Sonia (Panchal)

Graduate Diploma in Applied Management

India

A recent OPAIC graduate has taken the experience she gained during her industry placement and landed a job as a graphic designer.

Sonia (Panchal) completed a Master of Fine Arts back home in India, specialising in applied arts. She wanted to learn more about management and marketing so enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Applied Management at OPAIC last year.

Sonia researched a few schools before settling on OPAIC.

“I selected Otago Polytechnic because of its reputation, background and experienced staff.”

She appreciated the pragmatic approach of the lecturers at OPAIC and the way they explained concepts.

Her course involved applied management, research methodology, project management, strategic marketing and strategic management and an industry project.

Sonia received a Top Achiever for her industry project, which involved working as a graphic designer at Benchmark Property Management.

The company has kept her on as a freelancer. She is also working as a graphic designer with sales and marketing company Goods4U in Greenlane.

Sonia says she uses knowledge from both her previous degree and her OPAIC diploma in her new job.

Her new management knowledge is particularly useful for the administrative work she handles there.

Life in New Zealand is relaxed, according to Sonia. She loves photography and enjoys capturing the beautiful landscapes here.

“New Zealand is the most beautiful country in the world and also the people here are really welcoming and chilled out.”

She recommends OPAIC and New Zealand to others considering studying overseas.

“In three words I’ll just say: ‘Go for it’. Best institute, best country, best return for your investment.”

Hear Sonia speak about her experience over on our YouTube channel.

Learn more about our Graduate Diploma in Applied Management.