Adriana’s journey from graphic designer to business owner highlights the incredible value of boutique, targeted education in NZ’s Digital Marketing industry. By studying NZIE’s Digital Marketing Diploma, she successfully combined her creative skills with digital marketing expertise and hands-on experience with industry tools, gaining the confidence and professional knowledge needed to launch her own agency. Her success story showcases the diploma’s real-world relevance and impact. Read on to find out how.
From Design to Digital
Adriana began her career as a graphic designer in a print shop but soon realised that the industry was changing, and she risked being left behind if she didn’t update her skills. Additionally, she was looking to shift career paths and wanted a broader scope of choices within the industry.
“I really wanted to update my skills but also learn more about digital marketing… about how to sell online, build websites, and I also wanted to help businesses and entrepreneurs achieve their dreams online.”
After a brief online search, she quickly enrolled in NZIE’s Diploma in Digital Marketing, hopeful it would provide her with everything she needed to take the leap into a new career.
“I found the diploma online and realised that it covered a lot of things that I wanted to learn.”
No Going Back
The talented graphic designer made the life-changing decision to leave her full-time job and focus entirely on her studies. The diploma offers one year of full-time or two years of part-time study, but Adriana was keen to get her new career going and had no time to waste, so she opted for the full-year option.
“You need to take it seriously if you want to dedicate your time to this course and a digital marketing career. I quit my job so I could focus for the whole year.”
Adriana’s commitment paid off. The diploma gave her what she had hoped for and more — a deeper understanding of essential industry knowledge, from SEO and e-commerce to social media, website strategy, content creation, email marketing, AI technologies, and much more. She also gained valuable hands-on experience applying these tools effectively in real-world scenarios.
“I found it very relevant to today’s [industry]. You learn everything about SEO, websites, e-commerce, and social media marketing [and more]. It’s super relevant.”
Tailored Teaching to NZ Digital Marketing
What stood out to Adriana was the course’s tailored focus on the NZ digital marketing industry.
“They really provided a lot of advice in terms of the industry and the New Zealand landscape. You can find a lot of information about digital marketing online, but it’s often about the USA or other countries. The tutors really know about the New Zealand industry.”
Building a Business
As with many students before her (you can check out their stories on our Student Success page!), Adriana gained valuable insights and support from her expert tutors.
“I feel like I learnt a lot in this diploma, from professionals in the industry. I received a lot of advice from the tutors in terms of how to start my own business and how I can strategise according to my own personality.”
She thrived under their guidance and utilised their advice to successfully start her own business, which she now runs with her partner.
“We wanted to start this adventure together. It’s totally different to working in a company or agency, but I know I can do it because of what I’ve learnt at NZIE. I’m ready to help small businesses and entrepreneurs launch their businesses online and improve their online presence.”
Are you looking to change careers? Worried you don’t have enough existing knowledge on NZ digital marketing? Don’t be! Our Diploma in Digital Marketing shapes students (many novices) into well-rounded digital marketing professionals. All you need is the right training and tools to make it happen — and that’s where we come in.
