Success Story: Ruwanthi Silva

Master’s student Ruwanthi Silva has secured a management role in the apparel industry.

She credits Employability Centre workshops with helping her secure the role and says she now applies classroom knowledge in her work.

Ruwanthi’s new role at Checks Downtown involves managing the production process from initial product development through to the finished garment. She also oversees offshore manufacturing, ensures product quality, and contributes to sustainable supply chain management.

Before coming to New Zealand, Ruwanthi spent more than 14 years working in the global apparel industry, holding leadership roles in merchandising and sales with brands such as PUMA, Adidas, Patagonia, and Tesco. She’s worked as a Sales and Merchandising Director in Sri Lanka, Dubai, and Vietnam.

She says her new role aligns closely with the skills she’s developed in her previous roles.

“What’s different now is that I’m also applying business analytics and the sustainability knowledge I’ve gained at AIC to make more data-driven and responsible decisions,” says Ruwanthi.

She says the management and business analytics courses at AIC have been especially useful. She’s been applying data analysis to understand sales trends and make better production decisions.

“I find that what I learn in class often connects directly to the challenges I face at work, which makes the learning very practical and valuable.”

Ruwanthi says the Employability Centre’s workshops were also helpful in refining her approach to the New Zealand job market. The CV workshop and the Smart Job Hunt Techniques sessions were particularly useful.

“The Employability Centre has been incredibly helpful, especially in supporting me with CV preparation, interview coaching, and connecting me with opportunities that match my skills. Their guidance gave me the confidence to secure my role here in New Zealand.”

Alongside her studies, Ruwanthi is also a mother of four, balancing family life with her passion for professional growth and learning.

She chose AIC because of its strong reputation for applied learning and its supportive environment for international students.

“The focus on employability and practical skills really stood out to me. I wanted a programme that would not only strengthen my management knowledge but also help me adapt my global industry experience to the New Zealand business context,” says Ruwanthi.

She says the best parts about her study journey have been the supportive learning environment and the diverse community.

“I’ve really enjoyed interacting with classmates from different parts of the world and learning from their perspectives. The lecturers are approachable and bring practical insights, which makes the learning very relevant,” she says.

Ruwanthi says AIC encourages learners to think beyond just grades and focus on learning that connects to the industry.

“For me, assignments are an opportunity to go deeper to connect theory with practice and to learn something that will stay with me beyond the classroom.”

After graduation, Ruwanthi hopes to continue growing in the New Zealand apparel and fashion industry, especially in the areas of sustainable supply chain management and leadership.

“My goal is to contribute to building more responsible and ethical practices within the industry, combining my global experience with what I’ve learned at AIC.”