Norhan Ibrahiem
Master of Supply Chain Management student
The Master of Supply Chain Management enabled her to completely reimagine what her career could look like, says Norhan Ibrahiem who came to AUT as an international student from Egypt, supported by a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship.
“With a background in business administration and three years working in ocean freight, international trade and franchising, I wanted to take my career to the next level. The Master of Supply Chain Management gave me the academic foundation to match the practical experience I already had – and to grow beyond it. What attracted me most was the structure of the programme and how it balances academic rigour with real-world application.
“What I didn't expect was how much the programme would open up new directions, including product management, sustainability and strategic operations. These are now genuine possibilities for me, not just things I'd vaguely heard of. This degree has shown me that supply chain is far broader than I first understood. I want to build a career at the intersection of supply chain and sustainability or product management – roles where I can contribute to building operations that are smarter, more resilient and more responsible. I'm excited about the possibilities in a way I genuinely wasn't before I started this programme.”
She has especially appreciated the practical aspects of the programme.
“The final project course has been the standout practical experience for me. It places me directly with a real company to identify and solve an actual business problem. I chose to work with a tech company despite having no prior background in programming or data analysis. This pushed me well outside my comfort zone. What I gained was not just new skills, but a much stronger belief in my own ability to adapt and learn under pressure.”
Mentorship and support
Norhan says she was surprised by how accessible her lecturers have been.
“This is something I’ve truly valued. The lecturers aren’t just there to deliver content – they're genuinely invested in my growth as a professional. I've had conversations that went well beyond coursework, covering career direction and real industry advice, and that kind of mentorship is rare.”
There are two lecturers who have had a particular impact on her.
“I feel genuinely lucky to have had Dr Maryam Mirzaei as my sustainable supply networks lecturer. She expects a lot, and there were moments that felt difficult. But those were also the moments where I grew the most. She helped me discover a level of distinction I didn't know I had, and I'll carry that with me long after I graduate. Dr Shirekha Charls, my project supervisor, has been my anchor throughout the research process. When I overcomplicated things – which happened often – she had a quiet way of bringing me back to what truly mattered. Her ability to make me see the value of simplicity without sacrificing rigour has been one of the most practical lessons of my entire degree.”
Advice for other students
Expecting to graduate from AUT at the end of the year, Norhan has some great advice for other students.
“Be open to being challenged – especially in areas where you feel underprepared. Some of my best learning came from stepping into unfamiliar territory. Don't avoid projects or opportunities just because they feel outside your comfort zone; that discomfort is exactly where growth happens.”
Make the most of the people around you, she adds.
“The diversity of experience among your peers and lecturers is one of AUT's greatest strengths – lean into it.”
