PhD graduate career role models

PhD (Forest Ecology)
The University of Auckland

Sustainability Manager, IAG

“I am proud of my role at IAG, which involves integrating sustainability throughout every part of our company – from the business strategy to the delivery of more sustainable insurance products for our customers. I believe we are leading our industry forward in building a more resilient and enduring financial services sector.

"Business sustainability is more than just being “green”. It’s about fostering a high performing business that will be around for the long term. This means creating balance and business excellence on all fronts - being profitable, having engaged staff, creating meaningful community partnerships, using resources efficiently, having satisfied customers and authentic brands that people love.

"I think the future holds enormous potential for sustainability positions. A whole range of expertise and intelligence is required - whether you have a background in business, science, IT, law, marketing or other disciplines.

"You never know where your degree will take you and your future is only limited by the scope of your imagination.”

View Sarah's profile as a PDF:

PhD (Anthropology)

Public Consultation Manager, Auckland District Health Board (ADHB)

"My PhD in Anthropology looked at biculturalism as it relates to both publically and privately funded Māori healing services.

"My role as Public Consultation Manager at the ADHB involves training staff in social science research techniques and ensuring that public input is used in decision-making about the management of health services.

"The skills and knowledge gained from my PhD are invaluable in this role: research design, analysis, writing and public speaking as is what I learnt about power relations and practices within and outside government for making practical recommendations for positive change.

"In health there is a strong need for social scientists to produce knowledge that is grounded in stakeholders’ views and stands up to scrutiny from a range of points of view.

"My advice is choose a topic that is important to you and useful for employers and get yourself out there to meet people and show them what you can do while doing your PhD."

View Tony's profile as a PDF: