A lot of students ask us how they can stand out in the job market. One of our best pieces of advice is to undertake the AUT Edge Award (undergraduate) or the Beyond AUT Award (postgraduate). Why? Aside from it looking good on your CV and academic transcript, it also encourages you to develop skills ad attributes that employers look for – communication, confidence, collaboration and resilience.

Last Tuesday night another 29 students celebrated successfully completing the AUT Edge Award (undergraduate) or Beyond AUT Award (postgraduate). This celebration completed a fulfilling journey of juggling volunteering and leadership activities alongside academic study and – for many - part time work and family commitments.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research Professor Mark Orams, who presented the certificates, praised the students for making the wise decision to invest in themselves by doing the awards.
“By doing this you build your capabilities and confidence beyond your AUT qualifications - and this makes you distinctive and gives you a competitive advantage in the job market. We know employers value our AUT great graduates - and they especially value those who have taken the initiative to go beyond their programme of study as you have – so well done!"

They also have had their eyes open to the graft undertaken by not-for-profit organisations that work ceaselessly to do social and community work in the city. Collectively the 29 students volunteered over 1500 hours, ranging from Ronald McDonald House to Pest Free Kaipatiki, Citizen Advice Bureau and Fair Foods. They also took on leadership roles within AUT clubs and societies. Through these activities they learned to network and developed connections outside of their classmates, friends and family.

Students view

Denise Tan says the Beyond AUT Award helped her understand the importance of networking and cultivating a personal brand.
“It gave me the opportunity to practice and learn skills I would have otherwise been too afraid to develop. Through the workshops, volunteering, and leadership activities, I have also worked out the kind of leader I want to be,” she says.

Prang Ittikul described it as a challenging journey, especially learning how to manage her time to fulfil all the award requirements.
“But through it I became much more resilient. A big highlight was volunteering at Pacific Food Lab, which reinforced the importance to me of community service for future generations and enriched my understanding of social engagement."

Two other students found great leadership opportunities due to the requirements of the AUT Edge Award. Dakshi Khetarpal says having to do 18 leadership hours transformed her from a shy student into a confident leader.
“Volunteering as a Student Ambassador and later becoming Vice-President of the AUT Economics Society were pivotal experiences that made me see my leadership potential and boosted my confidence in social settings."

Aashish Kulkarni (right) says he was forced out of his comfort zone into leadership roles.
" I am proud to have served as President of the AUT Indian Student Association, International Affairs Officer at AUTSA, and Secretary of AUT Computer Science and Engineering Association."

AUT Employability Awards Specialist Horowai Broederlow described the 11 AUT Edge Award and 18 Beyond AUT Award graduates as truly inspiring.
“The students have come through with graduate ready CVs and relevant LinkedIn profiles. They know what to expect in a job interview and can network around a room delivering their unique elevator pitch about who they are, the journey they are on and most importantly, what they love.
They have listened to and met with employers, been inspired by journeys that local leaders have taken, and given many hours of volunteering and leadership to the community.”

What is involved in the Employability awards?

*The AUT Edge Award involves a minimum of 50 hours of volunteering, 18 hours of leadership, 14 employability workshops and a personal reflection.

*The Beyond AUT Award involves 35 hours of volunteering (for which some part time work hours can be counted), 12 hours of leadership, seven employability activities and a personal reflection interview.
*Once completed the certificate appears on your academic transcript.

Find out more by dropping into the Employability Lab at W202, going online to elab.aut.ac.nz and booking into an introductory workshop or contacting Horowai via autedge@aut.ac.nz

Read more stories about the help you can get from Employability and Career Services, including tips on CVs etc at our AUT Employability Blog.