Shayan Akhter

Fraud Detection Specialist, ASB Bank
Master of Engineering Project Management with Honours (First Class)

The best part of the Master of Engineering Project Management was the freedom to choose his own project topics, says Shayan Akhter, an international student from India whose professional background included a foundation in civil engineering combined with experience in financial crime and risk management.

“This freedom enabled me to dive deep into aviation logistics, a field I initially knew very little about. My practical assignments covered analysing the multinational supply chain chaos of building the Airbus A380, evaluating modernisation models for international airports and looking at Air New Zealand’s financial rebound from COVID-19. Alongside this, AUT provided frequent opportunities to interact with the corporate community through industry events and career expos. What I gained from these opportunities went way beyond formulas. Investigating how massive entities operate in the real world taught me how to think outside the box, ask the right questions and brainstorm solutions for high-stakes problems. Learning to navigate that complexity and connect with industry leaders gave me the analytical toolkit and confidence I use every day in my current role.”

Wanting his time at AUT to be about more than just academic grades, he says he threw himself into campus life and community impact.

“The overall campus life was awesome – it’s fast-paced, there are always events happening, and it made it easy to make great friends. Having a free gym on campus was a massive bonus for staying balanced. While I was at AUT, I also completed the Beyond AUT Award and Bright Side programme, and was proud to lead our Green Impact team, 1Million Eco Aura, to achieve AUT’s highest sustainability honour, the Green Impact Platinum Award.

“My time at AUT was defined by an incredible support system that pushed me both professionally and personally. Academically, mentors like Dr Anne Staal and Professor John Tookey made complex industries engaging and fun, constantly challenging me to think critically. The Employability and Careers team was instrumental in guiding my industry development, while Amelia Adams and the rest of the Sustainability team gave us the platform to drive real environmental change through the Green Impact programme. The friends I made were my ultimate anchor. We challenged each other, celebrated the wins together, and turned a fast-paced academic journey into an unforgettable, shared adventure. I couldn't have done it without them.”

Safeguarding the community
After graduating from AUT in 2025, Shayan now enjoys his role as a fraud detection specialist at ASB Bank, one of New Zealand's largest commercial banks.

“What I love most about working in financial crime is that it’s an incredibly creative and directly value-driven field. People often think of it as just tech and data analysis, but fighting fraud is actually a dynamic, psychological puzzle. You have to think outside the box to stay one step ahead of changing tactics, using everything from cutting-edge detection technology to deep risk analysis. Every single day, our team is acting as a shield – safeguarding the community from monetary loss and directly protecting everyday people from financial harm. Knowing that my work has that kind of direct, positive impact on society is incredibly fulfilling.”

He says his studies prepared him well for his career now.

“I expected to gain technical and strategic project management skills from my studies, but I didn't anticipate how much AUT would focus on preparing me as a whole person. The Bright Side courses were a massive part of that, giving me tools for mental wellbeing, resilience and learning how to navigate life with greater ease. Furthermore, the frequent opportunities to network and interact with industry experts built my confidence in professional communication. When I stepped into my corporate role, I realised that AUT hadn't just taught me how to manage projects – it had prepared me to handle high-pressure environments, look after my wellbeing and communicate confidently with senior leaders.”

Advice for other students
Shayan – who is proud of receiving a Dean’s Award for Excellence in Postgraduate Studies – has some great advice for other students who are only at the start of their own university journey.

“First, make sure you have a clear understanding of how the course curriculum aligns with your personal goals. While not mandatory, I highly recommend having some real-world work experience before diving into a postgraduate degree like this; it gives you the context you need to truly absorb the material. Once you’re in, don't just play it safe. Treat your degree as a risk-free platform to experiment with something completely new. Choose research topics that genuinely excite you and use the university's resources to explore unfamiliar fields – that's where the real growth happens.”

He also has some guidance for those interested in a career similar to his.

“In financial crime and risk management, having a degree is just the baseline – it actually plays a small role compared to your hands-on skills, targeted certifications, and real-world experience. You have to be a lifelong learner who continuously upskills. Most importantly, never underestimate the power of networking and a bit of luck. The famous saying in New Zealand is entirely true: 'It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.' Put yourself out there, go to the career expos while you’re at university, attend the industry events and build genuine connections. Your network is what will ultimately open the right doors for you in this field.”