“ANC offered an empowering college experience with the perfect balance of studies, industry exposure, and student life…”
Kaashif Zia credits his education at ANC for a big part of his success. He graduated with magna cum laude honors in Marketing and International Business from Northwood University of the USA this year, completing his full degree at ANC. Northwood University recognized his outstanding performance at the ANC Graduation and Awards Night. One of the gifted students ANC ever had, Kaashif took the full advantage of the opportunities given to him to launch a promising career at Hemas Manufacturing immediately after graduation.
Kaashif, a perfectly balanced student between academics and extra-curricular activities, joined ANC right after his A-Levels completed at D.S.Senanayake College, Colombo, which provided him with opportunities to develop his charismatic personality. In addition to getting excellent grades at O-Levels and near perfect A-Level grades, Kaashif had been actively involved in extra-curricular activities as a Deputy Head Prefect (2015), President of the Interact Club, a CHOGM Youth Ambassador, and the Chief Organizer of the Islamic Majlis of D.S.Senanayake College. He is also grateful to ANC for helping him acquire the means for higher realms of achievement.
Given below are some excerpts from the interview with Kaashif:
Q: Why did you choose ANC for your higher studies?
A: With a reputation for quality education, attractive opportunities for hands-on learning, and a welcoming learning environment, ANC is popular among local students and parents. Above all, ANC only offered the privilege of completing a full US degree in Sri Lanka and the opportunity to graduate with two focus areas (dual major option). Also, my sister had already completed her Northwood Business degree at ANC; we knew firsthand that Northwood business programs, combined with ANC’s Guaranteed Paid Student Internship (GPSI) program and endless other opportunities, allow students the privilege of becoming work-ready graduates. I joined ANC in fall 2015.
Q: In addition to the obvious advantages of having access to US education, what are the specific features of Northwood Business degree programs offered at ANC?
A: Northwood University is focused exclusively on Business education, so the university offers degree programs developed in partnership with industry, which enables Northwood graduates to make a smooth transition from studies to their career. ANC guarantees internships at some of the top organizations in Sri Lanka such as MAS Holding, Virtusa, Samsung, DIMO, Hilton, Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts, Hayleys, etc. This gave us the opportunity to integrate our studies with 6 months of paid work in the senior year, which is an experience we gain beyond a classroom setting. In addition to hands-on learning experience, it allowed us to enhance our professional network and explore potential careers. We were also guided by faculty who possess a wealth of industry experience. Mr. Chathura Liyanage, the Academic Head of Northwood Business Programs, worked with us as a mentor throughout and encouraged us to establish a direction for our career.
Q: How did your internship help you accomplish your professional goals?
A: I was hired by Brandix as an intern while representing the Rotaract Club of ANC at a competition. I worked for the Supply Chain Department, and it was a top notch internship that incorporated feedback and mentoring. I could acclimatize to the company culture at a fast clip because my supervisor was super friendly and flexible. I was not only exposed to the real world corporate culture, I was also given the opportunity to keep abreast of changing trends in the business world, preparing me for the world of work.
When I joined Hemas, the exposure at Brandix came in handy. In addition to technical skills, I had already gained valuable soft skills, such as communication skills, collaboration, time management, and negotiation skills required to deal with all relevant stakeholders so that I could easily meet the expectations of the organization. Also, my supervisors could assign additional responsibilities to me as they were assured of what I could contribute to the organization.
Q: What is the student experience like at ANC?
A: ANC offers an empowering college experience with the perfect balance of studies, industry exposure, and student life. Students feel engaged, connected, and supported by faculty, non-academic staff, peers, and extra resources available on campus.
Given that there are several student clubs and organizations, students have exciting opportunities to pursue their interests and hobbies. As the president of the Rotaract Club of ANC, I could be a part of a number of community service projects that aimed at helping different groups of people, including school children, single mothers, senior citizens, cancer patients, and orphans. The membership of the Performing Arts Club enabled me to showcase my talents on stage at several occasions, ANC Awards Night, Annual Fashion Show, and the Talent Show, for example.
ANC offers strong student services as well. They include academic advising, remedial tutoring program, SAT/ IELTS help, etc. All in all, that experience alone was almost as valuable as the education.
Q: What is your message for prospective students?
A: College happens only once, so students need to make the most of it. ANC offers endless opportunities if you are willing to step out of your comfort zones to explore new things. Also, ANC is one of the few private education institutions where students earn their qualifications through hard work, which, in turn, helps them become assets to any organization. You should join ANC to feel the difference.
Be the Next!
Students finishing ALs are welcome to be enrolled on any of our undergraduate degree programs. Those who have gained satisfactory A/L grades will be eligible to claim exemptions & scholarships; nevertheless, not getting the grades you were expecting doesn’t have to be demotivating, for U.S. universities accept GCSEs and O levels for admission.
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