Workplace Insights Programme

Attention all current final year University of Auckland international students!

Would you like to learn more about the New Zealand workplace and deepen your understanding of Kiwi culture? Have you been meaning to improve your networking and relationship-building skills? Would you like to connect with experienced professionals and like-minded international students?

We are looking for committed, energetic, and curious international students to participate in an exciting programme designed to help you experience all of the above.

To help you build your employability and prepare for the transition to the New Zealand workplace, we created a structured programme to build meaningful connections between current international students and both alumni and New Zealand employers.

Here is what our previous participants have said about the Workplace Insights Programme (WIP):

• Build self-confidence and develop capability in professional communication, networking and relationship-building
• Connect with University of Auckland alumni in various New Zealand industries
• Gain a better understanding of New Zealand culture and workplaces
• Reflect on your approach to work and career development
• Plan how to use your knowledge and experience to take career steps that are aligned with your values and purpose

At the beginning of the programme, you will participate in two interactive workshops where you will meet other programme participants. These workshops are designed to help you set appropriate personalised goals for the programme and increase your confidence and competence in the area of networking and relationship-building.

You are then partnered with University of Auckland alumni from various industries through a virtual networking event, which is hosted by us. We will endeavour to partner you with alumni from similar professional backgrounds, but this is not always guaranteed. What we do guarantee, though, is that you will have a great learning experience and grow personally and professionally.

The introductory virtual networking event is followed by student-alumni catch-ups that you organise with your respective alumni volunteer. The alumni may also be able to offer you the opportunity to visit their workplace.

Throughout the programme, we stay in touch with our student and alumni participants to offer regular check-ins, facilitation, guidance and individual support. We will be here to help you address any potential challenges and make the most of the programme.

To be eligible, you must be:

• A final year international student currently enrolled at the University of Auckland
• Currently residing in New Zealand
• Committed, enthusiastic and motivated to step out of your comfort zone
• Willing to maintain clear professional communication with your alumni volunteer and CDES
• Able to attend all the programme events (see the dates below) and complete two short programme activities

Below are the programme events that you must attend. Please note that for your convenience, we have offered a choice between two dates in some cases. In the programme application, you will be asked to select your preferred option where applicable.

Submit your application for the 2025 semester two intake of the Workplace Insights Programme.

Applications for Semester 2 close on Friday, 25 July 2025 at 4 pm.

You will be contacted by the CDES team with an outcome of your application no later than Friday, 8 August at 12 pm.

This programme is a collaborative project supported by the Career Development and Employability Services (CDES), International Office, and Alumni Office.