Posted on 24 March 2026
Our LearnersCompleting a NZ Certificate in Information Technology (Level 5) with Open Polytechnic has helped Gabriela Olivera’s career change gears and given her a fresh perspective.
Open Polytechnic ākonga (learner) Gabriela Olivera.
Gabriela, used to work in procurement and supply chain in Argentina, but since moving to New Zealand, she has been working in wine production, kiwifruit, and logistics.
“How can we use data to make this better?” is now Gabriela’s mindset when looking at workplace scenarios.
“Being in the thick of those industries made me realise how much they rely on solid tech and data to thrive,” she says.
“I decided to study IT because I want to be the person who helps businesses run smarter, not just harder.”
Gabriela came to New Zealand for the lifestyle and the friendly culture but soon realised that if she wanted to make a real go of it here, she needed to back herself with a New Zealand qualification.
So, she enrolled with Open Polytechnic, completed a NZ Certificate in Information Technology (Level 5) and has now enrolled in a data analytics course.
“Studying IT felt like the natural next step to build a long-term future in a country I love,” Gabriela says.
By her own admission, Gabriela is “bit of a data nerd and naturally analytical”.
“I’ve always found myself spotting patterns and looking for the logic in everything I do,” she says.
“That’s why I’ve absolutely loved data analytics and business intelligence.”
“There’s something so satisfying about taking a mess of information and finding the 'why' behind it. I also enjoy the logic of programming; it’s like a good puzzle that keeps you on your toes!"
Open Polytechnic was the perfect fit for Gabriela, with the flexibility to study online at her own pace, allowing her to stay connected to the tech world while managing her own schedule in the Bay of Plenty.
“It’s been great,” she says.
“Since everything is online and the courses I studied were assessment-based, it’s very hands-on. It’s not just about reading; it’s about completing practical tasks that give you the 'know-how' to actually troubleshoot and understand how systems work behind the scenes."
Gabriela’s studies have changed the way she looks at work, and she is excited about the future.
“The skills I’ve picked up have given me so much more confidence,” she says.
“People often tell me they can see how much I love this field by the way I talk about it, and it’s true, I’m fascinated by how technology and data can solve real-world problems.”
“I can't wait to get stuck into the tech industry here in NZ and help local businesses make sense of their data.”