Prabhani Senavirathne

Digital Specialist, Iron Mountain
Master of Business Management with Distinction

The practical and analytical nature of the Master of Business Management strengthened her understanding of how different business functions work together to create organisational value, says Prabhani Senavirathne who came to AUT as an international student from Sri Lanka.

“Although I already had a master’s degree in human resource management and development, I chose to study the Master of Business Management because I wanted to further strengthen my leadership, strategic thinking and overall business management skills while gaining a broader international perspective. The knowledge and skills gained at AUT have enhanced my confidence in making strategic decisions, managing change and contributing effectively to organisations in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

“One of the most valuable aspects of my experience was collaborating with classmates from different cultural and professional backgrounds, which strengthened my communication and collaboration skills, broadened my perspective and gave me greater confidence working with people from different backgrounds. Through applied projects and case studies, I had the opportunity to work with leading New Zealand companies, analyse real business challenges, explore different perspectives and develop evidence-based solutions to address their business issues. The guest lecturer sessions and industry-focused learning activities further enhanced my understanding of real-world business practices.”

Outside of her studies, she managed to make the most of her time at AUT.

“Being involved in volunteering and community activities while completing the Beyond AUT Award has been another meaningful part of my AUT journey. These experiences have opened opportunities to expand my professional network, connect with industry professionals, contribute to the wider community and make my overall student experience more rewarding. Another highlight was the support provided through AUT’s Employability Lab and its career development opportunities, which gave me confidence and prepared me for my career in New Zealand. Additionally, AUT’s recreation centre and gym played an important role in supporting my wellbeing throughout my studies. Having access to these facilities free of charge has helped me manage study-related stress, and maintain a healthy balance between my academic commitments and wellbeing.”

A successful career change
After completing her studies in early 2026, Prabhani now enjoys working as a digital specialist for information management services company Iron Mountain in Auckland.

“I enjoy the opportunity to work with people from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, and apply the digital transformation knowledge and business concepts I gained through my programme to practical situations. This helps me better understand how organisations adapt, innovate and create value in today’s digital business environment and I now apply these skills in my role every day.

“I’m proud of successfully transitioning from my previous career in human resources into a different professional environment. After building my experience as an HR professional, I challenged myself to broaden my capabilities by pursuing a Master of Business Management at AUT and developing knowledge beyond my original field. This journey opened new opportunities for me to adapt to different industries, learn new technologies and apply my skills in a new professional context. I’m proud of my ability to embrace change, continuously learn and successfully navigate a new career pathway while bringing the valuable skills and experiences gained from my HR background.”

She says her time at AUT prepared her well for the career she has today.

“One thing I didn’t anticipate was how much AUT would prepare me to adapt to a diverse and highly digitalised work environment. The opportunity to collaborate with people from different cultural and professional backgrounds, while learning in a technology-driven environment, strengthened my adaptability, communication and collaboration skills. These experiences have prepared me to work effectively in an international, technology-driven workplace and confidently navigate the evolving demands of today’s global business environment.”

Advice for other students
Prabhani has some great advice for other students who are only at the start of their own university journey.

“My advice is to actively engage with lecturers, fellow students and industry professionals. As a professional master’s degree, this programme provides valuable opportunities to learn from experienced academics, peers and market leaders. Don’t focus only on completing the assignments. Take the time to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world situations, participate in discussions, collaborate with classmates and learn from different perspectives.

“I’d also encourage students to take advantage of AUT’s excellent career development resources, industry connections, networking opportunities and other support services as these experiences can greatly contribute to personal and professional growth. Be open to challenges, embrace new learning experiences and say yes to opportunities, even when they take you outside your comfort zone as they often lead to the greatest personal and professional growth. Use your time at AUT to develop not only academic knowledge but also the skills, confidence and professional connections needed for your future career.”

She also offers guidance for those interested in a career in business management.

“My advice for students pursuing a career in business is to develop a broad understanding of how different areas of an organisation work together rather than focusing only on one function. Building strong communication, collaboration, problem-solving and adaptability skills is essential as today’s business environment is constantly evolving. I’d also encourage students to continue learning, stay curious about emerging technologies and industry trends and build professional networks. Combining technical knowledge with strong interpersonal skills and a willingness to embrace change can create valuable opportunities for long-term career growth.”