Hundreds of students and 40 employers came together at Manukau and TechPark campuses at this week’s Career Fest, held across two days on 12 and 13 May.

The annual event brought companies and services from a range of industries, from hospitality to the defence force, recruitment companies to engineering firms, onto campus to meet students face-to-face, discuss graduate and internship opportunities, and answer questions about entering the workforce.


Kessia, Bachelor of Electrical Engineering student (L)

For many students, the conversations extended beyond job openings and into broader discussions about cross-industry skills, career pathways and future opportunities.

Kessia, a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering student, says the event provided an opportunity to connect directly with employers and learn about companies they may not have otherwise encountered.

“There were a lot of employers here and you got to meet with industry people, got to have some chats.

“You get introduced to different companies that you weren’t aware of before and they also let you know of the different graduate roles that’s available in these companies,” she says.


Hairdressing students Michaela (far left) and Suman (far right)

For hairdressing students Suman and Michaela, the event provided a chance to explore industries and career pathways outside their own areas of study.

“It’s really nice,” Suman says.

“You meet lots of people here from different departments, see what they’re doing and what opportunities are available.”

Michaela says the event encouraged students to consider possibilities they may not have previously thought about.

“Getting to see different avenues of other people’s professions and jobs, and being able to experience what else is out there.”

The team from Noel Leeming has now attended Career Fest for three years.


Natalie Freeman, Education Business Development Manager (L) with Karl Turnbull, Commercial Business Manager, Noel Leeming

Natalie Freeman, Education Business Development Manager at the organisation, says the day had been busy from the outset.

“We’ve had conversations around interview skills, CV tips and how students can put themselves in front of employers rather than just sending an email.”

One student, she says, had approached her asking how to stand out when applying for jobs.

“I said go face-to-face if you can, understand what employers are looking for and make sure that aligns with your skills,” Ms Freeman says.

“Sometimes introducing yourself in person can leave a stronger impression.”


Sudima Hotel People and Culture Advisor and former MIT student, Stella Payne (R)

Hospitality employer Sudima Hotels was represented by Stella Payne, a former MIT hospitality student who now works as a People and Culture Advisor at Sudima Auckland Airport.

After initially beginning her studies in travel and tourism at MIT, Ms Payne shifted into restaurant and café training before completing a diploma in hospitality. Returning to campus as an employer representative nearly a decade later, she says the experience felt familiar.

“The reason why I wanted to come back to MIT is because I know the courses and I know what students are learning before they enter the workforce.”

She says students attending this year’s Career Fest appeared increasingly curious about industries and career pathways.

“They want to know more about different industries,” she says.

“Yes, they’re studying one industry, but they’re also interested in others.”


EarnLearn Team Leader, Eric Huang (L) and Account Manager, Bharat Dogra (R)

Trade training organisation EarnLearn also returned to Career Fest this year to speak with students preparing to enter apprenticeships in plumbing, gasfitting, drainlaying and electrical trades.

Account Manager Bharat Dogra says the event gave students an opportunity to better understand what employers expected beyond technical training.

“We’ve been talking to students about finding employers, developing soft skills and learning what employers are looking for,” Bharat says.

Team Leader Eric Huang says EarnLearn continued to return because of the value of those conversations.

“We can see the benefit of coming here every year,” he says.

Speaking at the TechPark event, MIT and Unitec Chief Executive Christina Hong described Career Fest as an important opportunity for learners and employers to connect directly.

“This day is all about conversations and the connections we make,” she says.

Professor Hong encouraged students to remain proactive despite current pressures in the job market, including by volunteering, developing soft skills and continuing to build industry connections.

She also called on employers to share insights about the changing needs of their industries and the skills they will require in the future.

“This year, MIT and Unitec joined together to form a single organisation backing our region,” Prof Hong says.

“It’s great [for industries] to have that level of resource to call on.

“Tell us about where you see your industry heading over the next five to ten years so we can use this intelligence to ensure the qualifications and training delivery we offer adapts to meet your needs,” Professor Hong says.

Career Fest is organised by the Industry team that sits under MIT External Engagement team.