Finding his voice through the Beyond AUT Award

(Beyond AUT Overall prize winner Etienne Tapueluelu receving his prize from Cordis Auckland Human Resources Director Carey White)

Stepping up to the challenge of taking on leadership roles rather than staying in the background has been a major achievement for Etienne Tapueluelu who received the Cordis Hotel Beyond AUT Overall Award prize at the Employability Awards Graduation Ceremony on Monday 14 November. The prize is awarded to the student who went over and beyond in all aspects of their award journey.

When Etienne became the Business, Economics, and Law representative for Year 3 and post graduate students for his award leadership hours, it was the first time he had really stepped out of the shadows, found his voice and used it to support others.
In the end he completed both the AUT Edge Award and the Beyond AUT Award, fulfilling his commitment to himself that he’d make the most of every opportunity as a mature student.

The Employability Services ‘family’ were welcoming and supportive from the start, says Etienne.
“I wouldn't have achieved what I have without them. This journey has been rewarding. I learned a lot more about myself. After winning the prize, I jokingly asked the wonderful Employability Director Anna Williams if there's another award after the Beyond Award and she said ‘yes, it's called real life’. I couldn't agree more - I think I'm ready, bring it on!”

Etienne was one of four students singled out for going over and beyond during their award journey. Sheldon Hall received the EY Leadership prize, Karan Patel won the MYOB Personal Growth prize and Khooshi Patel received the SEEK Volunteer Volunteering prize.

Graduation celebrates great achievements

Etienne was one of 21 students to receive the postgraduate student Beyond AUT Award. A further 93 students graduated with the AUT Edge Award. While doing the award these students contributed over 7000 hours of volunteering and 6500 hours of leadership to many areas of their communities.

As well as making a huge difference to their communities, the awards also encourage development of the ‘C’ skills or soft skills that employers love to see evidence of. Vice Chancellor Professor Damon Salesa (right), who spoke at the graduation, praised the students for their resilience and generosity with their time and energy.

“Not only does it make you a better employee, this award makes you a better family member, better friend and better member of society,” he said.

Student Employability Director Anna Williams described the celebration as a highlight of the calendar.
“The students here have gone through a journey of learning, knowledge and reflection. This has built their self confidence and will make them stand out from the crowd when they leave AUT.”

The awards are acknowledged formally on the students’ academic transcripts. No other university in New Zealand offers or acknowledges such a comprehensive programme of activities done outside of study. And it is free to join.

"Being enrolled in an amazing free programme like the AUT Edge Award or Beyond AUT Award really complements students’ study - and gives them a competitive advantage when looking for work," says Employability Awards specialist Logan Carr.

Seven years on

The AUT Employability Awards have gone from strength to strength since the inception of the AUT Edge Award in 2016 and Beyond AUT Award (postgraduate) in 2019. Throughout that time students have delivered over 55,000 volunteering hours and 38,000 leadership hours to organisations as diverse as Red Cross, SPCA, Greenpeace, Girl Guiding, Conservation Volunteer NZ, Recreate, City Mission, Sunday Blessing, NZ Olympic Committee, TEDx Auckland.

They’ve also participated in student ambassador and RUOK programmes, AUTSA clubs and events and other aspects of AUT’s academic and social calendar.

Find out more about the AUT Edge Award and Beyond AUT Award here.

Group photo caption (L to R) Etienne Tapueluelu, Karan Patel, Khooshi Patel, Sheldon Hall