Struggles as well as the successes need to be seen and celebrated, says Caitlin Baard who recently won the AUT Edge Leadership Prize for semester one.
“It is easy to see a person who’s ‘succeeded’ in something and feel alienated, believing they are always on and exceptional. But that is truly impossible - even a disadvantage,” says Caitlin, an AUT Public Health and Environmental Sciences graduate.
Do you look at your CV and feel it is a bit thin on activities and experience? Do you wonder how you’re going to show an employer that you’re good at communication or being organised or working in teams, when you don’t have any proof?
You are very unlikely to go into your dream job immediately after you graduate. No, don’t sigh and bin this blog. All I’m saying is that often the best entry level graduate roles do not sound like dream jobs, but they will lead to them if you’re good at what you do.
If manager or team leader roles are not coming through feeds from AUT talenthub, NZUnitalent, SEEK etc, don’t panic. Most graduate roles fall under titles such as assistant, executive, administrator, officer etc. These roles are door openers – discard them at your peril.
When you hear the word ‘ninja’ what do you think of? People swooping around doing stealthy karate chops in dark outfits – or teenage mutant turtles called Michelangelo and Donatello eating pizza? I bet you’re not thinking of Systems Ninjas; techie trainees learning how to code without any strange outfits, medieval names or destruction? Readiness IT 's ystems ninja traineeship is a great strating place says Systems Ninja Brian Kong.
“I wasn't confident at all at networking. I was anti-social and networking needed me to be the opposite. But once I understood the value of networking, it empowered me to give it a go,” says Graceland Ioane, ASB Team Support and AUT alumni.
Graceland is now so comfortable with networking she is one of 11 alumni who generously gave their time mid May to help students practise networking.
Read the students’ experiences and the alumni’s tips.
What would you give for an easier way to connect with the workplace and improve your communication and networking skills without having to go to events and give your elevator pitch? How about simply getting together with a few other people to offer your help a few hours a week? People often end up doing their best networking when helping out – volunteering – at a local organization or charity.
"Come along to this panel of graduates." "Come and listen to this panel of recruiters." "Come and hear this panel of industry experts." Come along... come listen ... come hear …. But why you may ask? What is the point? Here’s 6 reasons why we believe panels are of huge benefit to you!
Doing something for nothing? Why would you? Actually there are compelling career reasons for volunteering, as well as giving back to your community! And it isn't just me banging on about it! Big players like SEEK agree.
Meet Business and Maori Development graduate and Deloitte Senior Analyst Kelsey Williams who shares her career journey and transition from student to young professional.
Kelsey started her graduate role at Deloitte, while simultaneously completing her Co-op and has spent the past four years working on diverse projects in the public sector focusing on Maori Development and Health Economics.