What type of experience are employers looking for?
Most employers don’t expect recent graduates to have a lot of relevant paid experience. There are many other ways to demonstrate your suitability for a job. Here's what employers are looking for:
- Evidence that you will fit in well with, and add value to their company
- Experience gained by doing an internship, a part time job or vacation work - important in highly competitive industries
- Experience that highlights your ability to balance work and study commitments with other interests and hobbies
How to get experience
Take the initiative. Working as an intern, or volunteering in the local community – what’s most important is that you get experience of some kind, before you graduate. Good grades won’t necessarily be enough in today’s tough job market. Start networking and cold calling now – or take a look on OtagoCareerHub for some leads.
OtagoCareerHub
OtagoCareerHub is a mine of information for prospective students, current students, and graduates considering their future career. Use it to book an appointment with a career advisor, or receive information on:
- Graduate jobs
- Workshops
- Seminars
- Summer and internship opportunities
- Career Fairs and Expos
- All employer events
Check out OtagoCareerHub to take advantage of a range of career resources.
GoinGlobal
Check out GoinGlobal for international jobs. The GoinGlobal database contains country-specific career & employment resources for more than 80 locations.
Learn more about getting the experience employers want
Visit our Gain work experience page for more details on internships, and exchanges.
Find out about UniCrew Volunteering - a great way to gain valuable work experience.
