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A master鈥檚 student with a diverse professional background has secured a role in the property management sector in New Zealand.

Mary Grace Estrella grew up in the Philippines helping her father and grandmother with various family businesses, including a foreign exchange, a grocery mart, a small restaurant, and an ice plant.

鈥淚鈥檝e been helping with the family business since my early teens,鈥� says Mary.

She completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in Medical Technology before building a career across contact centres, telecommunications, finance, network engineering, shipping, and real estate. She later worked as a virtual assistant with clients around the world.

Across these roles, she gained experience in administration, marketing, and data management, with a strong focus on improving processes, and was part of teams that drove process excellence across these areas. On top of that, she is a certified yoga teacher for both adults and children.

Mary says postgraduate study was always one of her goals. With the global economy constantly shifting, she saw a master鈥檚 degree as a strategic investment that could give her both stability and practical skills.

鈥淲hen is the best time for me to take this step forward? That was always on my mind,鈥� she says.

Her relatives encouraged her to gain overseas experience, and suggested New Zealand would be a good fit because of its lifestyle and opportunities. After weighing up the pros and cons of leaving the Philippines, she began the visa and enrolment process.

The legal requirements turned out to be straightforward, and by December 2023 she was planning her move. She arrived in New Zealand in April 2024 and is now in the final block of her master鈥檚 degree.

Since starting her studies, Mary has made the most of every opportunity. She has been involved in numerous undertakings related to her field of study, both inside and outside the classroom.

She has worked part-time at the Four Points by Sheraton hotel, earned an NZQA Certificate in Barista and Service Skills and a WSET Level 1 Award in Wines, and supported other students as a Peer Tutor. She also spent time as an Employability Co-ordinator at AIC.

Alongside this, she completed an internship as an Assistant Property Manager at Sole Agents, a property management company.

鈥淩est days were few and far between as I balanced work at the hotel, my internship, and peer tutoring,鈥� says Mary.

Her effort and commitment were recognised when her internship led to a part-time role as a Business Development Manager with Sole Agents. Mary says choosing the right opportunities at this stage of study and career development is essential, and giving your best in every role never goes unnoticed.

Her classroom knowledge has also fed directly into her work, with her experience in UX design helping the company develop its website.

Mary plans to remain in New Zealand after graduation and is taking things one step at a time. Her advice to other students is to use the resources and support available and not to be afraid to ask for help.