Beth Stavert

Strategy & Communications Manager, Connected Kerb, London
Bachelor of Communication Studies in Public Relations

She has been lucky to have a front row seat to the building of an infrastructure business, says Beth Stavert who is now based in London and works for Connected Kerb, an electric vehicle charging company on a mission to change the world for good.

“I joined the company in its infancy when it was just the original founders and two employees; a CFO and myself. It was only an idea at that stage and today we operate a nationwide network with thousands of charging points. I work closely with the CEO and leadership team to help manage internal operations – spanning across communication and coordination, strategic execution, special projects and initiatives, and organisational alignment and culture.

“I’ve enjoyed the challenge of starting from scratch and figuring things out as I go. The variedness of my role is good for me, as once I’ve figured out how to do something, I’m very quickly looking for the next thing. This role has afforded me the flexibility to follow my interests, which luckily has aligned with the needs of the business as it has developed over the years.”

She says the diversity of the skills she developed at AUT have helped her a lot in her current role.

“There’s a certain adaptability needed to thrive within a start-up environment, and I’d say that I’ve used skills from all of classes I took at AUT in my career now, in some way or another.”

Memories of AUT
While her life in the UK may feel a world away from Auckland, Beth still has fond memories of her time at AUT.

“At the time, I was deciding between potentially attending university in the United States to play softball, or attending AUT. I chose to stay in Auckland for various reasons; a decision I now reflect fondly on. For me, a communications degree felt like a flexible choice that aligned with my skillset. I enjoyed learning through lectures, and the AUT communications building had just opened in my first year, which provided a very satisfactory backdrop!

“I made some great friends at AUT who I’m still close with. I think we were part of the small cohort of people not from the North Shore doing communications that year, and we all seemed to gravitate towards each other. Attending AUT also allowed me to experience my city in a different light. I grew up in Titirangi, so I loved going into the city, having breaks at Albert Park with friends and getting lunchtime dumplings from Lorne Street. I remember feeling very grown up at the time, which is amusing to look back on now.”

As if her studies didn’t keep her busy enough, she also found the time to continue playing softball competitively.

“Throughout high school, I was supported by the AUT SHINE Programme as a student athlete, and then during my time at AUT Bruce Meyer from AUT Sport helped me to navigate the balance between my studies and international sporting commitments. AUT also understood my commitments as a student athlete. They were very gracious and accommodating to my unique needs, and I was proud to receive an AUT Blue Award for excelling in my sport.”

Advice for other students
Beth – who graduated from AUT in 2016 – has some great advice for other students thinking about their own university journey.

“Be intentional about developing your curiosity. If you’re interested in something, keep following it as it unfolds into the next thing. Look at each experience as an opportunity to learn more about yourself and the world around you.

“Read – a lot! It’s a shortcut to gaining perspective. Reading teaches you how to hold opposing information and complexities in the same space, and how to think critically. I can’t emphasise just how important this is, along with developing your writing skills. Reading and writing help you to develop understanding. Don’t submit your thinking to AI. Develop your own voice.”

Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo, she adds.

“Just because something is in place, or has been, doesn’t mean it’s the best or right option (or even a good one). You can make a difference. Challenge your own beliefs. Ask yourself why you think what you think, and stay open to understanding the views and beliefs of others. Finally, in a work setting, learn how to set boundaries and manage your own time! Learn how to switch off and rest, and don’t feel bad about it, and have a laugh every now and again.”