Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
12 minutes ago
When Vanessa Santos first studied with EIT through a screen in the Philippines, she never imagined she would one day be sitting in one of those classrooms in person as the guest speaker.
The EIT graduate returned to EIT’s Auckland campus this month to speak to students in the Sustainable Organisations course that helped reshape her career direction and reignite a lifelong passion.
Vanessa Santos returned to EIT to speak to current students after graduating with a Master of Digital Business two years ago.
Vanessa began her Master of Digital Business in May 2021, studying online during the COVID-19 pandemic while borders remained closed.
After arriving in New Zealand in October 2022 with her husband Jeffrey, she completed her studies on-campus and graduated the following year.
“Just two years ago, I was one of those students, uncertain whether a mid-career pivot into sustainability was even possible. Being invited back to speak felt like a full circle moment.”
The 41-year-old’s path to sustainability wasn’t a straight one. With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a background in human resources for IHG Hotels and Resorts, Vanessa initially worked in the corporate sector in the Philippines before shifting to freelance work with US-based clients in e-commerce, podcast production and various other digital projects.
“I’ve always been interested in tech. If I hadn’t gone into HR, I probably would’ve studied IT. Freelancing allowed me to explore that while building a flexible, remote career.”
She first visited New Zealand in 2012 with her husband and friends.
“We thought it would be a great country to live in. Our same friends actually moved here five years later and encouraged us to join them, but at the time we weren’t quite ready.”
Years later, a webinar about study options in New Zealand changed everything.
“EIT was one of the featured institutions. I was impressed by what they presented. I also had a friend who studied at EIT, so I thought, why not?”
It was during her studies at EIT that her passion for sustainability moved from personal lifestyle to professional goal. A paper on sustainable organisations, led by Associate Professor Dr Pii-Tuulia Nikula, became a turning point.
“She’s very inspiring. When she taught the class, it rekindled my passion for environmental sustainability and that’s when I thought that I wanted to try and pursue a career in sustainability.”
In February 2024, Vanessa joined Reclaim, New Zealand’s largest privately owned processor of recyclable materials, in a part-time communications role to help mark the organisation’s 50th anniversary.
She is now working full-time at the company as a Sustainability Advisor in Auckland.
Returning to EIT to share her story with current students felt “pretty special”.
“Back then, I didn’t know if I’d find work in a new country or if I could ever break into sustainability. To be able to stand there now, as someone who’s done it, it felt pretty special.”
Vanessa encouraged students not to be afraid of change or late pivots. “It’s never too late to pursue your passion.”
Associate Professor Dr Pii-Tuulia Nikula, School of Business, said: “It’s incredibly rewarding to see our EIT graduates step into professional sustainability roles and return to share their insights as guest speakers”.
“Vanessa’s experience is a testament to the transformative power of education. I’m humbled to have mentored her on this journey and look forward to celebrating her continued professional success in the years to come.”
