Innovation and Entrepreneurship

An entrepreneurial mindset and innovative capability is essential in this new world of work. With these skills and attributes you will be able to add value to an established industry or enterprise, or you could create your own start-up. Our graduates are in high demand around the world.

Many successful entrepreneurs overseas have risked their own money to start their ventures, but here in New Zealand, there are also opportunities to tap into private or public funds if your idea is good enough.

Some of the most exciting businesses today are run by passionate, committed people who dare to think and act differently. For some inspiring examples, check out the University's Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

• Entrepreneurship is changing fast. Tech, AI, and automation are helping startups run lean and scale quickly.
• There's a strong focus on sustainability and ethics, with many aligning their missions to social and environmental goals.
• Remote work and digital nomadism are now the norm, enabling global teams and lower costs. 
• Personalisation is key—data helps tailor products to individual needs.
• The gig economy supports flexible, agile business models.
• Mental health and well-being are gaining attention, with more entrepreneurs prioritising balance.
• Mentorship and thought leadership are proving vital for startup success.

In this major of the Bachelor of Commerce, you’ll explore the key elements of entrepreneurial ecosystems that support start-up ventures and the growth of innovative firms. You’ll study alongside successful entrepreneurs, learning to recognise, assess, and realise opportunities. You’ll develop creative solutions to problems and learn to take action in uncertain and ambiguous situations. 

Through this, you’ll gain a wide range of skills and qualities, including:

• Opportunity recognition and idea generation
• Creative problem-solving
• Strategic thinking and planning
• Leadership and teamwork
• Project management
• Market research and customer engagement
• Digital and technological literacy
• Ethical decision-making and sustainability awareness
• Entrepreneurial mindset and adaptability
• Networking and mentorship engagement
• Communication skills
• Good organisational skills
• A global mindset
• Curiosity and passion
• Resilience and resourcefulness
• Open-mindedness
• Willingness to take risks
• Ability to learn from failure
• Ability to deal with ambiguity

There are numerous opportunities for graduates to work for both innovative start-ups and established ventures in New Zealand and internationally, converting creative ideas into innovative execution and commercialisation. Potential roles include:

• Start-up Founder – Create and grow your own business or social enterprise.
• Social Entrepreneur – Build ventures that address social or environmental issues.
• Start-up Mentor/Coach (aspirational) – Support other founders with your experience.
• Innovation Associate – Support innovation projects in companies or incubators.
• Innovation Researcher – Investigate trends, technologies, and market needs.
• Intrapreneur – Lead innovation from within an existing organisation.
• Technology Transfer Specialist – Help turn research into real-world products or services.
• Business Analyst – Use data to improve business performance.
• Financial Analyst – Evaluate financial data to guide decisions.
• Venture Capital Analyst – Research and assess start-up investment opportunities.
• Business/Product Development Adviser – Shape new products and services.
• Project Manager – Coordinate teams and deliver innovation projects.
• Business Adviser/Consultant – Provide strategic advice to businesses and start-ups.
• Commercial/Project Manager – Oversee operations and drive commercial success.

These are just a few career examples—don’t feel limited to them. Some roles may require several years of work experience, additional study, or certifications, especially in academic or specialist fields.

Remember, many employers welcome graduates from a wide range of degree backgrounds. 

Social media platforms like LinkedIn can also help you stay up to date with industry trends, events, and job opportunities.

Graduates with a major in Innovation and Entrepreneurship find opportunities across a wide range of organisations. Many launch their own start-ups or join early-stage ventures, while others work in innovation teams within large corporates, government agencies, or consulting firms. Some are involved in incubators, accelerators, or venture capital, helping other entrepreneurs grow their ideas. There are also roles in social enterprises and non-profits, especially those focused on sustainability, cultural innovation, or community impact.

These roles span diverse industries, including technology, fintech, agritech, eco-tourism, and the creative sector. Graduates often work in fast-paced environments like digital innovation, media, or sustainable business, and some contribute to education, research, or public sector innovation. This variety reflects the adaptability and entrepreneurial mindset developed through the major.

• Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  Experiential programmes, events, workshops and speakers for students interested in being part of the University’s entrepreneurial community.
• Velocity
  Velocity is the University of Auckland entrepreneurship programme. It unleashes potential, giving momentum to people, innovation and ideas.

• Callaghan Innovation
  A government agency whose purpose is to help innovative businesses in New Zealand succeed through technology.
• Entrepreneurs’ Organisation (EO)
  The only global network exclusively for entrepreneurs. EO helps leading entrepreneurs learn and grow through peer-to-peer learning, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and connections to experts.
• Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
  MBIE is the government’s lead business-facing agency. Its purpose is to grow the New Zealand economy to provide a better standard of living for all New Zealanders.
  

Careers New Zealand

The Careers New Zealand website provides useful salary information for a range of business and industry roles, as well as information on the difference a qualification makes to what you are paid, and advice on negotiating your salary. You can also search for salary information by job.
Careers New Zealand

Prospects

Prospects, a UK site for university students and graduates, addresses the question 'What is an entrepreneur?'
Prospects