Meet Employability Specialist Emma Spires

A wealth of knowledge about recruitment and employment has been introduced to the Employability and Careers team by the bubbly Emma Spires, who joined the team early 2016.

What do you enjoy about working in careers?

Coming from a recruitment background I love being able to provide students with an insight into what employers are looking for as well as how to become as employable as possible. I particularly enjoy seeing students’ growing self-confidence after attending our workshops or one to one coaching sessions – the feeling that I’m making a positive difference makes coming to work each day extremely rewarding.

What has been your career journey to this point?

My first job was as an administrator for UK adult education classes. Little did I know that years later I would be back in working in the education sector!

I attended Lancaster University in the UK and studied English Literature – I picked this area of study because I was passionate about it and had achieved well academically in this area during school.

Prior to coming to AUT, I worked at Madison Recruitment (NZ’s largest recruitment agency) for 4 years. Before Madison, I worked in a wide variety of industries including IT, hospitality and even agriculture! My career journey has been punctuated with a lot of overseas travel – some highlights being Peru, Tanzania and Vietnam.

How has travel helped your understanding of work, life, careers?

Travelling has given me a greater understanding and appreciation of different cultures; it has also made me more open minded, independent and willing to challenge myself both in my personal life and in my career.

What do you enjoy doing when not at work?

In my spare time I love to be outdoors and go walking and tramping. I also love to travel and explore new places whenever the opportunity arises!

If you could go back in time, what words of wisdom would you share with your 18 year old self?

This quote by Mark Twain: “Remember that in 20 years from you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.”

What’s one thing your colleagues don’t know about you?

When I was 18 I travelled alone to Ghana in West Africa for a number of months to participate in a volunteer project in an orphanage because I wanted to have a significant life experience before starting university.

I was surprised at how happy the children were - despite how little they had. They were overjoyed just to be given colouring pencils and paper!

This made me very aware of the prolific materialistic culture of Western society and since then, I have adopted the mentality of seeking experience over possessions; hence another favourite quote of mine:

“Fill your life with experiences, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show.”

What do you enjoy about working at AUT?

AUT is a unique place to work; it is fast-paced, innovative, ever evolving and continually encourages staff and students alike to be the best they can be. I enjoy working in a progressive environment that encourages excellence.

Favourite spots at AUT?

Newsfeed café! The friendly staff are always a delight to chat to and the coffee is delicious! Oh, and the Employability Lab of course – this is where all the magic happens!

Favourite food?

As I am originally from the UK, I would have to say my home country favourites – especially Galaxy chocolate, Monster Munch crisps (or chips as they say here in NZ), and of course, a traditional roast dinner!