Optimism is high for on-campus recruitment service AUT Internz after a record placement of interns and graduate candidates last month, despite the impact of Covid-19 on the New Zealand economy.

“Students and graduates were scared there would not be any jobs, but there are jobs out there, and some businesses are expanding ,” says AUT Internz Candidate Manager Jade Bradley.

AUT Mechanical Engineering graduate Calvin Pereira (above) was struggling to find work after completing his postgraduate diploma in engineering – until he saw an ideal job advertised through Internz with beverage manufacturer Brix & Co. He met with Internz Candidate Manager Jade Bradley to discuss the role and was put forward for an interview.

“Within a couple of days I had a job offer in one of the fastest growing companies with a vision to become the largest beverage manufacturer in New Zealand,” says Calvin. He is one of four graduates recently employed by Brix & Co. One is in a role similar to Calvin, the other two have gone into marketing and project roles.

Calvin says the position will help him get hands on experience and build a strong mechanical engineering base in order to restart his engineering career in New Zealand. He is full of praise for the Internz team.

“During the 2020 pandemic - when it was really hard to obtain a job – you guys [Internz] made it really easy and quick and supported me throughout the process.”

Jobs coming in

AUT Internz Relationship Manager Rachel Shareef says many businesses have started rallying and looking for fresh talent – and AUT Internz is well placed to find the ideal student or graduate.

“Despite Covid, we are now seeing the same amount of roles coming through as we did the same time last year – and our job to placement ratio is higher,” says Rachel.

The volume of permanent graduate roles is particularly pleasing, says Jade, and summer internships are also coming through.

Large and small organisations are looking for staff for a variety of roles across all sector such as engineering, marketing and communications, ICT and design.

Some businesses have created new roles with graduates and interns in mind because they see them as a better cost option than agencies right now.

“That doesn’t mean employers are paying a pittance. They are offering reasonable pay rates for roles that open up positive future opportunities,” Jade hastens to add.

“A few organisations are approaching us directly because they have had success with past AUT graduates and have a particular need that fits our graduate profile,” says Rachel.

How Internz works

Employers approach Internz with potential job opportunities but AUT Internz Relationship Manager Rachel Shareef also proactively approaches employers asking if they need graduates or interns. The Internz team then discuss the position with the employer, write it up and post an advertisement on Internz job board and channels such as Instagram and Facebook.

As a student

• If you see something you’re interested in, you apply here through the Internz website
• AUT Internz Candidate Manager Jade Bradley will review your application to see if you fit the role's requirements. If you do, she'll meet you for an initial interview. She will also check you’ve got all you need for your application.
• Jade then draws up a short list of candidates that she presents to the employer who will conduct further interviews.
• If your CV or cover letter needs work or if your interview skills are not up to scratch, Jade will suggest you get help from the Employability Lab where you can sign up to workshops and one-on-one appointments. These can be online or on-campus. “We all work closely together to deliver a strong candidate to the employer,” says Jade.

Internz Tips for Job Seekers

1/ Grab opportunities even if the role isn’t quite what you hoped for.

“It is Covid economy and a tight employment market so don’t be too picky about location and job level,” says Jade, who has seen students turn down roles that would open up doors and then struggle to find another option as good.

2/ However, this doesn’t mean applying for roles that are not within your area of expertise or are well above your qualification and experience levels.

“We get computer science students applying for marketing roles without any experience or skill set in marketing.”

3/“Spray and pray does not work!” says Rachel, referring to students that blindly send out the same CV to hundreds of employers.

A professional approach matters more than ever, so have your CV and cover letter tailored and prepared.

4/ Don’t wait until closing date to apply for a good role. “We put people forward as soon as we see they are a good candidate, so roles are often filled before closing dates,” says Jade.

Don’t forget CareerHub jobs

Elabonline is home to CareerHub, another job board where employers also advertise graduates, internships and work placement positions.

Once you register with elabonline you’ll receive regular updates of jobs of interest to you.

Written by AUT Employability and Careers writer Angela McCarthy

Photo captions.
Lead image of AUT Mechanical Engineering graduate Calvin Pereira at his new job at Brix & Co.

AUT Internz team, Candidate Manager Jade Bradley (left) and Relationship Manager Rachel Shareef (right) at Internz office in Employability Lab.