Red X iconGreen tick iconYellow tick icon

Have your extra-curricular activities acknowledged with the OtagoExtra Employability Award!

The OtagoExtra programme will give you a head start for your graduate job search. Build on key skills like communication, collaboration and problem solving while working at your own pace – and take advantage of our career workshops, seminars and presentations held throughout the year. On successful completion of the programme, you will receive a certificate recognising your efforts.

How is the programme structured?

OtagoExtra helps you to consider how the extra- and co-curricular activities on and off campus can help you achieve your career goals. The programme has three core components: Employability, Experience and Development.

Employability

Explore your why and build your professional profile.

  • Gain a deeper understanding of your values and motivations using our online self-assessment tools
  • Learn how to build a strong CV
  • Develop your LinkedIn profile and learn how to manage your online footprint

Experience

Build on your experience to enhance your professional skills-set.

  • Complete 80 hours of workplace-related experience which may include full-/part-time work, volunteering, work placements, job shadowing, internships and summer studentships
  • Develop your transferable skills
  • Reflect on your achievements and skills development

Development

Create a Professional Development Plan to grow your competencies in key areas such as:

  • Digital literacy
  • Collaboration and leadership
  • Emotional intelligence and cultural competency

^

When does the programme run?

You can join OtagoExtra at any stage of your degree. A good time to start the programme is the penultimate year of study. The programme is self-paced and you can complete the three modules within one semester or one year, provided you are a current student of the University of Otago.
^

How do I sign up?

Before you sign up, watch our 15-minute video What is OtagoExtra?

With any questions, come and have a chat with the Programme Co-ordinator. Drop by the Career Development Centre or email extra@otago.ac.nz to make an appointment.

Ready to start the OtagoExtra journey?

Sign-up

What happens after I sign up?

You will receive a welcome email with an access link to the MyCareerSpace portal where you can start collecting award points right away by completing some of the OtagoExtra tasks online. Next, attend a Getting Started session or check in with the Programme Co-ordinator for guidance on creating your Career Development Plan.

Book in for an OtagoExtra Getting Started session.

Completion

Once you have worked through the three modules you are ready to graduate from the award programme. The final steps include submitting your application documents, a reflective summary of your Career Development Plan and attending an exit interview.

The OtagoExtra employability award is designed to help you be prepared for the next step when graduating from your degree programme. The Careers team will be there to support you throughout all stages to ensure you get the most out of your OtagoExtra experience.

Contact

Alba Suarez-Garcia
Programme Co-ordinator
Email extra@otago.ac.nz
Tel +64 3 479 8244
Location Career Development Centre (Google Maps)

Back to top