Shahreen Ahmed
Managing Partner & Assistant Instructor, BRAC Kumon, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Master of Business Management
She has always wanted to be an entrepreneur, says Shahreen Ahmed who came to AUT as an international student from Bangladesh to study a Master of Business Management, a qualification she completed in 2022.
“I chose the Master of Business Management because I knew this master’s degree would help me develop a clearer vision for how to become an entrepreneur. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I had always wanted to go to New Zealand for higher-level study. I’m a survivor of a plane crash, and after the crash I decided to fulfil my dream of pursuing my master’s degree in New Zealand. As I was searching for universities, I discovered the business management programme at AUT, which was a perfect match for me.
“Because I’m working as a businesswoman, the leadership course that was part of my degree helped me be a good leader for my team. The programme also taught me how to deal with cultural differences, and that in situations where we can’t change the person, we can change our approach so we can still move towards the same goal.”
Shahreen started her studies in early 2020, when the world was in the grips of the COVID pandemic – but she didn’t let this affect her university experience.
“One month after I had arrived at AUT, COVID had arrived and spread in New Zealand, and we went into lockdown. During that time everything was based online, and as an international student I used to get lots of emails from my lecturers and other AUT services to check if we needed any support to cope during that time. I used to get a lot of support from my lecturers. When the on-site classes started, I had the best time with my friends, doing assignments, having coffee and getting prepared for the next classes.”
Supported to thrive
Shahreen says she particularly appreciated the support she received during the applied business project, which was at the heart of her degree.
“I appreciated the tremendous support I got from Gareth Jones, who was my industry mentor and supervisor for my applied business project. During my last semester at AUT, my mum got COVID and Gareth was always there to support me mentally. He also guided me in making a step-by-step plan for how to plan and achieve my goals.”
She has some great advice for other students.
“If you’re in need of help, don’t hesitate to talk to your lecturers or other AUT staff. They will always guide you and show you the right path.”
Realising her vision
Now back in her home country Bangladesh, Shahreen enjoys her role as a managing partner and assistant instructor at a BRAC Kumon centre, part of Bangladesh's premier educational institute offering personalised learning programmes for children.
“I’m proud to work as an assistant instructor at one of the BRAC Kumon franchises in Bangladesh where I’m a managing partner as well. In my role, I’ve learnt about Japanese culture and their education system, including the respect they show towards each and every learner. It’s nice to work with such a big team that cares about everyone and respects my vision for my country.”
She says her studies at AUT set her up well for her career.
“AUT helped me be independent and made me more confident in achieving my goals. Now I’m planning to start my dream business soon.”
