Hello, my name is Anastasia and I have successfully graduated from the NZIE Digital Marketing Diploma Program in 2016th.
About me
A bit about me: originally I am from Russia and arrived in New Zealand in 2015. The reason why I’ve chosen this country is that I was looking for a better quality of life. I wanted to have the ability to do outdoor activities, have work and life balance and simply live better. I had experience working in the biggest international FMCG companies in Russia as a Brand Marketing Manager (Diageo, BAT). Next, I have decided that I want to get more knowledge in a new fast-growing industry – Digital Marketing. I found NZIE’s program in July 2015th. The same year, in October I came to NZ and started the education. Thanks to KiwiEducation who has assisted me in the application and visa processes.
Digital Marketing Program
NZIE’s Digital Marketing program was an intense 8-months course. It included all aspects of Digital Marketing. And the most important – I was taught by industry professionals. During the course, I discovered Adobe Creative programs, WordPress – CMS for developing websites, really useful insights about SEO and analytics. I learned how to engage with potential customers through all online channels (Social Media, websites, advertising, blogging). Also, I gained knowledge about New Zealand Digital industry and its trends and opportunities. Overall, this program opened a whole new digital world to me. So I am extremely happy that I had this experience.
Before I even graduated, I found a skilled job as a Brand and Media Specialist within the Millennium Group. There, I was in charge of all traditional and online marketing for their new hotel – M Social, located right on the waterfront of Auckland harbour on Quay street. It is now the top-rated hotel on TripAdvisor and is one of the most popular accommodations in Auckland!
1 year after graduation from the Digital Marketing Program I got a resident visa. And now, 1.5 years after graduation, I have opened my own Digital Marketing Agency – Weblizard Ltd. At the moment, I live in Ohakune and work from home office. I deal directly with small and medium businesses throughout New Zealand. My Digital Marketing Agency provides a full range of digital marketing services. We do Digital Design, Website Design & Development, SEO, SMM, SEM, Marketing strategy and more. Since opening in December 2018, I already found many amazing clients and had a chance to do some really great web designs. For example, for Kiwi TukTuk, where I’ve done the website, integrated the best booking system available on the market. Also, I am running their Social Media Accounts and helping with all marketing aspects.
Digital Marketing Program Potential
Digital Marketing is a huge niche in New Zealand. I understood it since my very first week in this country. Most of the websites of local businesses are done in a very poor manner. With absolutely no SEO or with Black Hat SEO and bad performance. As a result, they cannot get onto the top pages of Google Search Results. Therefore, since coming to New Zealand I wanted to open a digital agency. I wanted to help local businesses to solve their issues. In fact, I wanted to help them rank better and have the best online performance.
And to be honest, NZIE’s Digital Marketing Diploma Program helped my dream come true. I gained the necessary knowledge and understood how the industry works in NZ. Overall, I had an amazing time while gaining all those priceless insights from industry professionals, that were sharing the most up-to-date information and useful tips. That information helped me to develop a special approach which I am still using while working today! Moreover, NZIE has one of the best locations to study at – North Shore, Takapuna. It is located in the biggest city of NZ – Auckland. As a result, you have bigger chances to find a job faster. Also, you get the opportunity to travel all around the North Island and enjoy the unique nature of Aotearoa!
