Employability and Careers Blog: Info and Advice for AUT Students and Graduates

The dream of becoming a detective led Georgia Fui to AUT to study criminology. However, as she delved further into her degree she started to question her career choice. Did she really want to be out on the streets catching people breaking the law? If not, then what else could she do?

When you hear the word ‘ninja’ what do you think of? People swooping around doing stealthy karate chops in dark outfits – or teenage mutant turtles called Michelangelo and Donatello eating pizza? I bet you’re not thinking of Systems Ninjas; techie trainees learning how to code without any strange outfits, medieval names or destruction?  Readiness IT 's ystems ninja traineeship is a great strating place says Systems Ninja Brian Kong.

You’re doing social sciences? Social what? Why on earth would you? Because you could end up doing a job you absolutely love, as Social Sciences and Criminology graduate Jana Nee found out. Yep, there are many roles requiring social science skills of critical thinking, research, planning, communication and a commitment to social justice, cultural diversity, human rights and community.“There is so much you can do with social sciences and criminology, especially in the realm of Māori development and whānau ora,” she says.

“When we find a result for terminally ill patients that links to a drug to improve their quality of life, the feeling is priceless,” says Lon Hua with a big smile.No, Lon is not a front-line medical health specialist, but a medical laboratory scientist providing key test results - behind the scene - for people suffering with a terminal illness.“As a medical laboratory scientist – you can make a big impact in the medical and healthcare sector,” says Lon.

Weddings, funerals, medical appointments, courtroom processes - the happy, the sad, the bad, the ugly - As the messenger New Zealand Sign Language Interpreters are the conduit for all information. It's a job where you are the focus of attention but can't control the message.

Scrum master Siobhan Flynn doesn’t chase a rugby ball around a field or hook her arms around someone’s hairy thighs. Nothing like that, much to the surprise of some people.“Even though my title says scrum master, it has nothing to do with rugby. I’m not even a sporty person,” laughs Siobhan.

Bump spaces? Whaaat? Well they’re nothing too out of this world, but simply where you might bump into neighbours or locals as you go about your day, says Ockham Residential spatial designer Ethan Hoogenboom.And, while it may not always feel desirable to bump into your neighbour when you’ve been hosting loud parties, the need for bump space is becoming increasingly vital as we move into more intensified and smaller living spaces.

When Roberto Jatulan tells strangers where he works, the response is usually negative. Why would you want to do occupational therapy in mental health, he is asked.“Usually people are intimidated by the fact that I’m dealing with people with mental health illness and it is hard to blame them when the media offers so much negative portrayal …. but most of that is a misrepresentation. It is very fulfilling work,” says Roberto, who works at a rehabilitation unit for people struggling with mental illness; the Buchanan Clinical Rehabilitation Service.

Smelly, spongy or gangrenous – whatever condition feet are in – diabetic podiatrist Ramona Frost finds it a challenge and a puzzle to make feet better. It's a career she loves because of the difference it can make to people's lives.