When Nandita Singh enrolled in the NZ Certificate in Business (Administration and Technology) – Level 4 with Skills Group, she was already excelling as an Onboarding Specialist at Auckland Council, managing recruitment rounds with over 500 applicants. But she knew she could achieve more.
“I wanted to strengthen my technical and administrative skills to better support my role,” Nandita explains. “Although I had experience, I wanted to formalise my skills and grow my confidence in handling systems, documentation, and process improvement.”
With encouragement from her manager, Andy Hamilton, who saw her potential, Nandita took the leap into formal study while maintaining her demanding full-time role.
Balancing work and study required discipline and strategic time management. “I had to block out time and set clear goals each week,” Nandita says. “But because the training was self-directed, it was easier to manage.”
The course proved immediately valuable, with practical content she could apply directly to her work. A particular breakthrough came with the Excel module – a tool she had previously avoided. “Learning about functions and macros opened my eyes. It felt like a huge achievement.”
Since completing the programme, Nandita has experienced a clear transformation in both confidence and capability. She now leverages Excel for complex tracking sheets, uses Outlook more strategically for communications, and collaborates more effectively through Teams.
“My documentation and communication are sharper. I’m more confident, more organised, and more proactive when managing high-volume recruitment rounds,” she reflects.
Perhaps most significantly, Nandita has evolved from someone who manages processes to someone who drives change. “I now feel comfortable suggesting improvements and taking the initiative,” she says. “The course helped prepare me for future growth.”
Her advice to others considering Skills Group? “It’s 100% worth it. The learning is hands-on and practical, and you’ll walk away with skills that directly apply to your job. You’ll discover potential you didn’t know existed and build skills for a career that has real staying power.”
For Nandita, this qualification was just the beginning. “This experience has motivated me to keep learning; I’d definitely consider further study.” She’s stepped confidently into her vision of herself as a change driver, ready for whatever opportunity comes next.
