Geethu Pottekkatt

Name: Geethu Pottekkatt

Qualification: Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Indian graduate Geethu Pottekkatt was inspired to pursue a career in early childhood after starting a family of her own.

“I wanted to spend as much time as possible with my little boy, so I began looking for a casual position in a childcare centre. I soon started working as a relief teacher for an agency which I ended up absolutely loving, but I knew I needed to become qualified in order to make a proper career out of it.

“New Zealand is recognised as one of the top-performing countries around the world for ECE, with high-quality tertiary providers. After conducting some research, New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC) caught my eye as one of these.”

With a desire to work, study and raise a young family, Geethu felt NZTC was the best option. Through the college’s flexible Blended Learning options which combine hands-on experience with theoretical learning, she was able to maintain a positive work-life balance.

“The Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) was the perfect program for me as I was able to gain valuable practical experience in various centres, which is a requirement for becoming fully registered.”

Having lived in New Zealand for five years now, Geethu is appreciative of the lifestyle here.

“The country boasts a multicultural society and a safe community feel. I have also found it provides an equal amount of opportunity for everyone, regardless of whether you were born here or not. For me, adapting to this new environment was a very positive experience.”

Nothing is slowing down for Geethu, who plans to complete further study in the time ahead.

“My goal now is to receive NZ Teacher Registration, so I can gain work experience for a few years as a fully qualified educator.

“I would then like to pursue a master’s degree with NZTC so I can continue to learn and grow, and enhance my ECE career as much as possible.”