Employability and Careers Blog: Info and Advice for AUT Students and Graduates

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.

You’re doing social sciences? Social what? Why on earth would you? Because you could end up doing a job you absolutely love, as Social Sciences and Criminology graduate Jana Nee found out. Yep, there are many roles requiring social science skills of critical thinking, research, planning, communication and a commitment to social justice, cultural diversity, human rights and community.“There is so much you can do with social sciences and criminology, especially in the realm of Māori development and whānau ora,” she says.

Be creative, hustle, get in front of people, give anything a go and do your research. That was the advice from 6 creative young employers who attended various sessions at AUT this semester. They’ve all experienced rejection and success. They may even be hiring. See what they have to say

LinkedIn profiles that include a picture are 14 times more likely to be seen, according to LinkedIn research. This makes your profile picture a very important part of your LinkedIn profile whether you want to have your photo up there or not.

Are you worried you don't have skills that employers are looking for? You’d be surprised how many skills you’re developing, alongside your technical and professional skills, as you study, work and play. Get some pointers from four employers!

Do you want your employment opportunities doomed because of your online look? Do you want to stand out from the crowd because you have jam down your top, greasy hair, an unmade bed or a flatmate fooling around in the background?  Maybe not?

“When we find a result for terminally ill patients that links to a drug to improve their quality of life, the feeling is priceless,” says Lon Hua with a big smile.No, Lon is not a front-line medical health specialist, but a medical laboratory scientist providing key test results - behind the scene - for people suffering with a terminal illness.“As a medical laboratory scientist – you can make a big impact in the medical and healthcare sector,” says Lon.

Weddings, funerals, medical appointments, courtroom processes - the happy, the sad, the bad, the ugly - As the messenger New Zealand Sign Language Interpreters are the conduit for all information. It's a job where you are the focus of attention but can't control the message.

Scrum master Siobhan Flynn doesn’t chase a rugby ball around a field or hook her arms around someone’s hairy thighs. Nothing like that, much to the surprise of some people.“Even though my title says scrum master, it has nothing to do with rugby. I’m not even a sporty person,” laughs Siobhan.

Let's face it, Kiwis are not great at telling people about themselves, or heaven forbid, actually talking themselves up about anything. Am I right? Here are three employers tips on how to present yourself genuinely through your CV, cover letter and at events.