New initiatives for employer engagement
Three new industry and employability events are opening up opportunities for new employers to engage with AUT students and graduates.
“The trialling of new career fairs and a volunteering expo over 2017 was a resounding success, attracting new employers and a larger, more diverse group of students and graduates,” says employability relationship manager Annabel Reyes who, along with colleague Vanessa Freeman, is responsible for employer engagement with AUT students.
Hospitality, Tourism, Events and Culinary Arts
The Hospitality, Tourism, Events and Culinary Arts Career Fair was re-launched in 2017 and successfully attracted 23 employers and 270 student registrations.
Langham Hotel HR co-ordinator Heather McCreaddie attended to meet directly with students. “We get lots of CVs sent to us every day, but at this kind of event I can meet potential employees face to face.”
Sidekicker, an online recruitment platform for hospitality and events, was looking to fill casual contracts with organisations like Spark Arena, Spotless and the Park Hyatt.
“We have a lot of demand for people with hospitality experience and AUT students seem really switched on and have the skills we are looking for,” says office administrator Caitlin Sunasekara.
AUT senior lecturer and hospitality work integrated learning leader Yvonne Wood says the fair showcased a number of potential careers to students.
“Students met up with industry and alumni, seeking out work integrated learning opportunities and exploring career ideas for full-time employment.”
100% of employers surveyed after the fair said they would return next year, says employability relationship manager Vanessa Freeman.
“Employers also said the social media aspects created valuable student/employer engagement.”
Registrations for the 2018 Hospitality, Tourism, Events and Culinary Arts Career Fair on Wednesday 15 August are now open for both students and employers.
Law Fair
Thirteen organisations participated in the inaugural 2017 Law Fair, ranging from private and public sector to legal and non legal.
The Law Fair is an important event that we will continue to grow, says Annabel Reyes, who organised the fair.
“This is a valuable chance for employers to raise their profile with AUT law students who offer a unique blend of diverse backgrounds and life experience. For law students, it highlights the diversity of opportunities available.”
She is now keen to hear from employers interested in attending the 2018 Law Fair in August 2018.
Volunteering Expo
The Volunteering Expo attracted over 100 students wanting to discuss volunteer opportunities with the 12 not-for-profit organisations at the expo.
Youthline volunteer manager Cathy Aiavao loved the diversity and enthusiasm of the AUT students she met at the expo. One student who signed up for volunteering had a culinary arts background. Three other students wanted to practise their digital marketing skills; serendipitously Youthline is working on a digital marketing project that could use their input.
Graeme Dingle Foundation programme co-ordinator Lisa Diggins attended the expo because of the AUT Edge Award.
“The volunteering hours required of the Edge Award fit well with our requirements so we were keen to come and talk to students about volunteering options.”
Contact us to find out more
Vanessa Freeman
Annabel Reyes