Careers in the Innovation Ecosystem

Careers in the Innovation Ecosystem is a three-part series designed to open your eyes to exciting and unexpected career pathways you may not have considered. From startups and scale-ups to innovation roles in government, corporates, research organisations, and the wider innovation ecosystem, this series offers a behind-the-scenes look at the many ways people contribute to innovation in Aotearoa.

You'll explore what innovation careers actually look like, hear honest stories from professionals working across the ecosystem, and discover how your skills, interests, and experiences can translate into meaningful opportunities. Along the way, you'll gain practical insights into building experience, growing your network, communicating your value, and standing out.

Whether you're studying science, arts, business, design, law, engineering, health, or anything in between, this programme is for you. If you're curious about solving problems, creating impact, exploring new ideas, or building a future-focused career, you'll find something here.

No innovation or entrepreneurship experience? No problem. Just bring your curiosity, questions, and willingness to explore.  

Innovation needs all kinds of thinkers. Ready to find your place?

CIE’s programmes are free for University of Auckland students and staff. These co-curricular programmes help develop innovation and entrepreneurship skills alongside formal studies. While there are no formal assessments, participation may count towards the co-curricular recognition programme and the Distinguished Graduate Award.  

Explore the future of work – Discover how innovation is shaping careers in Aotearoa across start-ups, corporates, research, and beyond.
Meet the insiders – Hear straight from key stakeholders, investors and professionals who’ve carved out cool careers in innovation.
Find your fit – Discover roles you’ve never heard of and learn how your background can be an asset in this space.
Get real – Unpack the highs, lows, and realities of working in innovation through honest conversations with early-career professionals.

Understand innovation landscape – How innovation works across start-ups, corporates, government, and research in New Zealand and how it drives social and economic change.
Gain career clarity – Discover the wide range of roles in innovation, beyond just founders and techies.
Develop transferable skills awareness – Identify how your degree and skills can be applied in different parts of the innovation world.
Gain career confidence – Get practical tips on how to stand out when applying for innovation-related jobs and build networks with industry professionals.

Semester Two 2026 
Duration: Three sessions, two hours each 
Commitment: Two hours per week per session 
Time: 4-6pm 
Location: Kura Matahuna | Unleash Space 

Session 1: What innovation careers actually feel like  - 6 August 

Talanoa-style panel with early-career professionals across start-ups, corporate innovation, public sector, and research/commercialisation. 

Session 2: Finding your place in innovation: roles, skills and career pathways - 20 August 

Hear career journeys from innovation professionals and map your strengths, interests, and experiences to potential innovation pathways.  

Session 3: Standing out and getting hired in innovation: positioning yourself and taking action -  17 September

Gain hiring insights and practical tools to communicate your value, build connections, and take meaningful next steps, regardless of experience.  

If you have questions about the programme, please contact cie_programmes@auckland.ac.nz

The Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship provides a world of opportunity to participants so that they can stand-out and create value through innovative careers and start-up creation.

CIE is New Zealand’s leading University entrepreneurship centre, winning 14 international awards since 2020.