About us
At Career Development and Employability Services (CDES), we are dedicated to helping you bridge the gap between your studies and your future career. Whether you’re just starting your degree or preparing to graduate, our team is here to support you in identifying your strengths, building your employability skills, and connecting with potential employers.
Career Development and Employability Services (CDES) is here to help you make sense of your career journey, whether you’re just starting university, figuring out what comes next, or getting ready to step into the world of work.
We support all University of Auckland students and recent graduates, across every faculty and level of study. There’s no “one right path”, and you don’t need to have everything figured out. CDES is a place where you can explore your options, build confidence, and develop skills that will support you not just in your first job, but throughout your career.
Our services are practical, supportive and designed to fit around student life. We offer workshops, events and online resources to help with career planning, CVs and job applications, interview preparation, networking, internships and work experience. We also run tailored programmes and initiatives for Māori, Pacific and international students, recognising that everyone’s journey, and starting point - is different.
We work closely with employers, alumni and industry partners so you can gain real-world insights, hear from people in roles you’re interested in, and make meaningful connections before you graduate.
At CDES, we believe employability is about more than getting a job. It’s about understanding yourself, building transferable skills, and feeling confident to adapt as the world of work changes. We’re here to support you, at every step of the way.