23 November 2016 at 9:00 am
International students are work-ready for the summer
Last Tuesday, more than 60 international students in Palmerston North and Whanganui attended the first Central North Island ‘Work Ready’ seminar, which helps soon-to-be graduates prepare for the New Zealand workforce.
The seminar was hosted by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and the Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA), and targeted international students who have completed, or are studying towards, a Level 7 qualification and above.
Most of the attendees were Massey University PhD and Masters students from a range of fields, as well as UCOL students of graphic design, cookery, operations and project management, ICT, furniture design and science.
Judy Bennett-Smith, CEDA International Education Development Manager said the free seminar was the first in a series to be held locally, with the next one aiming to connect potential employers with skilled international tertiary students.
The seminar covered study-to-work visa pathway information and advice, tips on how to navigate the job market, how to present oneself to employers, information about New Zealand employment rights and even invited a former international student to share their experience.
Philip Hastings, Relationship Manager at MBIE said the seminar was a great opportunity for students to talk directly with INZ representative about their work options.
“With the increase in international tertiary students in New Zealand, it is important they have an understanding of the pathways to meeting post-study work visa and residency requirements,” Mr Hastings said.
“Together with CEDA we aim to facilitate a series of study-to-work seminars in the Central North Island that are aligned with regional work shortages.”
