Success Story: Celestial Chen

Applied Management student Celestial Chen is making the most of her international study experience, securing an internship, impressing her team, and turning the opportunity into a part-time role.

Celestial has previously worked as a television presenter as well as a marketing manager for a multinational company. Her work took her throughout China, and she developed a strong understanding of different markets. That’s what inspired her to explore new opportunities internationally.

Celestial had already visited New Zealand twice and loved the country’s natural beauty and inclusive, multicultural environment. She made the decision to pursue further study here and is enjoying the learning environment and support offered at OPAIC.

“In particular, the learning and networking events organised by the Employability Team helped me integrate more quickly into New Zealand’s multicultural environment and gave me greater confidence about my future career development,” says Celestial.

Dani Mao from the Employability Team provided clear career guidance based on Celestial’s interests and background, helping her identify a direction in digital marketing then assisting her to secure an internship at Digital Marketing Agency The Permalinks.

During her internship, Celestial was involved in search engine optimisation, content creation, and task review, and also supported the team with specific client requests.

“This experience allowed me to take part in various aspects of the workflow and gave me valuable insight into how digital marketing can create real value for a business,” says Celestial.

She also completed certification training in Google Analytics 4 and Google Ads, as part of the internship, strengthening her professional skills.

At the conclusion of her internship, she received an invitation from her internship company to continue working with their team in a part-time capacity.

“It’s a valuable opportunity for continued learning and professional growth, and it has laid a solid foundation for my future career development in New Zealand.”

Celestial says she’s very grateful to the Employability Team for all they do for students.

“They regularly share high-quality internship and job opportunities via email and the LinkedIn alumni group.”
Celestial’s advice to current and future students is to stay positive and take part in the learning and networking activities organised by the Employability Team.

“OPAIC offers truly practical and effective support in both education and career development,” she says.

While managing the challenges of academic study, Celestial has also found a lot of joy and personal growth through the vibrant campus life.

She has established an OPAIC Chinese Student Community to offer mutual support for new students. She hopes this community will continue to grow, helping more newcomers adapt to student life while contributing to the diversity and vibrancy of the campus. She’s also made friends from different countries and backgrounds.

After graduation, Celestial hopes to start her own business in New Zealand by combining her experience from China with the fresh perspective she’s gained here.

“My goal is to build a venture that reflects both local insight and international vision,” she says.