Be a Detective for your own Career

What has detective work got to do with getting a job? Well, just like a detective builds up a case by collecting clues and leads, so should you when trying to figure out where you’d love to work.
Are you thinking that sounds a bit strange?  After all, isn’t studying towards a degree enough?
I used to feel the same. But what I didn’t know was that if I’d done some research on employers and roles, it would have helped me at least work out what jobs and companies might interest me. You don’t know what you don’t know.
By researching, talking to people, and checking out events and organisations, you start to zone in on great job opportunities.

5 clues to follow in your quest to find a great career

Open your eyes to what's happening at uni

What’s going on outside your classes? Do guest lecturers come and talk to you in class? Do you find what they do interesting? Is your faculty holding a networking event where you could meet potential contacts? Did someone post something on Canvas about an event off-campus?
Be a detective. Have a look at AUT’s social media groups, clubs and pages related to your degree. Are you part of them? Have you checked out the many AUT profiles and interviews about how graduates got jobs, including stories on AUT Employability blog?

Get out - meet employers at events

Do you know the Employability and Careers team hold regular employer events designed for students to meet and network with company representatives? These companies are generally wanting to meet students who could become employees and outline what their organisation can offer, especially with internships and graduate roles. They share application and recruitment tips, outline the skills and attributes they look for and give insights about their company culture. You also get to ask questions and connect with people who are usually involved in the hiring process.

Search for info online

Research as much as possible because that is your way to gather up clues. It can be intimidating and a bit scary to meet someone who you may want to work for - but you will feel more confident if you have armed yourself with knowledge about the company. Companies provide a wealth of information on their website and social media platforms about what they do, their values and the roles of people within their organisation.

Tips on researching a company's website

• Read recent press releases/news articles to see what projects they are working on and what future plans they have. Learn and read as much as you possibly can.
• Find their annual report and read about the company’s highlights over the past year.
• Do they have a blog? A blog can provide insights about what they’re doing and who they’re looking for.
• Have you signed up to the career/job section of their website? See the roles they’re recruiting for. Note the skills and qualities they require. Even if they don’t have any jobs that suit you right now, other opportunities may come up throughout the year.
• Finally, what social media platforms are they using? Social media can give you remarkable insights into the ethos of organisations and some also advertise roles on their social media. LinkedIn is particularly important.

Get to know your faculty

Do you know who the admin person is for your faculty? If you don’t, then go and introduce yourself because that person will know everything that’s going on int he faculty.
What about your lecturer or tutor? Have you introduced yourself? Your lecturers will have a wealth of experience within their particular industry. Talk to them about the opportunities you are looking for. See if they can recommend people in the industry that you can contact. Ask your lecturers if they hire students into teaching assistants, research or ambassador roles. Be proactive in your approach.
Take it a step further. Look at the research centres within AUT. Are they undertaking research you would love to participate in? Reach out to see how you could be involved. Volunteer your time. Be proactive in your approach to research.

Get to know us

I’ll be honest. When I went to uni I didn’t take advantage of the career services. I tried to muddle my way through and find something I wanted to do. If I had gone to the career service I would have got much stronger clarification about future possibilities and how to job search.  

Did you know we are here to help you from your very 1st day at uni until two years after graduation? You can use Elab Online to book one-on-one appointments or sign up to employer events. You can also book into workshops on CVs, cover letters, LinkedIn, networking, elevator pitch and other useful job search support. You can also upload your CV or LinkedIn profile to a check box for a check-up.
It all starts with signing into Elab Online or popping into the Employability Lab on city campus at WA202.

We look forward to meeting you.