Maimiti Manate says the opportunities provided at OPAIC allowed her to become a confident work-ready graduate.

Students and alumni shared their internship experience during a panel discussion organised by the Employability Team recently.

The discussion focused on what students learned from their internships and how it impacted them personally and professionally. It’s hoped the discussion will help students who are about to undertake their own internships.

Maimiti, who comes from French Polynesia, graduated with her Bachelor of Applied Management last year.

She now works as an accounts administrator in the finance team at a data company and says she’s really enjoying the role.

Maimiti completed her internship in the area of sustainability with OPAIC. Her project was all about recycling on campus.

She says she loved the internship and it allowed her to expand her knowledge and become more confident going into the workforce in New Zealand.

“It really helped me to grow personally, and especially regarding my self-confidence.”

She recently had the opportunity to share her research at an online TechTALK event, which her family could tune into from overseas.

“I was really proud to do that because my family connected. They didn't understand everything because it was in English, but they were all very proud, and they started sharing my YouTube video with all the family.”