Piyumika Sewwandi
Analyst Tester, FNZ Services
Master of Information Technology Project Management with Honours (First Class)
Project management is a critical skill for career progression in the IT industry, says Piyumika Sewwandi who came to AUT as an international student from Sri Lanka to study a Master of Information Technology Project Management.
“I was working in the IT industry as a software engineer and was motivated to develop a deeper understanding of project management, learn advanced concepts and apply them in large-scale IT environments. I loved that my AUT degree was very practical and focused on developing real-world skills. The courses covered advanced areas like portfolio management, digital transformation and change management. The programme also included applied learning through assignments and projects where we had to think critically, solve problems and apply what we learned to real-life scenarios. This helped me build confidence in handling complex project situations and improved my decision-making skills.
“From the very beginning, I felt welcomed at AUT. From visa guidance and accommodation to counselling and advice on living in Auckland, I always felt supported. The Employability Lab, library and Student Hub are especially useful, particularly for international students. I attended two career fairs where I had the chance to connect with industry professionals and explore job opportunities, which helped me build confidence, better understand the IT industry in New Zealand and prepare for my future career. I also really enjoyed the diverse and inclusive environment at AUT. There were many events where students from different countries could come together and share their cultures.”
She appreciated the support from AUT’s staff and services throughout her studies.
“The combination of supportive staff and the wider AUT student services played a key role in my success and development. I’m particularly grateful to Dr Mali Senapathi, who supervised my research project. This was the most important module in my programme, and I worked on it throughout the year. She guided me closely through every stage of the research process and helped me understand what research is, why it is done and how to conduct it effectively. Her support made a big difference to my learning, and I really enjoyed the experience.”
Delivering a high-quality product
Now working at global fintech FNZ Services, Piyumika loves working with both business and technical teams to ensure the quality of the company’s system.
“I like being involved in the full delivery process, from understanding requirements to designing test scenarios and validating that the solution works as expected. I especially enjoy finding issues early and helping improve the quality of the product before it reaches users. It gives me a strong sense of contribution to know that my work helps prevent real-world issues. I also like collaborating with developers, solution consultants and other testers, as it helps me understand different perspectives and improves my overall understanding of the system. Overall, I enjoy the problem-solving aspect of testing, the attention to detail it requires and the satisfaction of delivering a high-quality product to users.”
She says her studies prepared her well for her role now, especially for working in such a multicultural environment.
“Throughout my master’s degree, I was involved in multiple group assignments where I worked with students from different backgrounds, cultures and age groups. These experiences helped me adapt to different working styles and perspectives, and significantly improved my collaboration skills. This also helped me become more confident in communicating and working effectively within diverse teams, which is an important skill in today’s global IT industry.”
Advice for other students
Piyumika – who graduated from AUT at the end of 2024 and is proud of receiving a dean’s award for excellence in postgraduate study – has some great advice for other students.
“Always try to understand the purpose behind your studies and your assignments. When you know why you’re doing something, it becomes much easier to stay focused and work towards your goals. I’d also recommend surrounding yourself with likeminded and positive people. Being around supportive peers really helps you stay motivated, learn from others, and grow both academically and personally.”
She also has some tips for those who are planning to build an IT career.
“My advice for building a career in IT is that it’s not always easy to land a good job, especially in a competitive market like Auckland. However, staying consistent, continuously improving your skills and gaining practical experience through regular practice can make a big difference. Developing good personal and professional qualities – including communication, adaptability and a strong work ethic – is also very important. With the right mindset and steady effort, it’s possible to find a good opportunity and succeed in your IT career.”
