Be a scientist, ask questions at the expo

Going up to strangers can feel a bit scary but the strangers at the Science Career Expo are there because they want to talk to you about their work and the science careers they can offer. So make the most of this opportunity by picking up on the tips offered here by two of the employers attending.

Ask employers lots of questions even though it can be daunting, advises Lorraine Kamo, Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) manager of organisational development.
“Even if you don’t think it’s a perfect question – ask away!” says Lorraine who will be representing MPI and talking about their graduate programme at the AUT Science Career Expo next Wednesday (August 1).

She recommends you ask five questions in particular:

1 How can the organisation support your ongoing development?
2 What specific roles might a graduate be involved in?
3 What support is there on the programme?
4 Which roles are science based or founded in science?
5 If a graduate is part of the organisation’s team at the expo, ask them about the work they are doing and what opportunities they get offered.

As well as asking questions, she encourages students looking for science careers to be inquisitive, research organisations, and think widely about how their qualification and skillset can be applied across different sectors or areas.
“Being open to different opportunities and pathways is a good start in your science career,” says Lorraine.
There are a lot of lab based and office based science career opportunities at MPI, a major funder, user, and generator of science.  MPI is involved in agriculture, biosecurity, food safety, forestry, and fisheries.
“One of the key learnings for our graduates is the transition from studying to working in areas that inform policy, legislation, operations. This includes the ability to communicate the rationale or decision to a wide range of audiences.  You definitely, get those opportunities at MPI,” says Lorraine.

Keep an open mind

Contact Energy’s Youth Programme Lead Caleb Jasmat also encourages students to keep an open mind about what a career path in science may look like!  
“Think about your personal values and try find organisations that align with those values. When approaching organisations at Career Expos, remember organisations are there because they want/need you in their company, so they want to talk to you!” declares Caleb.

Caleb says Contact Energy is always keen to talk to students at career expos and hear about their motivations and interests.
“It also provides us a chance to share a bit of information about our mission and what motivates Contact Energy. We are a diverse and complex business with opportunities for students from a wide range of backgrounds. We look forward to chatting with students about what their values are and what motivates them!”

Come meet science employers

The Science Career Expo is a great way for students to talk to employers who are taking time out of busy schedules to come on campus. These high calibre employers are interested in meeting you, so why not get organised and come and see what they have to offer.

Make sure you consider the advice offered by Lorraine and Caleb above and ask insightful questions. Also have a good professional introduction prepared. Caleb suggests you simply say:
“Hi my name is XXX, I study XXX. Does [insert organisation name] have any opportunities that may suit my field of study?"

We would also encourage you to add a sentence about why you are interested in the area of science you’re studying and show a genuine interest in the organisation.

Contact Energy and MPI are two of the 15-20 organisations participating in the AUT Science Career Expo running Wednesday 1 August 11-2pm at WZ100, WZ Building, City Campus.

Other organisations attending include Labtests, GSK, Watercare, Auckland Council, Fonterra, NZCR, Johnson & Johnson, Biosecurity NZ, EY, Mint, Te Whatu Ora and Asure Quality Kaitiaki Kai.

It is best to sign up to the event through Elab Online where you can also book into CV and cover letter, elevator pitch and LinkedIn profile workshops to ensure you are fully prepared when you meet all these potential employers. Our workshops run online and at WA202 on city campus.

Good luck with the expo.