As the marketing landscape continues to evolve, the demand for digital marketing skills has skyrocketed. This shift in marketing practices has forced professionals to upskill themselves and study digital marketing to stay ahead of the curve.
The Need to Study Digital Marketing
Rushi Gandhi has worked in marketing and sales roles for companies like Wellington Beds and Lotte Duty Free Oceania. He had studied marketing and accounting at university and also completed a diploma in filmmaking. However, he felt the need to upskill in digital marketing due to the changing landscape of the industry, and a surge in demand for digital skills, which Rushi describes “went from 0 to 1,000” as a result of the COVID pandemic forcing businesses online.
“When I applied for a couple of roles, everything they had asked me was digital-related. I need to upskill myself because I found that I’m lacking certain skills in digital marketing. That’s when I started researching and came across NZIE,” Rushi explained.
Why Rushi chose NZIE
Rushi chose to study NZIE’s Diploma in Digital Marketing, an applied Level 7 course that would give him a strong foundation in digital skills that he did not yet receive in prior studies. When asked about why he chose NZIE, Rushi said,
“The process from the very beginning was very professional. They were also very transparent in terms of what the course actually involved. (Recruitment Advisor) Phil was very understanding of my background and explained how the diploma can help take you a little bit further (in your career).”
Challenges during the course
Regarding the course itself, Rushi found it challenging at times due to a difficult personal situation that arose, as well as working full-time while studying. However, he praised the tutors for being so supportive; “you will always find tutors willing to go out of their way to help you.” When Rushi had to defer a term due to personal circumstances, Program Leader Miriam was “very understanding in that regard.”
Working and studying full time
Working full time while studying full time was a challenge, but Rushi was able to get through with a great support network: “I would only recommend doing it if you have ways to stay sane, such as meditation. I have a solid group of friends who always kept me going. Every Saturday I would make time to play basketball no matter what.”
Favourite paper
Rushi’s favourite paper in the course was analytics, which he described as “really fun”. He enjoyed it more than design; despite his creative background. However, the design paper was a close second favourite in terms of content.
Whilst Rushi had briefly touched on these topics in his marketing bachelor’s degree, the degree was completed before the surge in digital marketing – making digital a tiny aspect of the course. Studying NZIE’s Diploma in Digital Marketing allowed Rushi to dive deep into the digital realm, “the imperative of which is evident now more so than ever” he says.
Digital marketing complements traditional marketing
Rushi believes digital marketing should go hand in hand with traditional marketing forms in a post-COVID landscape. He used the Diploma to give him a more rounded understanding of marketing as a whole. “A part of me still wishes that companies still put in the effort to create an overall strategy as well, along with digital marketing, and not just now rely on digital,” he added.
Diploma skills helps him freelance
Rushi not only uses his digital skills in a professional setting to enhance his career and performance, he also utlises them for personal interests and hobbies. He is building a portfolio as a freelancer, and has an awesome online portfolio where you can see some of his work.
Whilst in the past he has done marketing for large corporations, Rushi is now keen to work with small local businesses to create digital content for them, helping them to boost sales and increase revenue.
“I’m trying to find people, especially new and emerging young people who want to start a business but do not have the ability to do digital marketing.”
Overall, Rushi recommends NZIE to others and praises the understanding and support of the tutors during difficult personal situations, as well as the engaging course content.
Advice for future students
Rushi’s advice for future and current students of NZIE’s Diploma in Digital Marketing is to build discipline and work hard, especially in the first term:
“As cliche as it sounds, believe in yourself! You will get through this, no matter what the assignment, you will always have support from NZIE. At the end of the day, if you build discipline at the earliest stages of the diploma, dedicating spare time to studying and putting that extra work in, it will all be good in the end.
Even if you do go through personal situations, explain it to the school. The tutors are very understanding and they will do their best to accommodate you according to your situation.
Build that discipline straightaway. Even if you’re working full-time. I found that I was able to build the right amount of discipline to be able to schedule my study. And if you’re doing part-time that you might find it slightly easier.”
