Work experience and career start

OK, you are studying at tertiary level, and your student loan is growing!

More than two-thirds of tertiary students have part-time work year-round, not just over summer.

Try to find work that reinforces what you are learning in your degree. Earlier in your studies, this can also help you to sharpen your focus in terms of what you enjoy studying.

Research who operates in areas you might like to work in, and contact them to see if they offer part-time work. Call centre work is often a good introduction to what organisations do, and once your studies are completed, you have a track record with that employer, in case you want to join them permanently.

Most councils in urban areas run call centres. Part-time work is usually available. For infrastructure engineering, environmental and allied sciences, urban planning, and events or promotions types of study, many councils offer holiday work.

Student Job Search and your careers advisory service can be very helpful – use them! You are paying for them through your fees, so don’t waste your money!

Remember that to be really good at what you are doing, you have to enjoy it! Don’t do work or study you feel you should do because someone told you there is a demand for it.

A working life is a long time to be bored or unhappy. Part-time work can help you find what you enjoy.

Employers are looking for a few key things in their staff:

• Communication skills
• Motivation
• Problem solving ability
• Technical skills necessary to the job.

Most research shows, however, that technical skills are a basic qualification for consideration. Where two candidates have the same technical skills, the creative, motivated, strong communicator will get the job.

Build up evidence that you are creative, motivated and creative. Employers are impressed that you can balance the demands of work, study and fun.

If English is not your first language, make sure that English speakers can understand you easily. Spend time with local students at your institution, and learn what local people talk about, and so on. This is “local culture”. Employers will expect to see evidence that you are trying to fit in.

The nature of holiday work can be quite surprising Take a look at what students are doing in Christchurch to help keep the Avon clean.