Marina Mimessi
Student Stories Profiles
Marina Mimessi
Name: Marina Mimessi
Born: Brazil
Age: 22
Locations: Auckland
Discipline: Hospitality
Marina Mimessi is a long way from home.
Two and a half years ago she took a break from her law studies in Porto Velho, Brazil to "do some traveling". She's been in New Zealand ever since!
The striking 22 year old initially headed Down Under for a short stint studying English, but when she saw the plethora of opportunities available here, she decided to stay. Now Marina has a National Diploma in Hospitality Management and a National Diploma in Business under her belt as well as two years work experience in some of Auckland's most popular restaurants and hotels.
She might have left law behind - but she has whole-heartedly embraced not just a new career, but also a new country and culture.
"I never expected this to happen, but I really like it here. At the beginning I thought New Zealand was too quiet but after three months I really started to enjoy it," says Marina, who graduated from NZMA's Auckland Central Academy in December.
"Initially I studied English for two months and then got a job as a nanny. I was planning to head back to Brazil when my father suggested I do a short course here to gain an international qualification. I'd always had a keen interest in hospitality so I enrolled at NZMA for the two year hospitality diploma."
The NZQA-accredited diploma is popular with international students from around the world because of the work/study opportunities it offers. Students can choose from either morning or afternoon classes, allowing ample time for part-time work in the industry. International students can work up to 20 hours a week while they are studying and full-time during their summer vacation. They can then get a six month work permit. Once they've graduated and found full-time employment they can apply for a two year extension on their work visa. Better still, NZMA has Employment Advisors who dedicate their time to helping students and graduates into part-time and full-time work.
For Marina, being able to work and study at the same time has been a huge benefit. Not only has she been able to put into practise what she's learning in the classroom each day, but she's also gained valuable work experience which will look great on her CV, improved her English tenfold and also her financial situation.
"It's good because I was able to help my parents out with the cost of living here. They paid for my course but I paid my own rent and other expenses. I work as a food and beverage attendant at Mercure Hotel Windsor Auckland and also a waitress at Wildfire Restaurant. I have lots of fun at work with my colleagues I really enjoy it."
Marina has also enjoyed her time at NZMA. So much so, that after completing her hospitality diploma she decided to gain her National Diploma in Business from the academy.
For just ten extra weeks of study, those who successfully complete the hospitality diploma can go on to gain NZMA's National Diploma in Business a course which usually takes one year. It's been a huge bonus for Marina, who eventually has her sights set on starting up her own business.
"I learned a lot of things on the business diploma that will help me when the time comes to start up my own company. And through my hospitality diploma, I've learnt so much about all areas of the industry back of house, front of house, management. This diversity gives me many different opportunities. I've changed so much since studying at NZMA. Every time I go back to Brazil for a holiday everyone says that! I used to be shy but now I'm much more assertive and confident. I think this has a lot to do with the fact that NZMA is such a friendly environment."
Her internationally recognized qualifications teamed with her New Zealand work experience will undoubtedly stand her in good stead in the future.
"In Brazil hospitality is such a great career. If you have good English and experience outside of Brazil and if you are good, you can get a good job and be successful and they pay you quite well."
Although Marina eventuall�def50(I� �mes2\(I�ineH1\(I�EMES!2007-02-14 11:22:00pro1!�������P�IMG1'��!1oY|���������curh1u�ying\�Name1�|4� ��������sqle)!1 �elor of Artsrce!���\'pusD��tName0��ssi!���elor of Commerce�!�����tName!P�sundharosothP��!HS��X�Comments1�R�T����5o11=z|"�@����row'1�Name�~�yingNameA�t�RT INTO StudentProfiles VALUES (458,0E)A��ificate in Sports Science )�X��118,'ka1 �X�"����5o 1��J�'Tran Huu 'a! (S�oma in BusinessW�8!@Z��(1H�xJ�'Uday Singh','18�[�,����5o(1pT�xJ�'Tran Ba Tuoc','9(R�'31','','','','1
Two and a half years ago she took a break from her law studies in Porto Velho, Brazil to "do some traveling". She's been in New Zealand ever since!
The striking 22 year old initially headed Down Under for a short stint studying English, but when she saw the plethora of opportunities available here, she decided to stay. Now Marina has a National Diploma in Hospitality Management and a National Diploma in Business under her belt as well as two years work experience in some of Auckland's most popular restaurants and hotels.
She might have left law behind - but she has whole-heartedly embraced not just a new career, but also a new country and culture.
"I never expected this to happen, but I really like it here. At the beginning I thought New Zealand was too quiet but after three months I really started to enjoy it," says Marina, who graduated from NZMA's Auckland Central Academy in December.
"Initially I studied English for two months and then got a job as a nanny. I was planning to head back to Brazil when my father suggested I do a short course here to gain an international qualification. I'd always had a keen interest in hospitality so I enrolled at NZMA for the two year hospitality diploma."
The NZQA-accredited diploma is popular with international students from around the world because of the work/study opportunities it offers. Students can choose from either morning or afternoon classes, allowing ample time for part-time work in the industry. International students can work up to 20 hours a week while they are studying and full-time during their summer vacation. They can then get a six month work permit. Once they've graduated and found full-time employment they can apply for a two year extension on their work visa. Better still, NZMA has Employment Advisors who dedicate their time to helping students and graduates into part-time and full-time work.
For Marina, being able to work and study at the same time has been a huge benefit. Not only has she been able to put into practise what she's learning in the classroom each day, but she's also gained valuable work experience which will look great on her CV, improved her English tenfold and also her financial situation.
"It's good because I was able to help my parents out with the cost of living here. They paid for my course but I paid my own rent and other expenses. I work as a food and beverage attendant at Mercure Hotel Windsor Auckland and also a waitress at Wildfire Restaurant. I have lots of fun at work with my colleagues I really enjoy it."
Marina has also enjoyed her time at NZMA. So much so, that after completing her hospitality diploma she decided to gain her National Diploma in Business from the academy.
For just ten extra weeks of study, those who successfully complete the hospitality diploma can go on to gain NZMA's National Diploma in Business a course which usually takes one year. It's been a huge bonus for Marina, who eventually has her sights set on starting up her own business.
"I learned a lot of things on the business diploma that will help me when the time comes to start up my own company. And through my hospitality diploma, I've learnt so much about all areas of the industry back of house, front of house, management. This diversity gives me many different opportunities. I've changed so much since studying at NZMA. Every time I go back to Brazil for a holiday everyone says that! I used to be shy but now I'm much more assertive and confident. I think this has a lot to do with the fact that NZMA is such a friendly environment."
Her internationally recognized qualifications teamed with her New Zealand work experience will undoubtedly stand her in good stead in the future.
"In Brazil hospitality is such a great career. If you have good English and experience outside of Brazil and if you are good, you can get a good job and be successful and they pay you quite well."
Although Marina eventuall�def50(I� �mes2\(I�ineH1\(I�EMES!2007-02-14 11:22:00pro1!�������P�IMG1'��!1oY|���������curh1u�ying\�Name1�|4� ��������sqle)!1 �elor of Artsrce!���\'pusD��tName0��ssi!���elor of Commerce�!�����tName!P�sundharosothP��!HS��X�Comments1�R�T����5o11=z|"�@����row'1�Name�~�yingNameA�t�RT INTO StudentProfiles VALUES (458,0E)A��ificate in Sports Science )�X��118,'ka1 �X�"����5o 1��J�'Tran Huu 'a! (S�oma in BusinessW�8!@Z��(1H�xJ�'Uday Singh','18�[�,����5o(1pT�xJ�'Tran Ba Tuoc','9(R�'31','','','','1
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