Mila Mikhalchishina

Graduate Diploma in Sales and Marketing

Mila Mikhalchishina first came to New Zealand as a tourist. She wanted to be in the country before choosing a place to study. She chose Otago Polytechnic Auckland International Campus.

“Otago Polytechnic is an institution with a history. It is a recognisable brand with a huge selection of training programmes, a good location on Queen Street and a Russian speaking manager!”

Mila is from Siberia and travel is her passion.

“I always dreamed of living abroad so before moving to this country, I visited 17 countries. For me, the Motherland is a place where I feel comfortable, and I’ll be happy if I can stay here and be useful to this country. I communicate with my parents and friends every day via Skype and social media, so I don’t get homesick!”

Mila’s a trained lawyer and has worked in that industry for 12 years. However, she wanted to make a new start in New Zealand.

“I’ve always been fond of creative activities – I developed a student newspaper and contributed to two books about successful people. I’ve started two businesses, worked in real estate sales, and organised international exhibitions in Kazan, Russia”.

So, it made sense for her to study a Graduate Diploma in Sales and Marketing at Otago Polytechnic Auckland International Campus.

“I’m very impressed by the friendly and loyal atmosphere in the learning process here. I really like that all teachers have 20-30 years’ experience. They share their stories with us and present them with humour,” she says. “I believe that everything that we are taught reflects the reality of New Zealand. Moreover, we often conduct comparative analyses of other countries, so learning is not divorced from reality, that’s for sure!”

She says the lecturers are really interested in each of the students which inspires her with self-confidence.

Mila is loving her study in New Zealand. She’s already received a job offer as a Marketing Assistant!

“I’ve lived here for five months, and the sense of harmony of life does not leave me. Constantly, I admire the nature – it is simply unique!”

Read more about the Graduate Diploma in Sales and Marketing.

More Business programmes at OPAIC.