student success story

Georgia’s Career Switch: From Design to Digital Marketing

digital marketing georgia

Georgia Mae Bailey-Murdoch

Career Changer: Graphic Design to Digital Marketing

“So much can change in a year.”  

Wellington-based social media strategist Georgia Mae has had a “whirlwind” 12 months – and came full circle on Monday night when she featured as a guest speaker in NZIE’s Social Media class, from which she graduated less than 6 months prior.   

She made the risk in 2021 to change careers from Graphic Design to Digital Marketing. Since upskilling with NZIE’s Digital Marketing Diploma, Georgia has landed a full-time role at Blackjet, a boutique social media management company in Wellington.   

“I'm just thrilled. When I started the course I was hoping to get a job in the industry but you never really know. You have to take that chance and invest in yourself and your abilities. Especially when you’ve been in the workforce for a while...it does feel like a risk to start a new challenge. I feel like it’s really paid off.”   

The Big Switch

After studying graphic design at University, Georgia was working in-house with several architecture firms. But, she felt that something was missing.   

“Something that we did a lot in graphic design studies was strategizing and planning, but when you’re working in-house or on a project for a brand…you don’t get to do that as much. I missed the strategy part of it. I was looking around at what kind of job involved all of these aspects. Digital marketing ticked all of the boxes.”  

digital marketing career switch georgia

Choosing NZIE

She considered studying Digital Marketing at University but didn’t feel ‘inspired’ by the thought of another 3-year degree.   

After researching Digital Marketing Courses, she came across NZIE. She ‘stalked’ the tutors, and chatted to Recruitment officer Phil about their backgrounds and experience.  

“What drew me to the course was the experience that the tutors bring. It’s so important to be working with and learning under industry professionals because they’ve got the experience and the contacts to support you once you’ve finished the course.

My personal favourite was Jen. I enjoyed the enthusiasm, energy and vibrance that she brought to class. It was engaging. She has so much experience and knowledge to share: like I think most of the tutors do.”

Guest Speaking in Digital Marketing Diploma: Social Media class. 

Landing her first Digital Marketing Role

Georgia’s new adventure as a Social Media Account Manager was made possible by NZIE’s extensive career support. She took advantage of the Client Success Team’s resources during her job search:   

“I kept in touch with Jana (Client Success Advisor) the whole process: I reached out to her for help with my CV, and any job suggestions: she sent a few ads my way.”  
digital marketing wellington georgia
Georgia (left) working at Blackjet

Valuable skills learnt at NZIE

“NZIE was so valuable because it [taught me] a lot of practical skills. I felt confident finishing a diploma where I could launch into the workplace and know how things get done and how to do them. My [university] degree was very theory-based, so I struggled a bit more after that. That was a huge difference between doing this diploma and that degree.”

A new chapter

Georgia has just begun an exciting new chapter. She feels nurtured and supported at Blackjet by her boss Christine, who is “really prepared to invest and help [me] grow. She’s always got my back.”   

The Wellington Digital Marketing scene is an exciting space to be working in;  

“What Wellington does so well is keeping its compact size: we have everything, and we have everything that you need. There’s so many creatives and innovators down here. I think the scene is going to grow and grow. It’s super exciting to be down here and be based to be able to witness that as it comes.”   

A typical week at Blackjet includes collaboration with photographers, videographers, SEO strategists and a lot of in-house design and strategy work.   

A bright future ahead

While Georgia looks forward to “packing up a suitcase and travelling”, that won’t happen anytime soon. She’s loving her new role and digging deep into Wellington’s networks.   

“I’m excited to find out what the future brings because I think it will be big.”  

NZIE would like to thank Georgia for featuring as a Student Success Story. We wish her all the best in her bright future ahead. 

Inspired by Georgia’s story and feeling ready for a career change? Ready more about our Digital Marketing Diploma

Book a chat with Recruitment advisor Phil below. 

To get Digital Marketing Strategy Brochure — submit your details below!

To get Social Media Diploma Brochure — submit your details below!

To get DDM Brochure — submit your details below!

Entry Criteria:

To be admitted into NZ Certificate in English Language Level 4 General, all applicants must meet the following requirements:

a) Be a speaker of English as an additional language; and

b) Hold a NZCEL Applied Level 3 [3667] qualification; or

c) Pass an NZIE entry test that meets the requirements for the CEFR B2 requirements or equivalent; and

d) Be of a minimum age of 16 years or older; and.

e) Be a New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency OR Certificate of Refugee Status and evidence of eligibility to study for the duration of enrolment.

Entry Criteria:

To be admitted into NZ Certificate in English Language Level 3 General, all applicants must meet the following requirements:

a) Be a speaker of English as an additional language; and

b) Hold a NZCEL Level 2 qualification; or

c) Pass an NZIE entry test that meets the requirements for the CEFR mid B1 requirements or equivalent; and

d) Be of a minimum age of 16 years or older; and.

e) Be a New Zealand citizen or resident; or have Certificate of Refugee Status and evidence of eligibility to study for the duration of enrolment.

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Student loans available through Study Link. Check if you are eligible here. 

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You are only eligible for Fees-Free if you haven’t previously undertaken more than 60 credits (half a year of equivalent full-time tertiary education, 0.5 EFTS) at Level 3 or above on the NZQF – New Zealand Qualifications Framework.

To check if you meet the requirements, visit the New Zealand Government’s Fees-Free website and enter your National Student Number (NSN)

If you do not have an NSN, contact your Student Support Advisor.

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