Students hear lessons from tec...
Business Information Systems students Sean Elijah Chavez and Sushila Dhakal attended the Auckland Council Migrants in Tech event ...
Success Story: Shunsuke Tsuruoka
Bachelor of Construction student Shunsuke Tsuruoka is working as a builder while studying Quantity Surveying, giving him the opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world construction experience.
The Auckland International Campus Employability team helped him secure the role, which he says has been incredibly valuable to his studies.
Before coming to New Zealand, Shunsuke graduated from university in Japan and completed an MBA in Taiwan. He has previously worked as a Sales Manager and taught Japanese.
Shunsuke came to New Zealand with his family in December 2023 to study Quantity Surveying.
He chose Future Skills because his educational consultant explained that the institute was not just about technical knowledge, but also provided a robust, well-structured system designed to bridge the gap to professional employment.
About a year ago, the AIC Employability team helped Shunsuke secure a part-time construction site job. His employer is an AIC alumnus.
“Since I am studying to become a Quantity Surveyor, this job has been incredibly valuable to me. It allows me to connect theory with real-world practice perfectly,” he says.
“The materials, structural elements, and construction methods we discuss in class are things I can see and touch firsthand on-site.”
He adds that whenever he comes across something he does not fully understand, he can ask his boss direct questions on the spot.
“It feels like I am learning not just with my head, but with my whole body. It adds massive value to my classroom lectures."
AIC Employability Manager Dani Mao says Shunsuke has been able to deepen his understanding of the industry in a very practical way.
“That’s why I value AIC’s strong alumni community,” she says.
“When alumni open doors for current students, the community becomes more than a network. It becomes a circle of support.”
“It is not only about staying connected after graduation. It is about giving back, creating pathways, and helping the next student take one step closer to their future.”
After graduation, Shunsuke's goal is to secure a position as a Quantity Surveyor or an Estimator.
“I am determined to work hard so that I can step onto the front lines of the industry and truly thrive as a professional."
Until then, he is enjoying his time at AIC.
“What I appreciate most about studying here is the exceptionally friendly and supportive environment. It is not just the tutors; the staff at the IT Help Desk and the Student Success team always go out of their way to spark a conversation and offer assistance,” he says.
“I truly love how everyone collaborates to create such a welcoming atmosphere."
