Yash Layazawala
Master of Applied Finance
Yash Layazawala developed an interest in finance while completing his undergraduate degree in law, where exposure to capital market transactions sparked a deeper curiosity about how companies operate, grow and create value. This interest eventually led him to pursue a Master of Applied Finance at AUT.
“I initially pursued an undergraduate degree in law, which provided a strong foundation in analytical thinking and problem-solving. During that time, I found myself increasingly drawn to the financial aspects of business. That curiosity ultimately led me to explore finance more seriously and pursue further study in the field.
“The Master of Applied Finance offered a clear pathway to build the technical and analytical skills required for a career in finance, even for students transitioning from other disciplines. What particularly appealed to me was that the programme was already well established at AUT, having been offered for over five years, which is something few other universities in New Zealand offered. The programme is also part of the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program, meaning there is significant overlap between what we study and the CFA curriculum.”
The right choice
Now progressing towards building a career in finance and advisory work, Yash says that enrolling in the Master of Applied Finance has been one of the most valuable decisions in his professional journey.
“It’s a well-rounded programme with strong academic rigour and a practical orientation. What I’ve particularly appreciated is how the courses bridge theory with real-world application. They help develop the analytical and problem-solving skills required in the finance industry while giving students exposure to how financial concepts are applied in practice.
“The lecturers were approachable and genuinely invested in helping students succeed. Beyond the classroom, the programme brings together students and faculty from diverse backgrounds, creating an engaging learning environment. I also appreciated the facilities available to postgraduate students, including the trading room and dedicated study spaces. There are many opportunities for students to get involved and contribute to the broader university community. For example, I was selected as a postgraduate student representative for the AUT Business School, which was a very rewarding part of the experience."
Several members of staff and university services also played an important role during his studies.
“Dr Prasad Hegde taught two of my courses in my first trimester and had an exceptional ability to break down complex concepts into simple ideas. His teaching style made the learning process both engaging and accessible, and his guidance helped me perform strongly in those courses. I also found the team at the AUT Employability Lab extremely helpful. They provided practical guidance on navigating the job application process and preparing students for industry roles. Munaal Abdali, in particular, was very supportive and generous with her advice throughout my studies.”
Advice for other students
Yash – who graduated in December last year and is currently gaining commercial experience restructuring the financial operations of a local business – encourages students to approach their studies with intention and curiosity.
“You may not always have a perfectly clear idea of the direction you want to take, but as long as you have a general sense of what interests you, it’s important to keep taking deliberate steps forward. Being proactive and open to learning makes a big difference.”
He also encourages students to take full advantage of the opportunities available during their time at university.
"Engage with your lecturers, connect with people from different backgrounds and make the most of the resources the university provides. Exploring different opportunities and experiences can open doors you may not have expected.”
