The Employability Centre was thrilled to host our Study Block 2 Alumni Mentor Coffee Connect last week.

The event is designed to bridge the gap between our accomplished alumni and our eager new students. The morning buzzed with the energy of roundtable discussions and one-on-one Q&A sessions, where mentors generously shared their personal journeys from job hunting to career growth.

What was particularly inspiring were the remarkable stories of transformation and success:

- From starting as a site cleaner to now advising at a top construction and engineering consultancy.

- A transition from hotel duty management into the global finance services sector.

- A leap from call centre work to becoming a specialist in commercial insurance underwriting.

These narratives highlight the diverse career trajectories possible and underscore the resilience and determination of our international graduates who have made significant contributions to the New Zealand community and economy.

As we listened to these stories, it was clear that our alumni are eager to 'pay it forward' and support our new cohort of learners. The sense of community and mutual support was palpable, offering new students guidance, hope, and a clear vision of what they can achieve.