Meet the team

At CDES, it’s our job to support students as they navigate the world of work.

Winner's badge from the 2023 NZAGE Awards for the Best Careers Service

Contact us

Career Development and Employability Services
Room 151, Level 1, Kate Edger Information Commons
2 Alfred St
Auckland Central
Phone: +64 9 3737599
Email: careers@auckland.ac.nz

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Our services

We assist University of Auckland students (as well as graduates up to three years after graduation) with all aspects of career development.  

Our vision is to help graduates develop the capabilities to successfully self-manage and navigate their world of work, life and learning.

This will enable you to:  

  • Realise your potential
  • Move towards a personally determined and evolving future
  • Be positive contributors to local, national and global communities

How can CDES help?

For students

We've put together a handy guide on the services we offer and how you can engage with us.

For faculty staff

If you work in a University of Auckland faculty, please visit our intranet page to find out how we can support you.

For employers

Visit the dedicated section on our website showcasing the ways you can engage with University of Auckland students.

MyCDES and MyCDES+

MyCDES and MyCDES+ are the University of Auckland's online career management platforms. We also have the NZUni Talent Job Board for University of Auckland students and graduates.

MyCDES

  • Schedule a face to face appointment: You can make an appointment with a Career Development and Employability Consultant.
  • Book your place for our workshops: You can develop your CV and cover letters, learn about career planning, interview, networking and job search skills.
  • Book your place for CDES employer events: We organise recruitment events, Career Expos, and employer workshops throughout the year that cater to a wide range of students.
  • Access interactive online modules and resources covering topics such as 'How to create a CV' and 'How to find work and create opportunities' and cover letter checks.

MyCDES+

  • Develop your CV and cover letters, learn about career planning, interview, networking and job-search skills.
  • Utilise self-service career tools, including our online CV builder and CV check.

NZUni Talent Jobs Board

  • Search and apply for jobs via the NZUni Talent Job Board, including internships and graduate programmes, part-time/casual roles and full-time positions.

I absolutely love working with MyCDES+. One of my favourite tools is the CV360 that helped me strategically design my CV with section-specific personalised recommendations. I love the fact that the tool provides these suggestions based on ATS and industry specific keywords which helps me to understand where and how I could make the necessary changes to make my profile stand out. Another tool I really loved was the CV Builder which was very quick and effective in designing a structured and role specific CV. These new additions help me feel a lot more confident in my job search.

Tarini (current University of Auckland student)

Careers drop-in and appointments

Do you have a quick career-related question or want to get a final check on your CV or cover letter? Come to our daily drop-in

Note: We recommend that you attend a CV workshop or complete our online module (select 'CDES: How to create a CV' in the resources section) before coming along to a CV drop-in.

Our people

Meet our award-winning Career Development and Employability Consultants and Employer Engagement team.

Career Development and Employability Consultants

Pepe Afeaki - Kaituki Ara Mahi Māori, Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa | Career Development and Employability Team Leader, Māori and Pacific

Wendy Carey - Doctoral candidates, Mature students

John Dorado - Kaituki Ara Mahi | Career Development and Employability Team Leader

Georgia Lambert - Kaitohutohu Umanga | Māori students

TBC - International students, Education and Social Work, Creative Arts and Industries

Cherelle Fruean - Pacific students

Brendan Griffiths - Engineering, Medical and Health Sciences

Liudmyla Beraud - Arts, Science

Employer Engagement Team

Kate Coley - Employer Engagement Manager

Amy Chen - Data and Reporting Administrator

Rafilya Wilson - Events Planner

CDES Office

Sarah Moyne - Poutaki ara mahi | Career Development and Employability Services Manager

Dominique Behn - Communications and Marketing Lead

Kanika Kapoor - Receptionist

Anusha Rajaratnam - Business Services Coordinator

Our impact

Student feedback

  • "Everything you do at CDES encourages me not only to dream, but to do."
  • "The support from CDES was invaluable, they have loads of resources, tools and networks to tap into which is ideal for career planning."
  • "Without the help of CDES, I would not have received some of the jobs and scholarships I applied for, so I am very grateful for it."
  • "The CDES team has great tools and it’s worth getting in touch early in your studies so you’re prepared when the right job comes along!"

Employer feedback

  • "Fantastic staff, great communications, good problem solving and collaborative approach."
  • "Like I say, flawless. I really enjoy working with [the University of Auckland] on events. Never a problem and there's always someone to help if I need it."
  • "[CDES Career Expo] was a well knitted event to bring the recruiters and the future generation of bright young minds together under one roof and provide them with a platform to share the current trends and provide exposure to the students and giving them an opportunity to choose their future."