Vanita Bajaj
Community Support Worker, Spectrum Care, Auckland
For Vanita Bajaj, one tertiary provider stuck out from the rest. After browsing through dozens of options in Aotearoa New Zealand, ultimately it was NZSE College’s practical, hands-on approach to healthcare training that gave Vanita confidence she could build a successful career in her adopted country.
Having immigrated from India with a Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery, Vanita sought to complete her Diploma in Community Healthcare and Support (Level 7) to establish herself in New Zealand’s healthcare sector. “When I first visited the campus before enrolling, the staff were incredibly welcoming,” says Vanita. “I immediately knew I wanted to study at a college where I could feel at home.”
This kindness would be a constant throughout Vanita’s journey with NZSE. From teachers who personally provided references for her CV to fellow students who celebrated each other’s cultural traditions, NZSE’s student-centred environment proved that wellbeing was a significant priority to staff.
“I made really strong connections with students and staff members, and some of them are life-long friends now. If I ever felt lonely or I was missing home, I could just go to the staff members for help. My health tutors were knowledgeable and friendly too — they taught us that you have to do hard work to achieve your goals, and to remain positive. I know that whenever I need guidance, I can reach out to them as mentors,” says Vanita.
NZSE’s cafeteria is the best place to connect with students outside your programme, says Vanita. “I would chat with hospitality students and get to know them over lunch. The student environment is so vibrant! The learners are focused on achieving their goals — yet there is still space for fun and leisure activities, like celebrating Diwali or Pacific Island holidays.”
Putting theory to work
Another pillar of NZSE that Vanita values is the emphasis on practical training. Her programme included 160 hours of work placement, requiring students to develop a comprehensive understanding of healthcare duties before entering real-world settings. In NZSE’s practical training room, students master essential skills using professional equipment — from operating bed hoists and wheelchairs to performing first aid and proper bed-making techniques. Tutors weave cultural competency and te ao Māori views into their lessons, preparing the learners to work with the range of cultures we see in New Zealand communities.
As an international student, Vanita wasn’t familiar with Kiwi customs, which initially made it challenging to job search and build out her CV. “I didn’t know how to approach people in a professional context. My tutors were super helpful with this and went through interview preparation with me, which ultimately helped me secure my current position.”
The reward of healthcare
Today, Vanita thrives as a Community Support Worker at Spectrum Care, where she helps individuals with intellectual disabilities build greater independence. “One of the people I support loves to make arts and crafts, and every day, she wants me to teach her something new. So, I watch heaps of YouTube videos to prepare for teaching her a new skill. That’s my favourite thing about my job, I get to learn while supporting others,” says Vanita.
This sense of fulfilment is exactly why Vanita was drawn to healthcare from a young age. Inspired by her father’s work in the health sector, she desired a career that would uplift her community. At Spectrum Care, Vanita now has the opportunity to help others achieve their dreams and improve their quality of life.
“There are multiple reasons why I would recommend a healthcare career. The first is the reward — you help make someone’s day better and return home feeling deeply satisfied. The second reason is the career opportunities — there is a huge range of pathways you can take in your studies and after. Finally, healthcare is constantly evolving, offering endless opportunities to upgrade your skills and knowledge.”
