Support into employment worked much better than expected for EIT Tairāwhiti business student Louise Burns.
As she neared completion of her New Zealand Diploma in Business last year, she was working with employment coordinator Robyn Barker. Part of that was a training job interview with human resources at LeaderBrand.
“During the interview, they noticed my qualifications and asked if they could send my CV to the accountancy department…I wasn’t expecting to get a job and here I am.”
The assistant management accountant started in January this year.
“I absolutely love it.”
Formerly a teacher in Early Childhood Education, Louise decided to change her career and return to study.
“In reality I was fed up with, after many years of study, going to work for not much more than minimum wage.
“There was not enough left in my tank to give to the students, so I decided to seize the moment.”
With an interest in business and accounting, she started a tough year coping with study, and family life including her partner and five children ranging in age from 13 to 2-years-old.
It has not been an easy year involving a lot of juggling with sick children and housing challenges, but Louise says there have been highs as well.
“The engaging, learning .. the epiphany, aha moments… seeing our economy for what it is – that is empowering.”
A big attraction to the EIT business course was having that support going into employment, Louise says.
Working with employment coordinator Robyn, helped her with optimum CV presentation, improved her confidence and widened her options.
“She allowed me to see the width and scope of my employment options. Seeing that I didn’t have to streamline, and the variety of work I could do, really excited me.”
A “mature” student, at 34-years-old, she has a message for the younger students to get the most out of their fees.
“I have noticed the most learning has come from that face to face interaction with lecturers. It broadens your view and knowledge having that feedback.
“I would say it is about you and your integrity and how you conduct yourself. Notify your teachers if you are not able to attend. These key value traits are a big thing when translating into work.
“Put your best foot forward. Communicate and participate and make the most from the value and depth in a teacher led environment.”