Navigating our doctoral futuresTe Ara Whakamua

An 8-week professional development programme supporting doctoral students to build leadership skills, explore diverse career pathways and confidently plan their futures.

This programme represents a collaborative effort across the University, with facilitators contributing their expertise from nearly all faculties, AUT Ventures, and the Employability and Careers Team. Special acknowledgment to the Māori and Pacific researchers, cultural advisors, and the Moanaroa Pacific Research Network whose guidance has been vital in shaping this kaupapa.

What you'll experience

Eight weekly workshops covering foundation skills, personal empowerment, industry connections, research communication, academic pathways, technology and ethics, innovation and enterprise, and leadership development. Each session combines expert facilitation with peer learning, featuring diverse voices from nearly all AUT faculties, AUT Ventures, and the Employability and Careers Team.

You'll begin with a pōwhiri at Ngā Wai o Horotiu Marae, establishing meaningful connections and positioning yourself within Te Tiriti context. From there, you'll develop practical skills for translating your academic expertise into professional contexts, learn to communicate your research across cultural boundaries, and build the confidence to navigate whatever career path calls to you.

Guided by AUT's Te Aronui framework and grounded in Te Tiriti principles, the programme integrates Māori and Pacific perspectives, empowering you to use your specialised knowledge to make a difference in both academic and non-academic careers.

Your Journey Through Eight Sessions

• Te Hononga – Building research community and cultural foundations at the marae
• Te Whakamana – Resilience and wellbeing strategies for professional success
• Te Tūhono Mātauranga ki te ao mahi – Translating academic skills to industry careers
• He Reo Pono, He Reo Tika, He Reo Aroha – Communicating research across cultures and contexts
• Ngā Tapuwae Rangahau – Academic career pathways with early career researchers
• He Kete Raraunga, He Kete Tikanga – AI literacy and ethical data practices
• Ngā Hua o te Mātauranga – Research commercialisation and entrepreneurship
• Te Amorangi ki Mua, Te Hāpai õ ki Muri – Cross-cultural leadership and professional growth

^{The programme is guided by an Aotearoa-specific Researcher Development Framework, developed by AUT researchers and artist Jordan Tane}