From Learning to Leading: Tiana’s Journey into Events & Marketing at Brella Projects
Tiana always knew she wanted a career that combined her love for people with her interest in how businesses work.
While studying a Bachelor of Business with a major in Marketing and a minor in Psychology at the University of Waikato, she looked out for opportunities to put her academic knowledge into practice. Eager to gain real-world experience, she secured an internship with Brella Projects, where she worked as a digital marketer and events assistant.
Her enthusiasm and drive quickly made an impression, earning her a full-time position as FutureForce Careers Hub and Events Coordinator. In this role, Tiana helps connect rangatahi with career opportunities through expos, digital resources, and engaging content.
Whether she’s designing a website, producing social media campaigns, or coordinating events, Tiana enjoys the balance of strategy and creativity that her role offers.
Keep reading to follow Tiana’s full story and discover her tips for turning opportunity into a career…
Tiana West
FutureForce Careers Hub and Events Co-ordinator
Tiana’s Career Advice
“Approach employers directly is my biggest tip for finding internships. Show a keen interest and willingness to learn, while also displaying your knowledge through your university course. ”
A chat with Tiana about her role
How did you get this job?
I started at Brella as an intern, in my final year of uni, as the digital marketing and events assistant. I found this job advertised through The University of Waikato work integrated learning website. I contacted the CEO (Mary) personally with my CV and a Cover Letter, and later was asked to come in and interview. I did my internship here at Brella, and after the intended time had passed, I was offered further work for the coming year as the FutureForce and Events Co-Ordinator.
What got you interested in your career path?
Coming out of school I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do, but knew I wanted to work with people and do something creative. I had gone to The University of Waikato open day and looked around and found myself mainly drawn to a business degree. This is when I looked into potential majors and landed on marketing as something I would be interested in.
What do you do?
My role during my internship was to assist the Marketing Manager to produce content, conduct interviews, develop webpages, and organise and help at events. Moving into next year my role will transition to a larger focus on developing the FutureForce brand, and co-ordinating events such as career expos and fieldays.
What do you love about your job?
I am a creative individual and like being able to use this within my job, creating social media posts, designing webpages, and producing content. I also love being able to work within a team where we can collaborate ideas and assist each other with the planning.
What did you study?
I studied a Bachelor of Business, at The University of Waikato, where I majored in Marketing and minored in Psychology. This 3-year degree incorporated many different sides of marketing, from brand perception, social media, paid advertising, and product distribution.
What have you learnt on the job?
Working at Brella I have learnt how to apply my theory knowledge to real world situations. I have learnt about paid advertisement through social media platforms, how to create a webpage, and developed my skills with Microsoft.
In terms of interpersonal skills, I have developed my communication and team working abilities. Working within a team has taught me to ask questions and communicate when I don’t know how to do something. I have also become a much better planner, where I have learnt to create visual schedules to keep my mind on task.
Where do you want to go with your career?
I have always loved event planning and marketing and this is where I want to go in the future. I would love to either do event planning/management or marketing within the fashion industry.
Tiana West
Former Waikato Diocesan School for Girls Student
Tiana’s inside advice
What subjects are useful?
Through studying a Bachelor of Business I developed the background knowledge that transferred into my current position. Learning about target markets, channels of distribution, promotional channels, and how people absorb and view content, has been knowledge that I heavily use in this role.
What sort of person suits this work?
To work in marketing you need to be a people person who thrives on interaction with others. You are constantly surrounded by people, whether it is within your team or external, and you need to have the ability to gel with these people.
Advice for finding an internship?
Approach employers directly is my biggest tip for finding internships. Show a keen interest and willingness to learn, while also displaying your knowledge through your university course.
Advice for transitioning from Uni to work?
This transition is hard, in the workforce there is no right or wrong answers, and you can’t just look through notes to be told how to do something. This is where it became important for me to ask questions in the workplace. You are not expected to know everything, and it is better to just ask and make your life and everyone around yours easier.
Tiana’s Journey with Brella Projects
“The team at Brella are all so welcoming and easy to get along with. Everyone is willing to help when needed and always able to explain things to clear up any confusion. They have taken the time to teach me real world experience and progress my skills in my marketing career.”
About Brella Projects
Brella Projects works with regions, employers, educators and communities to deliver engaging, people focused projects with positive outcomes for economic and social prosperity.
We specialise in connecting young people and employers through:
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Experiential initiatives
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Facilitation and brokering
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Digital media and events
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Capability building
Brella also specialise in marketing strategy, brand development, graphic design and web development for small businesses.
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