Employability and Careers at AUT By Angela McCarthy (she/her)
Angela from the Employability and Careers team wants you to know that job hunting help is just around the corner. If you’ve been struggling with anything careers-related, read on to see how three students made the most of their services, and what these services actually are. Worried about what to do when you leave university? Nervous about the idea of getting a job? How do you actually start your career? Guess what? You don’t have to manage those huge life questions on your own. Here’s how three AUT students got started to eventually happily work in their career of choice.
“It was not a one off. They took the time to go over it with me and provide feedback on how to make it work for the role I was applying for.” Cheryl also was encouraged to develop her LinkedIn profile – an important professional networking resource for students – and attended other
How Cheryl, Matias, and Sharan took the first step in their careers Variety fundraising coordinator Cheryl Masters decided to go to the Employability Lab to prepare herself to look for a job after graduation. “It felt a bit daunting at first to sign up, but once there, I found it a valuable experience. The staff were really friendly, sociable, and happy to help me. They answered my questions and gave me relevant feedback and support.” She was surprised at how comprehensive that support was. She first got help with updating, then refining, her CV and cover letter.
workshops as well. “Feeling confident about things like your CV and cover letter also gives you more confidence in applying for a job,” says Cheryl. Joining the AUT Edge Award was another powerful experience for Cheryl. Run through the Employability and Careers service, this award helps students build up work-ready skills through volunteering, leadership, and employability workshops. Edge students often talk of new friendships developed, as well as the heightened level of skills and confidence they develop. Cheryl signed up for the Edge Award to gain relevant experience to put on her CV, but it quickly became much more. “It was so much fun and I got to meet some awesome like-minded people.”
Top: Cheryl Masters, middle: Matias Roque, bottom: Sharan Anand.
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