Nazia Khair
Master of Applied Finance student
Being able to connect theory with the real world is what she is enjoying most about her studies, says Nazia Khair who came to AUT as an international student from Bangladesh.
“I came to AUT with several years of experience in corporate banking in Bangladesh. I wanted to build on that experience by updating my finance knowledge, gaining exposure to current global practices and developing stronger analytical skills across different areas of finance. The Master of Applied Finance felt like the right bridge between the experience I already had and where I wanted my career to go next. AUT was the first university to offer me a place, and I liked the degree’s practical approach and strong industry relevance. Auckland was another important factor for me because it is New Zealand's largest business and financial centre, offering opportunities to learn both inside and outside the classroom.
“I like that many of my courses have challenged me to analyse real companies, build financial models and think about financial decisions from different perspectives. Coming from a professional banking background, I particularly enjoy being able to connect what I’m learning now with situations I encountered during my career. I’ve also really valued studying alongside people from different professional and cultural backgrounds.”
She appreciates the tremendous support from her lecturers throughout her time at AUT.
“They’ve always been approachable and willing to explain difficult concepts, discuss my questions and provide guidance beyond the classroom. Their feedback has helped me improve not only academically, but also in the way I approach financial analysis and think critically about real-world problems. I’m particularly grateful to Professor Bart Frijns who has taken the time to guide and encourage me in my academic journey. I’ve also learned enormously from Associate Professor Olga Dodd, Lloyd Gutteridge, Dr Wanyi Yang, Dr Ihsan Badshah, Dr Prasad Hegde and Dr Ni Yang. Despite their expertise and experience, they’ve always been approachable and genuinely interested in helping students learn and develop. Their encouragement has given me confidence to challenge myself and become more involved in the AUT community.”
Opportunities beyond the classroom
The learning opportunities at AUT extend well beyond the classroom, Nazia says.
“Alongside my studies, I’ve tried to take advantage of the many programmes and events AUT offers its students. I’ve participated in leadership and sustainability programmes, attended industry and professional events, and engaged in activities where I could meet people outside my programme. I’ve also been involved with the AUT Investment Club, first as a participant and later as the director of academics. I also work as a teaching assistant for the Financial Decision Making and Information Systems course, and am a postgraduate student representative. Being trusted with these roles has been particularly meaningful to me because they’ve enabled me to contribute to the same university community that has supported my own development. I was also delighted to be selected as an INFINZ Conference Scholar 2026, which has given me another opportunity to connect my academic journey with New Zealand's finance industry. These experiences have been an important part of my AUT experience.”
She also enjoys being based in Auckland for her studies.
“What I’ve enjoyed most about studying in Auckland is its diversity and the opportunity to meet people from many different cultures and backgrounds. Auckland is a vibrant city, but at the same time New Zealand offers a sense of space, nature and balance that I really appreciate. I’ve enjoyed exploring the country, experiencing a different culture and becoming part of a new community.
“Moving to New Zealand to study after having an established career in Bangladesh was a significant change for me. It meant adapting to a new country, a different academic environment and a new way of life. That experience has made my time here about much more than earning a degree. It has given me greater independence, confidence and a broader perspective, both personally and professionally. I value the openness and friendliness I have experienced here, which has made Auckland gradually feel like a second home.”
Advice for other students
Expecting to graduate from AUT later this year, Nazia has some great advice for other students.
“Be open to opportunities, including the ones that initially take you outside your comfort zone. Get involved in university life, talk to your lecturers, meet people from different backgrounds and make connections beyond the classroom. Good grades are important, but university is also about the people you meet, the confidence you build and the experiences you take with you.”
She wouldn’t hesitate to recommend AUT to others.
“What I value about AUT is that learning isn’t limited to the classroom. The Master of Applied Finance has a practical approach, the lecturers are approachable, and there are opportunities to become involved in the wider university community and connect with industry. My experience at AUT has allowed me not only to develop academically, but also to contribute as a student representative, teaching assistant and through the AUT Investment Club.”
