ORIGIN: Durban, South Africa

BACKGROUND: “My background is in hospitality and customer service. I lived in the UK for two years and worked for Barclays Bank and in supervisory roles in restaurants. I also spent four years in the States, where I started off as a waiter and ended up managing fine dining restaurants in Florida!

“After living abroad I returned to South Africa and worked in hospitality in Cape Town for eight months but I was keen to try something different and also further my career, so I decided to head to New Zealand in February 2010.”

REASONS FOR CHOOSING NZMA: “Someone told me about NZMA and their business diploma really appealed. I had previously studied marketing and management in South Africa and I’d also studied a bit of hospitality in the States, but I thought gaining a business diploma would add another feather to my cap.”

HIGHLIGHTS OF NZMA: “The course was good. I enjoyed meeting people from so many different countries and I liked the fact that the classes are small so you get more interaction.

“It is a very practical course – you learn how to do things in the field rather than from books, which I think is much more helpful. We had to put together a business plan which was a really good and useful experience. I did mine for a cocktail bar.”

EMPLOYMENT: “Four weeks into my course I got a job as a waiter at Paper Moon Café/Bar in Mairangi Bay, near where I live. I worked there for 20 hours a week throughout my studies and moved up the ranks. After six months they put me into a supervisory role and then promoted me to a managerial role just before I graduated from NZMA in December. Shortly after, the general manager left and I was promoted again, so now I am the full-time general manager for the establishment!”

FUTURE GOALS: “I have recently gained permanent residency in New Zealand which is great. Career-wise I’ll stay at Paper Moon for as long as I can and eventually I’d like to open up my own place.”

ORIGIN: Newcastle, South Africa

BACKGROUND: “Before coming to New Zealand I studied hospitality and catering at Majuba College in South Africa. I completed my level 2, 3 and 4 and I worked part time at Avalon Guest Manor.”

REASONS FOR CHOOSING NZMA: “I wanted to study further and get an international qualification. I looked at hotel schools around South Africa and around the world. OVC (work/study/travel company) sent me an email about NZMA and it looked awesome and sounded interesting so I signed up and I got accepted into NZMA.”

HIGHLIGHTS OF NZMA: “One of the great things about NZMA is the Redfish recruitment service. Before applying for a job I had a couple of appointments with my Redfish recruitment advisor to go over my CV and to go over interview questions. Redfish has been very helpful; they’ve given me a lot of advice and looked out for job opportunities for me.”

EMPLOYMENT: “I am working currently at Eden Park as a waiter. I got the job through Redfish. They sent my CV in to Eden Park Catering and set up the interview for me. It went very successfully!”

FUTURE GOALS: “My goals are to do well at college, gain a degree, work overseas and tour the world.”

ORIGIN: Durban, South Africa

BACKGROUND: “I graduated from high school six months before coming here.”

REASONS FOR CHOOSING NZMA: “I thought NZMA looked interesting.”

HIGHLIGHTS OF NZMA: “I am enjoying getting to know people from different backgrounds, pushing myself to produce the best assignments I can, and working in the café to practice my customer service skills.”

EMPLOYMENT: “I have done some hospitality work at Eden Park in the Corporate Lounge. Redfish recommended me, set up the interview for me and helped me with my CV.
“I think the services of Redfish are extremely valuable. They have helped me a lot with my CV and they keep me informed of employment opportunities.”

FUTURE GOALS: “After I graduate from my studies I’d like to get into management or maybe open up a café.”

ORIGIN: Durban, South Africa

BACKGROUND: “Before I left South Africa I was working as a personal trainer at two different gyms as well as coaching soccer. I have a Level 5 qualification in personal training and a Level 5 sports conditioner qualification. Sport has been my life as well as fitness and healthy living.

“I decided to come to New Zealand because there are a lot of opportunities here for me to grow in the sporting world – a lot more than back in South Africa.”

REASONS FOR CHOOSING NZMA: “NZMA is the perfect place for me to get a perfect full-house of qualifications and make a name for myself in the sports industry. It also appealed because of its wide range of international students – it is exciting because you get to experience different cultures.”

HIGHLIGHTS OF NZMA: “So far the things I’ve enjoyed the most has been meeting lots of different people and living and studying somewhere different.”

EMPLOYMENT: “As well as studying at NZMA I am working as an Assistant Manager at a Jetts gym in Auckland. This is my first job in New Zealand. Redfish helped me to simplify my CV before I sent it off and they also gave me some good tips on how I should approach my interview. It went well and I got the job!

“The services of Redfish are really valuable and I would recommend all NZMA students to book an appointment with them ASAP! Making an appointment with them is really the best way to start job hunting because they will teach you how employers expect things to be done.”

FUTURE GOALS: “My goal for the future is to run and own my own unique fitness facility.”

ORIGIN: South Africa

BACKGROUND: “Before I came to New Zealand I was an Honours student at university in South Africa. I did my final year through correspondence and worked in a few marketing positions for companies back at home.”

REASONS FOR CHOOSING NZMA: “I came to NZMA to get a feel for life in New Zealand. It’s awesome here and there are lots of opportunities if you look for them.”

HIGHLIGHTS OF NZMA: “I have enjoyed the small classes and interacting with my classmates who are from 11 different nationalities. Another highlight has been applying what I’ve learnt in theory to a practical situation, under the close guidance of the tutor. This has been very helpful and I now feel the business world makes a lot more sense and easier to understand.”

EMPLOYMENT: “I am currently working as the Assistant Sales and Marketing Manager for A Plus Furniture, importers of furniture from abroad. My role there is to control on-line inventory systems and conduct marketing campaigns. I work 20 hours a week and it is very full-on!

“Before getting my job at A Plus I had two part-time jobs. I worked as a market researcher for OCIS which I found myself on the internet and I also worked as a Corporate Suite Attendant for Eden Park Catering. Redfish placed me in that job.

“The services of Redfish have been priceless. As well as helping me with my CV and placing me in the Eden Park job they have helped me prepare for my real life interviews by teaching me different interview techniques. Although they didn’t assist me in gaining my current job, I have been to see them on a few occasions regarding things concerning the role and they have been very helpful.”

FUTURE GOALS: “My goals are to pass my course, gain a work visa and get a permanent job with a large firm in a marketing/public relations position.”

ORIGIN: Johannesburg, South Africa

BACKGROUND: “After leaving school in South Africa I undertook culinary studies. As part of these studies I went to the USA on a one-year internship. I worked as a cook in Miami, Florida and I also did quite a bit of travelling.

“After returning to South Africa I got a job managing a hotel in Johannesburg. It was three-star self-contained accommodation. I worked there for about a year and learnt an enormous amount from the owner – but I wanted to learn even more about the industry, especially about front-of-house, so I looked into studying abroad.”

REASONS FOR CHOOSING NZMA: “I did lots of research and found out about NZMA. The Auckland Central Academy appealed because of the opportunity it would give me to increase my front-of-house knowledge. So I sold my car and came here!”

HIGHLIGHTS OF NZMA: “I love my tutors. They make our classes really fun and interesting, even for the dryer more theoretical topics we need to study. Coming to school is quite enjoyable – I like the diversity of the classes. My class is really multicultural which is really cool, and a real eye-opener for me. I have classmates from South Africa, the States, Nepal, Japan, Korea and Thailand.

“At the moment I am training to enter the Culinary Fare, in the table setting competition. It’s really cool that NZMA trains its students up for these events – it’ll look great on my CV. It’s also a lot of fun because you get to interact with students from other providers and met new people. I am hoping I’ll do really well at the regionals and I’d like to compete in the nationals.”

EMPLOYMENT: “I am currently working on reception at Jucy Hotel in Central Auckland. Life is pretty busy because I study at NZMA from Monday to Friday and then work for 20 hours at Jucy every weekend. But I don’t mind because the people I work with are great and I really enjoy the job. I love dealing with customers and knowing they are satisfied.

“My first job in New Zealand was as a cook at a vegetarian restaurant in Elliot Stables, however I was keen to get a front-of-house job, so was also applying for other roles. Redfish lined me up some interviews and told me about some restaurants on the Harbour that would be worth applying to. Their services were very helpful, although in the end I gained the Jucy job myself.”

FUTURE GOALS: “I will graduate from NZMA at the end of this year, and will stay working at Jucy for that time. My long-term plan is to build myself up in this industry. I am hoping my NZMA qualification will help me get there. My partner is planning to move here from South Africa and ideally we’d like to get out of the city and find a private, exclusive resort to work in, or something like that. This year my life is in the city, but after that I want to get out and see where the wind takes me!”

ORIGIN: Johannesburg, South Africa

BACKGROUND: “Before coming to New Zealand I worked for a private company for six years where I worked my way up from reception to the finance department. Once I got to the finance department I realised I couldn’t go any further in my career without relevant qualifications. So I decided to combine further study with an OE.”

REASONS FOR CHOOSING NZMA: “I looked at lots of different places and for me the quality and standard was all there in New Zealand, at NZMA. I also figured that moving to New Zealand wouldn’t be too much of a culture shock for me!”

HIGHLIGHTS OF NZMA: “When I got here and started my course I was blown away by the content. It was challenging and difficult and I really had to work hard – that was exactly what I was looking for.

“The staff are amazing and the tutors are so well educated. The environment is quite corporate and professional which is great as it prepares you for being work-ready. The networking was a real highlight for me. There are so many opportunities for networking with potential employers, through all the various events that NZMA runs. This is a huge draw card of NZMA, and something that I had never been exposed to before.

“Another big highlight for me was making so many new friends who are now like family to me. Even though we have all graduated, we all keep in touch regularly, catch up every week for a drink or dinner, and even go on holidays together! It’s pretty amazing.”

EMPLOYMENT: “My first job in New Zealand was in a contact centre but just after starting there I found out I had got another job I’d applied for, at Noel Lemming, so I left to take up my new role. I was employed as a sales consultant for them and worked there throughout my NZMA studies. I stayed on after I graduated too – in fact I was there for 16 months in total.

“Then I landed a job in sales with Brand Developers, who I worked for until I was offered the position of International Sales Administrator at NZMA. I am so thrilled to have this job – it is wonderful to be back in the NZMA environment, and because of my own experience as an international student here, I think I have a really clear understanding, and empathy for, any issues students face.

“I have been a huge fan of Redfish right from the beginning. Throughout my time at NZMA, and also after graduating, they helped me with cover letters for job applications, and took the time to fine-tune my CV so that it was relevant to New Zealand employers. They also helped me prepare for any interviews I went to, by running through potential questions I might get asked, and helping me work out the best answers for them. It was really, really helpful. I also like the fact that Redfish has after-service as well, so even after students have graduated they’ll follow up with them and see what they are doing."

FUTURE GOALS: “I never intended to stay in New Zealand! Originally I was going to go back to South Africa once I’d graduated from NZMA. But I never knew I’d end up loving it so much – as the time to leave came closer, I realised I didn’t want to say goodbye!

“So now I have decided to make New Zealand my home. I want to settle here and hopefully gain permanent residency. For now I am just focussing on establishing myself, and my career; however my long-term goal is to study further and hopefully move into Human Resources.”

ORIGIN: South Africa

BACKGROUND: “I worked in the motor industry in three different countries and took up a second job in Ireland working in a diner, which lasted for nearly six years. This experience led me to pursue studies in hospitality.”

REASONS FOR CHOOSING NZMA: “NZMA offered me exactly what I was looking for in order to enter the hospitality job market.”

HIGHLIGHTS OF NZMA: “So far I have particularly enjoyed learning about customer service and covering aspects of liquor licencing.”

EMPLOYMENT: “Currently I have a job working as a food and beverage attendant for Vital Hospitality. I have found the services of Redfish to be very useful – without them I would not have been exposed to working in various five-star hotels and other hospitality environments. Redfish helped me update my CV, prepared me for interviews and helped source work for me in the hospitality sector. Through my Redfish employment advisor I have gained a lot more confidence when going for interviews.

“The great thing about Redfish is they always check up on us to see how things are going, and offer help where they can. They are consistent in helping students source work and grow in the industry.”

FUTURE GOALS: “My goal is to become a manager within a hotel, ship or even an airline. I definitely want to take advantage of my Duty Manager’s licence.”

ORIGIN: Johannesburg, South Africa

BACKGROUND: “I finished high school and worked for six months as a junior sales representative before coming to New Zealand in July 2010. I wanted to travel overseas and study at the same time. Having family already in New Zealand made it a logical choice for me.”

REASONS FOR CHOOSING NZMA: “I found out about NZMA through a seminar I attended in Johannesburg.”

HIGHLIGHTS OF NZMA: “As cheesy as this may sound, my whole course was a highlight! But if I had to narrow it down it would most probably be the abundance of first-hand knowledge from other students around the world, in terms of ideologies in regards to their working lives and working cultures.

“The course was very helpful for me as it gave me a broader view and opinion of what business actually entails. I now look at the world of business without the naivety I had before coming to NZMA.”

EMPLOYMENT: “During my time in New Zealand, and at NZMA, I had a few part-time jobs. I worked in the corporate boxes at Eden Park, did part-time radio work for The Edge FM and also worked as a barman at the Jet Park Hotel and Conference Centre. Now that I am back in South Africa I am a full-time student.”

WHAT I AM DOING NOW: “I left New Zealand in December 2011 to further my studies. I am currently studying towards my Degree in Media and Communications at Monash University. My elective studies include Journalism and International studies for this semester, and I am also completing a minor in French. The knowledge gained at NZMA has helped tremendously and has put me leaps and bounds ahead of the other students. Studying at such a high level, without the constraints of being naïve about the world, has allowed me to focus more on the goals that I have set.

“I am also part of the Journalism Society at the university and have my own one-hour time slot on the campus radio station. On top of that, I was recently approached by the president of the campus Broadcasting Society (covering radio, TV, newspapers and the university’s online editorial) and invited to be the vice president and work under her. Even though I don’t have much experience, their decision to choose me was based on the fact that I showed initiative and had a go-getter type of attitude!”

FUTURE GOALS: “After completing my Media and Communications Degree I want to gain a Degree in Business Management. I want both of these degrees behind me by the time I am 25.”

ORIGIN: Stellenbosch, South Africa

BACKGROUND: “Before moving to New Zealand I was studying Public Relations through UNISA (University of South Africa) and was also employed full-time at Stellenbosch Hills Wines. There I was in charge of cellar door sales and tasting room management. I was also assistant to the marketer and helped with exports and coordinating events.

“I decided to come to New Zealand because it offers an international experience, a safer, more structured environment and a growing economy.”

REASONS FOR CHOOSING NZMA: “NZMA provides a top-class education, as well as an international and intercultural experience.”

HIGHLIGHTS OF NZMA: “I have only recently started here but I am loving the diverse mix of cultures in my class as well as my great lecturers.”

EMPLOYMENT: “At the moment I have two part-time jobs. I am employed by Vital Hospitality to work as a waitress at corporate functions, hotels and private parties. I also work for Eden Park Catering as a stewardess in their corporate boxes. Redfish helped me get both these jobs by recommending me to the employers and lining up the interviews for me. They provided me with excellent friendly and valuable service.”

FUTURE GOALS: “My short-term goal is to get a full-time job, either in the hospitality industry as a manager or assistant manager, or at a winery. I would also consider taking on an administrative role if it gave me the opportunity to grow further.

“In the long run I’d like to become a manager at a restaurant, hotel or wine tasting establishment, or otherwise become a head of department in a business or admin role.”

Hi OVC

Wow, I can’t believe the year is over and I am done with my Diploma. All has gone so fast.  As expected, it was not always the easiest of times, but I want to thank you and NZMA for the support and motivation I received. As a person I have certainly grown a lot - Especially on a personality trait that I thought I would never grow, however now I am more outspoken and a bit more of an extrovert. 

Thanks also for the outstanding level of education that you have provided for me (and everyone else in my class) and for everything that I was taught.  What I really liked about this year in class was not just the diverse range of nationalities all together, and that we had the chance to learn how to communicate with each other, but also that it was not just an environment where we were given information. We were given the chance to communicate our views and knowledge as well and there are loads of chances where we could apply what we have learned in practice.

Thanks again for the wonderful opportunity. I will sure miss NZMA!

Have a lovely day.

Kind Regards,

Annelize

ORIGIN: Cape Town, South Africa

BACKGROUND: “I left South Africa after completing high school and spent the next ten years travelling off and on. I have worked in the States and the UK. I studied massage when I was living in the UK and my last job was as a massage therapist on a cruise ship in the Caribbean.

“However I have always been interested in business and the subjects I took at high school were all business related. I always knew that at some stage I’d end up studying business!”

REASONS FOR CHOOSING NZMA: “I came to New Zealand, and NZMA, because of their BTEC Diploma in Business. This qualification is very important to me because if I decide to go back to the UK to work and study, it is widely recognised over there too. In fact it is recognised all over the world, which is huge considering I am a big traveller!”

HIGHLIGHTS OF NZMA: “I am really enjoying the course. I get a lot of help from my tutor. I can always chat to her or email her when I get stuck. My classmates are really helpful too.”

EMPLOYMENT: “At the moment I am working part-time as a massage therapist and receptionist. I have also had some bar work here. I am pretty lucky because my CV is pretty broad as I have done heaps of different jobs in the past. It makes it fairly easy for me to get a job wherever I go.”

FUTURE GOALS: “I will graduate from Level 5 in September 2012. At the moment I am just focussing on getting as much work experience as I can.

“My long-term goal is to study acupuncture and I’d love to become a doctor of acupuncture – although that might be a bit of a pipe dream! One day I’d also like to open my own massage business. I already have the massage qualifications and experience and NZMA is giving me the business expertise.

“But for now I am really happy here and will definitely be here for a while. Auckland reminds me a lot of Cape Town. I find it really easy to slot in here and the people are really friendly. As for the future? Well I am keeping my options open. That’s where the BTEC diploma fits in so nicely!”

ORIGIN: Cape Town, South Africa

BACKGROUND: “Back home in South Africa I worked in marketing. Directly prior to moving to New Zealand I spent two years as the national operational manager for a promotional company. However I felt my career had hit the ceiling and it was time for a new adventure. I wanted to study further and I thought why not go all the way and do it in a different country?”

REASONS FOR CHOOSING NZMA: “OVC (a work/study/travel company) in South Africa offered me some advice and it all seemed good. So within three months my life had changed and I was on my way to New Zealand – and NZMA – to start my new life!”

HIGHLIGHTS OF NZMA: ““I learned so much during my studies at NZMA – not only on a professional level, but also on a personal level. I apply things I learned at NZMA on a daily basis and it definitely has opened a lot of doors for me.

“There were so many highlights but my tutors Shyamini and Martin were definitely my top highlights. Second were all the friends I made and third was the time I spent in the NZMA kitchen – tutor Brett just knew how much I love food!”

EMPLOYMENT: “During my NZMA studies I had a variety of part-time jobs. I was a call centre sales agent for NZINVEST, did phone surveys for Research International and freelance marketing and sales for Seaco Living. I also worked as a Bollywood dance instructor and a stewardess at Eden Park.

“Redfish were really helpful. They assisted me with potential positions, my CV and interviews. Towards the end of my studies Redfish organised a group interview at Brand Developers for inbound temp agents. After one day as an inbound temp I contacted the HR Manager, who asked me to come for an interview as a sales agent. I got the full-time role just before I graduated, and started in November 2011.

“After six months I was offered a promotion to floor supervisor, replacing one of the supervisors who had resigned. Brand Developers decided to give me the promotion because I am a team player, honest, hardworking and I showed leadership abilities by being proactive and using my initiative in situations. I was a good sales agent, and it was good to move up in the team of 130 agents quite quickly.

“I love my job! I am in a position I enjoy and work for an amazing company so I am very satisfied. It is challenging to deal with different people every day and the nature of our business changes constantly. It’s fun to think on your feet the whole time and there is never a dull moment. I learn a lot every day about business, people and myself.

“Redfish was a great help in terms of making the first contact with Brand Developers. I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity Redfish gave me because it led me to the amazing job I now have. They helped me secure my current position by making initial contact with Brand Developers when they were putting me forward for a temporary role there – then I took the initiative by following up and seeking other opportunities within the business.

“I could possibly have achieved this without my NZMA qualification and the assistance of Redfish – but it would have taken longer and required a lot more effort. The services of Redfish are very valuable because they help students with little or no experience or confidence start applying for jobs and gain employment.”

FUTURE GOALS: “I’d like to get permanent residency next year. I also aim to gain as much experience out of my current role as possible and do a Toastmasters course, as I’d like to become a public/motivational speaker.”