Juggling a job loss, career change and 3 young kids sounds like mission impossible, but Caitlin Dixon has nailed it. Albeit being made redundant as a journalist, Caitlin readjusted her goals. Ready for a future proof career, she jumped into the world of Digital Marketing with NZIE’s Diploma in Digital Marketing. Since then, she has scored a role at an NGO that aligns with her core values. Not bad for a mum carrying her gorgeous newborn on her back.
Leaving journalism
After being made redundant as a journalist in 2017, after three and a half years in the industry, Caitlin “had to find a job to support [her] family.”
“At the time of leaving, I was interested in communications. I was looking to move into that kind of role anyway.”
Shortly after the birth of her 3rd child, Caitlin knew it was time to take action and secure a career she was passionate about.
Caitlin “wanted to future-proof myself, in my career, and I had some goals. I was looking up courses online, or what I could do in terms of studying to upskill. And then I saw online marketing courses.”
A Diploma that “ticked all the boxes”
The mum of 3 knew her busy schedule meant that online study was the only option for her:
Undeniably, the NZIE Diploma “ticked all the boxes” for Caitlin. Before she knew it, she had begun her upskilling journey with NZIE.
Highlights during the Diploma
“It was helpful. I didn’t know a lot of things that I was taught. I wouldn’t be able to do it by myself by just going online and trying to find YouTube tutorials… the things that I learned were just so valuable.”
Moreover, the course was “fast-paced” and “engaging” and found it easy to do online.
A role that aligns with her values
As a recent graduate, Caitlin wanted to use her Digital Marketing skills to help those in need; people accessing “mental health, addiction or disability services.”
She wanted to “do something that aligned with my values. Using my skills…working with the people in our communities and helping them in my own way.”
She’s scored a role that allows her to do so: as a Digital Communications Coordinator at Te Pou.
Accordingly, in her typical fast-paced style, Caitlin was hired by Te Pou in the final weeks of her Diploma in Digital Marketing:
Invaluable skills gained from her Diploma
Grateful for the opportunity to learn and master SEO, skills gained from the have been a massive help in her current role.
Crossovers: Journalism, Digital Marketing and Communications
The former journalist has experienced many crossovers between the skills in demand for the communications industry and those covered in the Digital Marketing Diploma.
“A lot of communication roles, digital marketing roles are merging into one a little bit – you’re doing a lot, a bit of everything. That was the same [with journalism]. In the end, we were doing videos, photos and writing and then we were putting things onto the website and publishing as well. The digital marketing skills come into it – they can be transferred into those communication roles.”
Relief in making the right choice
Although it wasn’t easy, Caitlin has pulled off a massive career change, landed a new job, and still managed to be the best mum she can be to her 3 kids. Afterwards, she took a much-needed break in Queenstown to celebrate her success – of which there will no doubt be more.
Inspired by Caitlin’s story and feeling ready for a career change? Read more about our Digital Marketing Diploma.
Book a chat with Recruitment advisor Phil below.
