Leadership enhanced by AUT Edge Award

(Sheldon Hall receiving the EY Leadership Prize at the AUT Edge Award Graduation)

“I’ve come to know that challenges aren’t things to fear, but to be embraced and to learn from,” says Sheldon Hall, winner of the EY Leadership prize for the AUT Edge Award.

Now working as a business design analyst for Accenture, Sheldon says the soft skills he developed through the AUT Edge Award are often sought out in the workplace today.
“I also found the award does more than enhance your soft skills. The different volunteering and leadership opportunities I was exposed to helped me discover where my truest passions may lie and the communities I wish to represent that need me.“

Sheldon is now supporting the next generation of young Maori and Pasifika entering the workforce, encouraging them to step outside their comfort zone to develop their full potential, particularly in the tech industry. He says the award has helped shape his leadership skills and capabilities.

“I now have a greater understanding of who I am as someone who is Māori, Pasifika, a designer and an aspiring leader. I am super proud to share I was selected as the recipient for the EY Leadership Prize Award.”

Graduation celebrates great achievements

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

All up 93 students graduated with the AUT Edge Award and 21 with the Beyond AUT Award for postgraduates.
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: Etienne Tapueluelu, Karan Patel, Khooshi Patel, Sheldon Hall