After months of employers presenting online to AUT students, we’re delighted to welcome employers back on campus for Employability Matters Week on 3-7 May. There is representation across public service, corporate, engineering and technology, legal, creative and not-for-profit sectors.
Over 50 organisations have signed up for the week of events, including Samsung, SEEK, Microsoft, CAANZ, MYOB and GSK (GlaxoSmithKline).
Many alumni are also representing their sectors, wanting to inspire other AUT students in their job search.
“I am particularly excited to have our art & design alumni Allan Xia present about thriving and surviving as a creative. I’m also looking forward to hosting our first hackathon event as part of the week. The hackathon gives students practical experience as well as networking opportunities and exposure to potential employers.”
While some organisations are coming to recruit, Employability Matters is more about students getting the opportunity to communicate with employers, hear about the workplace and get a better idea of potential employment opportunities.
The week includes a number of panel sessions of engineering alumni, Edge Award graduates and recruiters offering insights and tips on how to job search, network and apply for roles.
Our ever popular Volunteering Expo runs on Tuesday, attracting 17 charities and organisations, such as Surf Lifesaving Northern Region, Forest and Birds NZ, Breast Cancer Foundation, Recreate and Habitat for Humanity Northern Region. Students flock to this event to make the most of the opportunity to pick up volunteering hours that help them not only give back to the community, but develop their communication, team and networking skills.
A Business Career Expo on Wednesday aims to connect students with over 20 employers who are interested in hiring AUT talent for internships and graduate jobs.
“We encourage lecturers to remind students of these opportunities to meet with employers, hear their thoughts and tips on the workplace and job applications and be inspired by graduates who have found their career path,” says AUT Employability Relationship Manager Rachel Shareef.
The week concludes on Friday with a celebration morning tea for the AUT Edge Award, which has been running for five years. The first graduates are attending the morning tea which will be followed by panels on the personal and employability value of volunteering and leadership activities.
A schedule of events can be found on Studenthub online