The Queenstown man completed the Graduate Diploma in Applied Marketing, and now works for Skyline Enterprises’ head office, in the digital marketing and customer experience team.
Nico grew up on Waiheke Island, moving to the South Island when he was 17 and completing Year 13 at Cromwell College doing the outdoor pursuits programme.
He spent the next four years at the University of Otago completing a Bachelor of Physical Education majoring in Sports Prescription and Professional Studies, and a subsequent year earning a Diploma for Graduates endorsed in Sports Business.
Following this bout of study, Nico travelled with his girlfriend Rebekah for three months around Southeast Asia, before returning to Queenstown to set up base.
“Queenstown was an easy decision – being a bustling tourist town it meant there were plenty of interesting job opportunities for us both while meeting our need for beautiful scenery and offering an endless supply of activities at our doorstep.”
Despite this abundance of opportunity, Nico struggled to find a job he could really sink his teeth into that was related to his previous study.
During this time he found work with Skyline Queenstown as a luge operator, moving quickly up the ranks to a supervisory role in charge of day-to-day operations.
“Over this time, I did a bit of soul- searching about what I had really enjoyed at university and came to the conclusion that the world of marketing was something I'd like to get involved in,” Nico said.
“Eventually, after investigating a few options of study I stumbled upon the SIT2LRN programme. The Graduate Diploma in Applied Marketing through SIT2LRN really appealed as it allowed me to continue working while studying each night when I got home.”
Nico completed the graduate diploma over two years, and early on made his employer aware he was studying and eager to get involved in the businesses marketing functions.
“They recognised my passion and drive and about three-quarters of the way through my diploma an opportunity became available at
Skyline Enterprises’ head office. I put my best foot forward and applied for the role. Two rounds of interviews and a psychometric test later and I had finally landed myself a role that I felt I could give my all and am stoked to be doing.”
Overall, Nico found the diploma to be entertaining and engaging, with the lessons learnt applicable to the current marketing landscape.
“A key highlight of my time studying with SIT2LRN was the completion of my dissertation. This large undertaking seemed to be an insurmountable task at the start of the intake – however, with a helping hand from facilitator Whitney Irwin I was able to break it into manageable chunks and stay on top of it all and achieve a grade I was happy with. Thanks Whitney!
Nico and Rebekah were planning to travel and work in Ireland and while the COVID-19 pandemic has paused these plans it is still a goal.
“Now with a solid qualification and practical experience behind me, I aim to continue my marketing career in Ireland and when I return back home.”
A key highlight of my time studying with SIT2LRN was the completion of my dissertation. This large undertaking seemed to be an insurmountable task at the start of the intake – however, with a helping hand from facilitator Whitney Irwin I was able to break it into manageable chunks and stay on top of it all and achieve a grade I was happy with.