Kia ora and welcome to the July edition of We are OPAIC 

This month, we celebrate the achievement of a graduate who has gone on to pursue her HR career here in Aotearoa New Zealand. We also share a lecturer's recent publication, as well as insights from an engaging digital marketing talk. You can read about a number of experiences our Construction students have benefitted from and meet our newest IT Lecturer.  

Upcoming Events

Reserve your spot for our upcoming events

We have a wide range of events planned for our learners in Study Block 3 starting with a library tour and a night of ten pin bowling. Head over to our webpage to see what else we have planned and to sign up for any events.  

Talk of the Campus

Finding purpose during international study experience  

Master of Applied Management graduate Jacelyn Santiago found fulfilment and purpose in her international study journey through the many opportunities offered inside and outside the classroom at OPAIC. Now that she’s finished her Master’s degree, Jacelyn has joined Matrix Security Group here in Aotearoa New Zealand as an HR Coordinator. Read all about her here. 

Digital marketing insights shared

Our Digital Marketing students enjoyed an engaging guest lecture given by Cheil Worldwide Insights Planner Leah Ahn recently. Cheil Worldwide is part of the Samsung group. Leah covered a range of topics, from digital marketing frameworks to real-world case studies. Students enjoyed hearing about Digital Marketing in the real world and benefitted from Leah’s expertise. Read more about the lecture here.  

Lecturer explores collaboration between academia and business 

Congratulations to Principal Lecturer Dr Lorraine Skelton who has contributed a chapter to the recently published book From Purpose to Impact: The University and Business Partnership. The book, edited by Nicholas O'Regan presents best practice in broadening successful academic-business engagement. Read all about it here. 

Construction students visit Steel and Tube factory 

Our Construction students had an excellent opportunity to visit a Steel and Tube factory and experience the manufacturing process for steel purlins, cladding and composite flooring. Robert Brown and his team at Steel and Tube patiently detailed every step of the process and were kind enough to answer all our questions. Read more here.  

Property Development lecture for Construction students 

Our third year Construction students had the opportunity to attend a lecture on Insights into Property Development. The guest speaker was Rajbir Singh who is an Entrepreneur and a Developer who has been operating in the real estate industry for the last 10 years. The lecture was insightful and provided students with practical knowledge, tips and challenges faced in the property investment and development business. 

Student Research Forum a success 

We are delighted to share the resounding success of this year's Student Research Forum, held by the Construction department. The event was a remarkable showcase of creativity, dedication, and innovative research. Thirteen construction students captivated the audience with their innovative projects, demonstrating not only their technical expertise but also their commitment to solving real-world challenges. The forum featured a diverse range of research topics, from sustainable building practices to advanced construction technologies and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in construction. 

A fun day out for learners

Our students rounded off Study Block 2 with a trip to Rainbow’s End. It was a well-earned opportunity to relax and have fun with friends after all their hard work during the study block.  

New Staff

Introducing Senaka Amarakeerthi 

Senaka Amarakeerthi is the newest lecturer in our IT team. 

Senaka holds a PhD in Computer Science and Engineering, an MSc in Computer Science, a BSc in Applied Sciences, and a Certificate in Teaching Methodology. 

He has more than 18 years of experience as an academic in the fields of Computer Science and Information Technology within a university setting. Over this extensive period, he has taken immense pleasure in his career, engaging in teaching, research, and partnering with the IT industry.  

Additionally, he has played a significant role in enhancing academic programmes and contributing towards the development of academic institutions. 

Senaka’s research interests include Computer Security and Forensics and Brain-Computer Interfaces. He also enjoys working on electronics projects when time permits.  

His goal for each learner’s journey is to ensure they understand fundamental principles and develop practical skills through hands-on experience. He encourages critical thinking and analytical abilities, enabling students to approach problems methodically. 

Employability Corner

OPAIC Students advance in Auckland Council Event Services Team internship 

Eight enthusiastic students from OPAIC applied for hands-on internships with Auckland Council's Event Services Team. After a thorough review of their CVs and application letters, three students have been selected to advance to the interview stage. 

These students now have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in event delivery within a major cultural festival, the BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival 2024. This internship programme includes roles such as Programming Intern and Operations Intern, offering valuable insights and practical skills to kickstart their careers in the events industry​​. 

Congratulations to our students for reaching this milestone, and best of luck in your upcoming interviews! Your dedication and hard work continue to make us proud.  

Learner takes part in Auckland Startup Weekend 

It was inspiring to see Otago Polytechnic Auckland International Campus learner Bikramjeet Singh Suman putting himself to the test just 35 days after arriving in New Zealand.  

The Employability Centre sponsored him to enrol in the 54-hour challenge of bringing ideas to reality during the Auckland Startup Weekend. Read all about it here.  

Empowering our staff, students, and alumni 

The Otago Polytechnic Auckland International Campus team and our alumni and postgraduate students recently had the privilege of attending the Executive Presence and Sponsorship workshop in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland.  

Held at Ventia's stunning premises, the workshop featured insightful sessions on executive presence, personal branding, and the importance of building a strong network and creating sponsors. These sessions were facilitated by the highly esteemed Amanda Webb and Lisa Mulligan, whose expertise made the discussions engaging and invaluable. 

The workshop brought together various professionals, creating an inspiring environment for all attendees. This opportunity empowered our staff and students with new knowledge and skills, which are crucial for their professional growth and for furthering our mission of developing a global workforce at OPAIC. 

Networking in Action! 

During the school break, the Employability Centre invited our Study Block 2 new learners to a networking event. It was gratifying to see our learners confidently implement their new skills. The energy in the room was palpable as students engaged in meaningful conversations, honing their networking abilities. 

We also celebrated some fantastic news from our alumni. Congratulations to Kara Frances Arenas and Maynalyn Atienza, who secured their first full-time permanent jobs in New Zealand weeks after graduation! Your dedication and hard work are paying off, and we couldn't be more proud. 

Remember, staying proactive, building connections, and supporting one another are crucial to success in our career journeys.