Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
15 seconds ago
After stepping away from her career for five years to support her family overseas, industrial pharmacist Nisha James has reignited her professional life through postgraduate study at EIT Auckland.
With more than a decade of experience in quality assurance roles in India’s pharmaceutical sector, Nisha had built a strong foundation in the industry before taking a career break when her husband moved to Qatar for work. Unable to find opportunities in her field there, she began exploring ways to re-enter the workforce.
“I always dreamt of studying in a foreign country, and I knew further education would help me restart my career,” she said. “When I learned about EIT’s Master of Health Science, it felt like the right choice. New Zealand offered the quality of education, safety, and lifestyle I was looking for.”
Nisha, 40, moved to New Zealand in 2023 with her husband and young daughter and completed her Master of Health Science in December 2024. She is now employed as an Operations Manager at Auxilio Pharmaceuticals in Auckland, where she oversees production processes and compliance.
“I chose EIT because of its strong reputation for academic excellence and practical learning,” she said. “The curriculum aligned closely with industry needs, and the lecturers were approachable and genuinely invested in helping students succeed.”
The programme offered evidence-based research, case analyses, and presentations that mirrored real-world health challenges.
“It helped me update my technical knowledge and strengthen my analytical and problem-solving skills,” she said. “I particularly valued how the learning encouraged collaboration and independent thinking.”
Nisha said the support she received from EIT staff was instrumental in her return to the workforce.
“My project supervisor, Jeffery Adams, was incredibly supportive, and Brendon Hickey helped me tailor my CV for the New Zealand job market,” she said. “That kind of guidance gave me the confidence to apply for roles in my field again.”
She described the move to New Zealand with a young child as challenging but rewarding.
“It wasn’t easy at first, but now I feel at home here,” she said. “The work-life balance is so much better, and the people are very welcoming. My daughter has adjusted beautifully too.”
Nisha says her studies at EIT have given her the confidence and skills to take her career further.
“My long-term goal is to help shape regulatory practices and operational excellence in the industry,” she said. “Eventually, I hope to contribute at a global level by working with international teams to improve access to effective healthcare solutions.”
She recommends EIT to others. “EIT offers the perfect balance of academic knowledge and real-world application. It’s a place that helps you grow professionally while building the confidence to take your next step.”
EIT Auckland Campus Director Cherie Freeman said: “Nisha’s story is a wonderful example of how education can open doors and rebuild confidence”.
“We’re proud to have supported her journey and thrilled to see her thriving in New Zealand’s pharmaceutical industry.”
