Shaping student success

With Senior Lecturer Sanjeev Vellore Ranganathan

Sanjeev Vellore Ranganathan has been integral to Unitec's Business School for almost six years. As a Senior Lecturer in Management and Co-ordinator of the Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Accounting Internship-Based Learning (IBL) programme, his real-world experience, in-depth knowledge, and genuine care for his students shine through in everything he does. 

Deep experience, valuable connections 

With qualifications in management, marketing, and logistics, Sanjeev worked in a number of different sectors early in his career. In his home country of India, his employers included construction textile producers and a leading bank. After moving to Australia, he shifted into the academic space, helping design and manage courses at Sydney’s Holmes Institute. Finally, in 2011, he moved to New Zealand and joined the Unitec team. 

These experiences are the foundation of his current role as lecturer, giving him a deep understanding of how businesses operate in the real world. His past career also helped him build a wide range of connections in the industry, which are invaluable to his work on the internship programme. 

In his academic career, Sanjeev has published articles in a range of academic journals and publications, showcasing his ongoing research and knowledge. Malama Saifoloi, Academic Programme Manager explains that Sanjeev's keen interest in applied research in the supply chain and operations field is key to his students’ success. 

“It’s a dynamic discipline – constantly changing. Sanjeev researches local and global trends, so he knows how best to prepare students and how to keep the IBL programme and his teaching relevant," she explains. 

As a Senior Lecturer in Management, he shares that knowledge with students, supporting them as they pursue their own academic goals. Malama explains that he's always looking for ways to blend academic goals and industry needs. 

"For Sanjeev, it's all about ensuring the best outcomes for both students and industry," she says. 

A practical, engaging approach 

Sanjeev's teaching style balances research-based insight with a keen eye for practicality – he wants to set his students up to hit the ground running as they start their careers. He uses a mixture of lectures, group work, and one-on-one support to make learning as effective and engaging as possible.

"Sanjeev's classes have always been very engaging and closely linked with the real world," explains former student Ricky Dragland. Now working as National Workshops & Reverse Logistics Manager at FujiFilm NZ, Ricky frequently thinks back to his classes with Sanjeev. "A lot of his teaching and advice I still use every day, in both work and personal life." 

Ma'ata Lavaki Ma'u, Student Representative with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, appreciates Sanjeev's ability to deliver complex academic concepts alongside realistic workplace advice.  

 "His seminars taught me and my fellow students a lot about being professional and self-reliant in the workplace," she explains. 

Smoothing the path to career success 

The Internship-Based Learning (IBL) programme allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world spaces. Sanjeev has been involved with the programme since 2018 , drawing on his industry connections to find internships and career opportunities for students. 

It's not always an easy task.   

"It takes a lot of skill and patience to work with both parties, learners and host organisations, and meet their respective needs. He's so good at fulfilling their needs,” says Malama. 

Finding the right placement is crucial for IBL students. It can mean a successful internship experience with professional connections and opportunities when students move into the workforce. As a course leader, Sanjeev understands this and goes out of his way to ensure all students get opportunities to learn. 

Current IBL student Desray Posthumus explains that she struggled to secure an IBL placement and reached out to Sanjeev for help. 

"From the beginning, he has gone above and beyond to help me. He managed to find me a placement, which I am thoroughly enjoying," Desray reflects.  

Similarly, when Virna Mamuad had difficulty finding a potential employer for his internship, Sanjeev leapt into action. "Without hesitation, Sanjeev offered for me to do my IBL with Unitec's Marketing Team," she explains. 

Karan Sharma, now a WMS Trainer at Foodstuffs North Island, credits Sanjeev's guidance for his career success. As part of the Suppy Chain Design course, Sanjeev introduced Karan to Gilmours, which led to an internship, a job opportunity, and, ultimately, Karan's current role. 

"His decision to introduce us to Gilmours not only expanded my horizons but also paved the way for me to secure a position at Foodstuffs," Karan explains.

Karan is one of many students to turn an internship into a career. 

"Many of our students secure employment from their placement – that's a key success story," adds Malama.

Going above and beyond for students 

A common thread that runs through feedback from Sanjeev's former students is the feeling that he cares about their success well beyond their studies. Outside of lectures and the IBL programme, he's known for his dedication to his students and his willingness to jump in with extra help whenever it's needed.
 
"He helped me when I had a lot of personal issues going on. He went out of his way to help me sort out my studies during that tough time," says Ricky Dragland, now National Workshops & Reverse Logistics Manager at FujiFilm NZ. 

It's that innate kindness that makes Sanjeev such a well-respected member of the Unitec community. 
 
"What truly sets Sanjeev apart from other lecturers is his genuine care for students. He has shown multiple times, not only to me but to many students, how caring he is and how he wants us all to succeed." – Desray Posthumus.