International students give back to Auckland

The University of Auckland started this year with more than 2000 students stranded in China, unable to come to campus as the borders closed to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Many who didn’t make it to Auckland chose to study online for the semester and are now in the midst of exams along with thousands of other tertiary students across New Zealand.

Unlike most of their peers, rather than taking a well-earned rest over the inter-semester break, forty University of Auckland students in China and sixty international students in Auckland have signed up to work with Auckland businesses on virtual micro-internship projects. Students will work with a mentor from the company on an assigned project brief, gaining valuable experience while engaging with an Auckland-based company.

Talent Solutions, specialist early talent consultants, are delivering the programme on behalf of the University of Auckland in partnership with Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED).

Seren Wilson, Director of Talent Solutions, said, “Talent Solutions is delighted to be co-ordinating this project in partnership with the University of Auckland and ATEED. This initiative is not only a fantastic opportunity for students to gain real-world business insights, but also support Auckland businesses working through Covid-19 challenges.”

This type of work experience project helps students to develop themselves as the global leaders of the future. It gives them a better understanding of Kiwi corporate culture, builds their teamwork and leadership experience in a corporate context all while helping Auckland businesses with new perspectives on their chosen project.

“This programme is just one of the many approaches we have taken to support our students impacted by Covid-19,’ said Brett Berquist, Director International at the University of Auckland.

“Importantly, it provides an avenue for our students in China to remain connected with their peers here in Auckland, and contribute to Auckland’s economic recovery. It’s great to see our students bringing their skills and global perspectives to the project.”

Traditional internships often serve as talent spotting opportunities for employers. These days, being the best candidate is a more complex blend of skills, knowledge and leadership rather than being the most qualified. It’s about working in well with teams and empowering others to deliver their best.

This kind of teamwork project completed intensively over three weeks in both Auckland and in China is an excellent opportunity for students to demonstrate their capabilities to Auckland employers.

Caroline Everitt, Marketing & Retail Director at Devonport Chocolate Factory, said, “The impact of Covid-19 has been significant on our business, and we are pleased to be able to contribute to this initiative which offers an opportunity for students to research, analyse and share their insights on our current business challenges.”

One hundred students have been split into 20 teams clustered around nine employers and will produce a project report and presentation in response to the client brief. The programme will run over the inter-semester break between the 6th July and 24th July 2020. Students are expecting to work at least 60 hours on the project over their break.

Participating companies are Grant Thornton, Deloitte, Devonport Chocolates, WSP, KPMG, Auckland Transport, Auckland Sea Kayaks, ATEED, Anxiety NZ Trust, and Talent Solutions.