Mirasha Fernando
3rd-year student, Bachelor of Science in Analytics with a minor in Data Science
She has been interested in numbers and solving problems since childhood, says Mirasha Fernando who is studying a Bachelor of Science in Analytics with a minor in Data Science.
“I was first introduced to data science, AI and big data through a seminar I attended way back in Sri Lanka, which inspired me to research this field. I was particularly drawn to data analytics as it enables me to combine my passion for coding and statistics to derive meaningful insights from data. The idea of using my work in data analytics to help organisations make well-informed decisions greatly appeals to me. I’m also fascinated by the versatility of this field and being able to apply my skills and knowledge across a wide range of industries.”
Deciding where to come for her university studies was easy for her.
“AUT is one of the most recognised universities in New Zealand, particularly for its teaching methods. The emphasis on practical learning, rather than simply theory, caught my attention when I was choosing a university in New Zealand. AUT is renowned for producing industry-ready graduates, and has strong connections with business and technology sectors.
“I also appreciated that the data analytics programme at AUT blends theoretical content with practical application, which I believe is essential in a university degree. Beyond academics, AUT is known for its clubs, associations and events, and the presence of many international students provides exposure to a myriad of cultures from around the world. Today, I’m proud of my decision to study at AUT as it has helped me grow both professionally and socially.”
The right university environment
She wouldn’t hesitate to recommend studying at AUT to others, says Mirasha who is now in the final year of her studies and proud of the grades she has received so far.
“AUT is a great place to study and an excellent place to start your career journey. What excites me the most about university life is meeting new people from diverse backgrounds and being part of a community that helps me grow as a student. Engaging with my peers and faculty has created a supportive environment for my studies. The services and staff at AUT can help you with almost every need. The Employability Lab, Student Hub and the AUT Students’ Association are especially useful, particularly for international students. There’s also the AUT Edge Award and AUT Beyond Award, which help you develop your leadership and social skills.”
She has enjoyed gaining hands-on experience through internships and project work.
“One of the biggest highlights of my studies this year has been gaining more practical industry experience and being able to connect what I learn at AUT with real-world projects. I’ve especially enjoyed subjects and projects involving analytics, forecasting, machine learning, automation and AI applications. I’m currently working on my capstone project, which focuses on developing a cost modelling framework for AI-enabled healthcare solutions, so it has been exciting being able to combine both analytics and emerging technology concepts.
“I’ve also worked as a business analyst intern at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, supporting healthcare automation initiatives. I was involved in analysing business processes, gathering requirements, and documenting workflows for automation and AI-enabled solutions. I enjoyed collaborating with stakeholders and had the chance to work with Signavio and Visio. Alongside this, I’ve been working as a computer science intern at A&A Accounting, where I’ve been involved in backend development and data engineering work. It’s been really rewarding to apply both technical and analytical skills in a real business environment.”
Advice for other students
Mirasha’s advice for other students is simple: get the best out of AUT.
“It's your university life. Step out of your comfort zone, go that extra mile, make new friends, have fun, study hard and graduate as a well-rounded and happy person. Never hesitate to ask for help – AUT has a strong support network, whether its peers, lecturers or other services.”
Always be open to learning more and gaining that extra experience outside of coursework, she adds.
“Don’t limit yourself to just studying; get involved in extra activities or internships. Make sure that in 10 or 15 years you’ll have an amazing story to tell about your ‘university life’.”
