Titin Tedilo
Master of Supply Chain Management student
Her time at AUT has given her the confidence and practical experience to take the next step in her career, says Titin Tedilo who came to AUT as an international student from Indonesia, supported by an AUT International Scholarship – Business.
“I chose to study supply chain management because I wanted to build on my previous knowledge and business experience while moving into a new career direction. My background is in accounting and auditing, and I also helped with my family business, where I became interested in inventory, purchasing and business operations. After taking an extended career break to raise my daughter, I wanted to return to study and develop skills that would open up new opportunities. I wanted to understand how businesses can manage suppliers, inventory and processes better, and how informed decisions can create value across the whole organisation.
“What I’ve enjoyed most is being able to connect what I learn in class with real business situations. The programme has a strong practical focus, particularly through our applied business project. My project focused on demand forecasting, inventory planning and developing a sales and operations planning (S&OP) approach for a real organisation, enabling me to apply the concepts and tools I learned to a business challenge. This experience was directly relevant when I applied for a business planning internship, where S&OP was also an important area, and I was selected for the opportunity. It showed me that what I learned at AUT can translate directly into an industry opportunity. Learning from classmates with different backgrounds and experiences has been a highlight too, and hearing directly from industry professionals through guest lectures has shown me how the concepts we studied are applied in practice.”
She considers Auckland to be the right environment to prepare for the next step in her career.
“Choosing Auckland was important to me because it’s a diverse and internationally connected city, with opportunities to learn about different industries and ways of doing business. What I’ve enjoyed most about studying in Auckland is experiencing a new environment while building a new chapter in my life. Auckland is very diverse and multicultural, and I’ve enjoyed meeting people from many different backgrounds. Being able to explore New Zealand with my family has made the experience even more special. Moving to a new country and returning to study at the same time has challenged me in many ways, but it has also helped me become more independent, adaptable and confident.”
A meaningful journey
For Titin, there have been a few achievements during her studies that she is especially proud of.
“One of the achievements I’m most proud of is receiving the AUT International Scholarship – Business. It gave me the opportunity to pursue my Master of Supply Chain Management and was a meaningful recognition of my academic background. I’m also proud of how far I have come through the programme. Returning to postgraduate study and adapting to a new academic environment was challenging, and getting through it gave me a lot of confidence. Being selected for a business planning internship is another achievement I’m proud of. It showed me that the knowledge and practical experience I gained through my AUT studies could translate into a real industry opportunity and support the new career direction I wanted to pursue.”
She says she has been very fortunate to receive support from many lecturers and staff throughout her time at AUT.
“Looking back, the people at AUT have been one of the most meaningful parts of my experience. Dr Shirekha Charls has been particularly important to me. She was with us from the first day of the programme to our final class, supporting and guiding us throughout the entire journey. That continuity meant a lot as I was returning to postgraduate study after a long career break, and her guidance helped me stay focused and confident.
“Dr Amirhossein Mostofi introduced us to AnyLogistix, which let us use the simulation software to see how different supply chain decisions affect outcomes. It was a practical experience that helped me see how analytics can support real supply chain decision-making. Dr Maryam Mirzaei brought a different approach to learning. She regularly used real business case scenarios and encouraged class discussions that challenged us to consider how we would approach situations in the real business world. As an international student, I also really appreciated the support from the international student support team and the postgraduate team. They were always helpful when I had questions or needed guidance, and having that support made adjusting to studying and living in a new country much easier.”
Advice for other students
Set to graduate from AUT at the end of the year, Titin has some great advice for other students.
“My advice, especially to women who are returning to study later in life, is not to think that you’re too late to start something new. I had been away from university and professional work for several years before returning to study, and at times I wondered whether I could still keep up. But I realised that the experience and skills I had gained through the years were still valuable and could be applied in a new direction.”
Fitting study into your busy life is possible, she stresses.
“It can be challenging to balance study, family and other responsibilities, but it is possible. Be willing to step outside your comfort zone, stay curious and believe in what you can bring. You do not need to have everything figured out. I did not. I started anyway. Sometimes taking that first step can open doors you never expected.”
