Tourism graduate showcasing Aotearoa to the world

Originally from the Gansu Province in China, Izzie says her journey as an international student brings a fresh perspective to the activities she carries out as Digital Marketing Manager for New Zealand Story.

It’s a role she’s worked her way up to since graduating from Lincoln several years ago with a Master of Tourism Management from Lincoln University. 

"I really enjoy using digital tools to share stories and I believe it can truly make a positive impact on the world," Izzie said.

"Being able to promote New Zealand on the global stage is a unique opportunity as a migrant to the country. I get to highlight the culture, innovation and amazing people of New Zealand to the rest of the world, and that’s something I am truly passionate about."

With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Education under her belt, Izzie decided to study a postgraduate qualification in tourism, as it’s one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s biggest export industries and globally renowned for its development.

"Lincoln University’s tourism programme, the oldest in the country, seemed like an ideal choice," Izzie said. "Before enrolling at LU, I visited the campus a couple of times, and it gave me such a welcoming feeling and felt like a close-knit community. Everyone knows each other. 

As an international student, I felt Lincoln would provide the supportive environment I needed, and it turned out to be the perfect choice for me.

"The enrolment process was smooth and made my transition very easy, despite my lack of background in tourism."

Izzie said the Master of Tourism Management gave her a solid understanding of the requirements of the sector, "which was invaluable for someone like me, coming from a different field".

"The professors were extremely supportive of our individual research interests. Being able to present my research findings during job interviews gave me a unique edge, and I believe it played a critical role in securing my first professional job.

"Above all, the course assessments were designed to improve our soft skills, which are very important for working professionally. The opportunity to present research findings to our peers and professors greatly boosted my confidence and improved my public speaking skills, for which I am incredibly thankful."

Dou Guo with her supervisor, Associate Professor Joanna Fountain, on the day she graduated with her Master of Tourism Management.