Careers Assistance

Careers and Employment Adviser

Come in and see me if you would like more information on career planning and employment direction. I am located in Room 034a in the basement of the ClockTower, 22 Princes Street, or call on ext 82065 to arrange an appointment. I look forward to seeing you.

Susanna van der Meer
Careers and Employment Adviser
Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 82065
Email: s.vandermeer@auckland.ac.nz

• One-to-one careers counselling on career direction and options
• Skills identification
• Writing a good CV and covering letter
• Job search skills
• Interview preparation
• Possible barriers/disclosure of disability.

Career decision-making is not easy. It requires personal assessment, research and prioritising (thinking long and hard and being honest about which goal is most important to you and what you are willing to ‘sacrifice’ to reach your goal).
 

• Have you identified your career goals?
• Are they in line with your personal priorities?
• Do you know your skills?
• Do you know what kind of job you would like to obtain?
• Is such a job available?
• How can you find out?
• Have you researched companies you would like to work for?
• Do you know anyone who is already working in the field that matches your interest?
• Have you got a curriculum vitae? Is it up to date? Do you know how to write a good cover letter?

If you would like to receive more in-depth information and learn about how to write a good curriculum vitae and cover letter, interview and job search skills, I have videos that you can watch and that we can then discuss.

• Curriculum vitae and written applications
• Transferable skills
• Interview skills
• Informational interviewing and networking.

• “Out in Front with an Arts Degree”: Arts graduates talking about the transition from University to work (24 minutes)
• “Getting the Job”: Job seeking strategies for graduates who speak English as a second language (30 minutes).

We can help you determine which scholarships might be appropriate for you and assist you with the application process.

Mainstream Internship Programme

The Mainstream Employment Programme is run by the Ministry of Social Development, and has been assisting disabled people to gain work in the State sector for many years. A new element has now been added in the form of  an internship programme for students with disabilities in their second to last or final year of study.

Below is a fact sheet which details eligibility, and how to apply. You will need to provide:

1. Your Curriculum Vitae.

2. A covering letter outlining why you want to work for the employer you have chosen, the period of time you are available for work and any preferences for work in particular areas of the company or department.

3. Qualifications - undergraduate/postgraduate you are studying, including core papers relevant to your career path.

4. Names and contact details of two referees who can comment on your academic ability and personal qualities.

5. A signed letter from the employer stating that they agree to host you for an internship. (This is preferred, however if contacting an employer is difficult for you, please contact us, and we can work with Work and Income to try to find a solution for you.

6. A job description or project brief for the period of the internship. (If you have been able to speak to an employer and the employer is interested in hosting you an Internship, it is recommended that you and the employer develop a job description or a project outline that you will be working on. Again, if this is not possible, Work and Income may be able to assist)

If have any queries please contact Susanna van der Meer (s.vandermeer@auckland.ac.nz)