Before entering the Digital Marketing industry Sanjana worked in sales. However, after earning her Bachelors of Commerce, studying Marketing and Management at the University of Auckland. Sanjana decided to branch into studying Digital Marketing at NZIE. Here is her success story on how she changed her career opportunities within a year. Also how she unexpectedly gained employment. After successfully completing her Digital Marketing internship with Firefly Digital.
Meet Digital Marketing intern & graduate turned SEO Specialist Sanjana.
My name is Sanjana Anop, I’m an SEO specialist currently working at Firefly Digital. We are a performance-based digital marketing agency in Auckland based in Parnell.
“My professional working life has been great with Firefly Digital. Since starting as a digital marketing intern to landing my current position! In the near future, I would like to become a Senior SEO Specialist.”
After graduating with a Diploma in Digital Marketing I was able to transition into Firefly Digital. Where they equipped me with the ability to learn more about industry tools, strategies, and managing client relationships. I like working in the Digital Marketing industry. Specifically for a performance-based agency because it challenges me to continue growing myself. In addition to collaborating with my peers and helping clients achieve their goals.
Why did you choose to pursue Digital Marketing?
“I chose to upskill in the digital space because Digital Marketing is the foundation for how we communicate content in today’s age. The fastest way to connect with each other is through digital media.”
Tell us about your journey from student to graduate, and intern to a permanent employee:
When I started at NZIE, I met with Jana, who is the Client Success Advisor. She told me about how NZIE works with students in helping them find opportunities for an internship. Furthermore, it was one of the main points that convinced me to move forward with my Diploma in Digital Marketing.
Eventually, Jana was able to connect me with an internship that luckily landed me a digital marketing position at Firefly Digital. My determination and work ethic has cemented my progression since.
While I was a digital marketing intern, I was studying and working. Being able to manage my time in-between, polished my time management skills. Although it was hard sometimes, it was well worth it in the end.
“During my internship experience, I was able to use material I was learning through the Diploma in my work — it felt like pieces of the puzzle were connecting.”
Earning a permanent position with Firefly Digital was unexpected!
Going into my internship, I felt lucky to be there, and lucky to learn. It felt good being surrounded by peers who were passionate about digital marketing. I was fortunate enough to have been introduced beyond the team I was initially assigned during my internship. Now, as an SEO specialist, I get to collaborate with an amazing team.
“Firefly Digital challenges me by allowing me to work with clients in different industries. It’s a constant learning playground.”
How was your online learning experience at NZIE?
Due to the circumstances of the pandemic, studying at NZIE was different to other forms of studying I’d experienced. For example, it was a smaller set of students and our classes were all online. Because of my previous study I wasn’t used to this type of learning at all. Nonetheless, the curriculum taught me well about the creative and technical aspects of Digital Marketing.
“Learning how to use Digital Marketing tools was one of the most important things I learned from attending NZIE; from designing websites, creating with Adobe Suite and automation in email marketing.”
My favourite subject at NZIE was Digital Design. For me, it was a chance to branch out. Furthermore, I feel that it’s something important to know in the field of marketing. One of my proudest portfolio pieces I could share was my branding project for a fictitious brand I created called, “Vegetrails.”
Would you recommend upskilling in Digital Marketing?
Yes, I would recommend the Diploma at NZIE. Because it’s hands-on and equips you with the technical skills required to confidently enter the Digital Marketing industry. Moreover, I would also recommend digital and agency life as it exposes you to multiple industries. Which allows you to learn much faster. As opposed to focusing on a singular industry.
For those hesitant in changing careers, I could only share what I believe and that is:
“No matter what another person should say to you, the best thing you could do for your career is following your passion and doing what makes you happy.”
And for those starting their Diploma in Digital Marketing… Advice coming from a shy person myself:
“Always ask questions. It’ll take some time but you’ll connect with the right people! Eventually you’ll grow out of your shell – you’re there to learn, as well as everyone else.”
