunteers New Zealand. Auckland is also a very diverse and welcoming city, which helped me adapt to a new environment while balancing my studies and professional responsibilities.
“As a city, Auckland is diverse, vibrant and welcoming for international students. Coming from Bangladesh, I find Auckland’s relatively comfortable weather and multicultural environment appealing for both study and personal adaptation. One of the best parts of being in New Zealand is its beautiful natural environment. I really enjoyed visiting places like Muriwai Beach, Takapuna Beach and Western Springs Park. I also enjoyed trying local food, and Muzza’s Pies is one of the best food experiences I’ve had in Auckland. I also tried fish and chips, which I found exceptionally mouth-watering.”
Advice for other students
Md Samiul’s advice for other students is simple: make the most of your time at AUT.
“Attend classes, ask questions, interact with people from different backgrounds and take part in opportunities outside of the classroom. I’d also encourage students to step outside their comfort zone and try activities that develop their personal and professional skills. My experience with the Shadow a Leader programme and Beyond AUT Award showed me that some of the most valuable learning can happen outside the classroom. Most importantly, stay adaptable, be open to different perspectives and make meaningful connections throughout your AUT journey.”
He wouldn’t hesitate to recommend AUT to others.
“I’d particularly recommend AUT to students who want to combine academic learning with practical knowledge. The lecturers are highly knowledgeable and approachable, and the interactive learning environment encourages students to share their opinions and challenge different perspectives. Coming from a technology and business development background, I particularly valued the focus on data-driven decision-making, leadership and digital transformation. I also found the diverse student community very valuable, as it provided opportunities to learn from people with different academic and professional experiences.”
