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

Construction engineering graduate April Faitua was delighted to get into the Kāinga Ora 18-month graduate programme working on construction that brought about social change. April has now taken up the role of consultant information manager for Auercon in their digital engineering team. She talks about her Kāinga Ora graduate programme experience.

You are very unlikely to go into your dream job immediately after you graduate. No, don’t sigh and bin this blog. All I’m saying is that often the best entry level graduate roles do not sound like dream jobs, but they will lead to them if you’re good at what you do.

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.

Doing something for nothing? Why would you? Actually there are compelling career reasons for volunteering, as well as giving back to your community! And it isn't just me banging on about it! Big players like SEEK agree.

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.

Be creative, hustle, get in front of people, give anything a go and do your research. That was the advice from 6 creative young employers who attended various sessions at AUT this semester. They’ve all experienced rejection and success. They may even be hiring. See what they have to say

LinkedIn profiles that include a picture are 14 times more likely to be seen, according to LinkedIn research. This makes your profile picture a very important part of your LinkedIn profile whether you want to have your photo up there or not.

Are you worried you don't have skills that employers are looking for? You’d be surprised how many skills you’re developing, alongside your technical and professional skills, as you study, work and play. Get some pointers from four employers!

Do you want your employment opportunities doomed because of your online look? Do you want to stand out from the crowd because you have jam down your top, greasy hair, an unmade bed or a flatmate fooling around in the background?  Maybe not?