What employers like about global interns
AUT Internz is a recruitment service with a difference. Along with finding great paid roles for students and graduates in New Zealand, it offers around 30 overseas internships to graduating students each year and provides scholarships to successful applicants. Since 2014, 125 new graduates have had their first taste of working life in countries such as the US, Canada, Singapore and UK working for companies like Allbirds, lululemon, Facebook and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
We wondered what the New Zealand employers, who hire our global interns when they come home, believe the overseas experience on their CV brings to their business.
1. Global perspective
International experience provides the opportunity to broaden perspective and awareness. Bachelor of Communication Studies graduate Taylor Duncan undertook an internship in Washington DC as a communications lead at Goodworld. After completing her initial internship, Taylor stayed in the US to make the most of her visa and worked for iconic brands such as lululemon and SoulCycle. Now back in New Zealand, Taylor’s working for lululemon as a Key Leader and People Development Lead for the Ponsonby store.Additionally, she’s a part-time consumer strategist at Big Picture, a marketing research/strategy agency.
Store Manager at lululemon, Karla Everitt calls Taylor’s overseas experience a “game changer.” Karla says, “Taylor layers in different perspectives that only come from working in different markets, cultures and pace. I think international internships are such a great opportunity for students, being immersed in other cultures will only support the individual in a positive way - they will gain new perspectives and knowledge.”
Reflecting on her Internz journey, Taylor says it taught her that there's no conventional path for achieving your goals. “I learnt how important it is to be ambitious and agile with your career goals, and keep your eyes up to jump at new possibilities.”
2. High standard of work
Students who have been offered an international internship through Internz have all displayed something “extra”. AUT Communication Design graduate Siobhon Joe landed an internship as a brand designer at Red Antler in New York. After taking a bite out of the Big Apple last year, she’s now working as a designer at Fly, a creative strategy business based in Auckland.
Creative director at Fly, Johnson McKay says Siobhon’s CV was well curated, “it was good to see a high standard of work”. He decided to hire her because she is inquisitive, eager to learn and does great work. He believes international internships can provide a rich experience, however at the end of the day, the attributes and skill set each applicant brings to the table are what counts.
Siobhon says her current role relates to her experience overseas as she’s still working in branding however on a much smaller scale with more responsibilities. “I interact with clients and make sure their needs are met and they receive high-quality designs on deadline and on budget.”
3. Adaptability
Moving countries is something that would be out of most people’s comfort zones. But moving to a new country to start a new job, make new friends and figure out how to get around a city all by yourself? That’s a whole different level.
Camilla Wyness studied a Bachelor of Graphic Design and a Postgraduate Diploma in Brand Communication at AUT. She interned as a design and content marketer at TimeZoneOne in Chicago. After living her best life in the Windy City she’s now a creative and content specialist at Hype & Dexter in Auckland.
CEO of Hype & Dexter, Ryan Watkins says Camilla’s international experience was a very strong indicator that she would be able to adapt to the work environment quickly. He adds, “It reflects a good ability to fit in with a team but also work independently.”
Camilla says her experience in Chicago was the absolute making of her. “Working in the US gave me a big boost of confidence, taught me to be brave and get out of my comfort zone, helped me refine my skills, learn what I am best at, and also not be afraid to put my hand up and learn something new.”
4. Ability to connect with people
When you’re in a new country by yourself you quickly learn to talk to people from all walks of life.Karla Everitt, Store Manager at lululemon says Taylor can connect with people from all backgrounds. “She understands where they are coming from, and meets them where they are at. This helps support her in bringing the team together to achieve a common goal.”
Taylor says, “The balance of connection, community, and strategic thinking is completely filling my cup and I'm ambitious as ever to keep moving forward towards my goals”. Within 3 years, Taylor aims to be part of the global brand experience and community team at lululemon in Vancouver.
5. Prepared for commercial work
The skills students pick up during their time at AUT stand out to employers both on an international and domestic level. Johnson has had many AUT students work with him at Fly. “What I like about them is that they are more prepared for commercial work than students from other institutions. They have been schooled in the connection between brand, narrative, design and commercial outcomes a bit better.”
6. Creativity
What better way to fuel your personal creativity than living in some of the most iconic cities in the world? Karla believes part of Taylor’s creativity stems from her international experience. “She is inspired about what she has seen in the world and wants to bring it to life for others. Her creativity and positive outlook creates space for others to want to be led by her.”
With their overseas experience, these AUT graduates have had the opportunity to grow, learn and experience the “real world” on a level they could have never imagined. Many of them receive offers to stay past their initial contract while others decide to bring their fantastic skills back to the New Zealand market.
If you’re an employer in New Zealand searching for great graduates for internships or full time graduate positions, AUT Internz could be your solution. The recruitment team screens all applications and provide you with a shortlist of candidates to help you find the perfect fit for your business.