Two NZSE graduates share their experience at SSD 2025 and beyond.
Wanli Chen and Jenny Bian, graduates of NZSE College’s Graduate Diploma in Data Analytics (Level 7), recently had the opportunity to present their project at the third International Conference on Smart Sustainable Development (SSD 2025).
Their journey, from participating in a hackathon workshop, an engineering event where individuals collaborate to solve challenges in a short time, to presenting their idea at an international conference, highlights the importance of hands-on learning, innovation, and perseverance.
We caught up with them to hear about their experiences, their capstone project with Auckland Council, and their thoughts on being women in tech.
Finding their passion for data analytics
For both Wanli and Jenny, studying data analytics was a way to expand their skills and open the door to new career opportunities.
Wanli, who had worked in digital marketing, wanted to strengthen her ability to work with data.
“Digital marketing involves a lot of data analysis, so I wanted to build on that. When I saw NZSE offering this programme, I knew it was the right step for me,” says Wanli.
Jenny, coming from a finance background, was looking for a more proactive approach to working with data.
“In finance, we often look at data reactively – after the financial year has ended. I wanted to move into something more proactive, where I could use data to make decisions in real time. NZSE’s programme stood out, especially because they offered night classes, which made it easier to balance with work,” says Jenny.
From hackathon to SSD 2025
Wanli and Jenny’s project started as part of a three-day hackathon workshop, where they used AWS (Amazon Web Services) to develop a live chatbot for education support. Their work was later selected for presentation at SSD 2025, a major international conference.
“Our project focused on improving education for New Zealand intermediate students,” Wanli explains. “We first created it during the Hackathon, and when we got invited to SSD 2025, we refined it and took it to the next level.”
Presenting at the conference was a big moment for them. As one of the few teams not affiliated with the event sponsors, they were stepping onto a platform dominated by institutions like Future Skills and Otago Polytechnic.
“We were one of only two teams from outside those organisations,” Jenny shared. “That made the experience even more special.”
Despite being newcomers to the conference scene, their presentation sparked strong interest from the audience.
“We got more questions than any other group – about four or five. It showed that people were genuinely engaged with what we had built,” said Wanli.
For Jenny, attending SSD 2025 was about more than just showcasing their project – it was an opportunity to see what others in the industry were working on.
“It gave us a whole new perspective. Seeing how different teams were applying technology in innovative ways was really inspiring,” she says.
Capstone success with Auckland Council
Beyond their hackathon and conference experience, Wanli and Jenny also worked on a Capstone project with Auckland Council, where they developed an automation system for data processing and visualisation.
“We built a system that replaced Auckland Council’s manual data processing. It automated everything, cutting down the time required by at least 80%. Instead of spending hours on repetitive tasks, staff could now focus on more meaningful work,” Jenny explains.
The project reinforced their belief in the potential of AI and automation to improve business operations.
“This experience showed us how AI and technology can help people work smarter, not harder. It’s about knowing how to use the right tools to make work more efficient,” she says.
Breaking barriers as women in tech
Despite more women entering data analytics, Wanli and Jenny acknowledged that the tech industry remains male-dominated, especially in IT and programming roles.
“You don’t often see female programmers or IT support staff,” Jenny says. “There are more women in data analytics now, but men still outnumber women in tech overall.”
Her advice for women considering a career in tech?
“Go for it. Women bring a different perspective to problem-solving, and that diversity is valuable in the industry. The key is to keep learning, challenging yourself, and finding your place in the field.”
Advice for future students
When asked if they would recommend the Graduate Diploma in Data Analytics at NZSE, both Wanli and Jenny were quick to highlight its value.
“The programme is a great opportunity to gain real-world data analytics skills, even if you’re new to the field. It does require dedication, but the support from lecturers and the hands-on learning approach make it an excellent choice,” Jenny says.
They also appreciated the practical experience included in the course and believe future students will benefit even more as industry tools continue to evolve.
“The chance to work on real projects and use tools like Power BI and Tableau is incredibly valuable. These are skills that employers look for, and NZSE is helping students get industry-ready,” Wanli says.
What’s next for Wanli and Jenny?
Wanli and Jenny are excited to continue developing their skills and exploring new opportunities in data analytics and automation. Their experience at SSD 2025 has motivated them to work on more real-world projects and expand their knowledge of AI-driven solutions.
“This field is constantly evolving, and we want to be at the forefront of innovation,” says Jenny.
With their impressive achievements so far, it’s clear they’re just getting started.
