The new online version of the programme has gone from strength to strength, with an impressive 50 pairs matched in 2019.
One of this year’s pairs is science and commerce graduate Laura Hubbard and third-year marketing and international business student Jacob Verhoeven.
Laura completed her studies in 2009 with a double degree and secured a graduate role in marketing with global mining firm Orica.
That entry-level role began an eight-year career with Orica, during which time she became a global product manager in mining explosives. Laura left Orica at the end of 2017 to spend a year travelling, funded by some freelance copywriting work, and recently started a new senior consultant role at Wood Mackenzie in Singapore.
Laura began volunteering while she was studying in Wellington—mainly as a way of making herself more marketable to prospective employers—but it soon became a regular activity. This year was Laura’s first year taking part in the Alumni as Mentors programme.
“I really enjoy giving back—it’s a great way of keeping life in perspective and is personally very satisfying,” she says.
She’s enjoyed sharing her experiences and advice with Jacob, and emphasises the importance of gaining practical experience as well as a qualification.
“Employers don’t expect graduates to be experts in the field, but you do need to be responsible, pay attention to detail and work hard. Hiring panels always look for candidates who have taken on some sort of responsibility, whether it’s coaching kids in sport, helping run a university club, or being promoted in your part-time job while at university. It might not be directly relevant to the job you’re applying for, but it’s a sign you’re organised and trustworthy.”
Jacob, who is reaching the end of his studies towards a Bachelor of Commerce degree, heard about the Alumni as Mentors programme through a friend. After finding out more, he decided to join the programme to help with his career planning and thinking about what his next steps might be.
“It’s been awesome to get insights and knowledge from Laura’s personal experiences,” says Jacob. “Her encouragement and words of wisdom have helped motivate me, and her input on practical things like cover letters has also been very helpful.”
Jacob encourages other final-year students to join the mentoring programme: “It’s a great way to establish connections and gain valuable insights into the ‘real world’.”
If you’d like to give back through the Alumni as Mentors programme, email alumniasmentors@vuw.ac.nz or visit the website for details.