Joselito Valmadrid Jr.

Master of Applied Management
Philippines

A Master of Applied Management student has secured a paid role in his field after making a connection at our recent Student Pitch Night on campus.

Joselito Valmadrid Jr., who goes by Val, holds a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering and brings 16 years of experience in the water utility sector in the Philippines. He began his career as a cadet engineer and worked his way up to become Head of Water Business.

Not long after arriving in New Zealand to begin his master’s degree, Val attended an off-campus sustainability event, where he learned more about the water utility sector in New Zealand and met professionals working in the industry.

He says the event was a valuable opportunity to put himself out there and gave him the confidence to sign up for Student Pitch Night, which brought students and employers together on campus last month as part of the Placement Ready Programme.

At Pitch Night, Val spoke about his professional background and had the opportunity to connect with a representative from Infinite Water. The following day, he was invited to an interview at the company’s office. After an in-depth discussion, Val knew he wanted to be part of the company’s journey as it establishes itself in New Zealand.

He says Infinite Water is bringing innovative water treatment solutions to New Zealand that can help turn challenging water sources into water suitable for safe use.

Val has now taken up a paid 20-hour-per-week role as a Business Analyst with Infinite Water while completing his studies. He says the experience could also lead to future opportunities with the company in either New Zealand or the Philippines after he graduates.

Val says one of the things he values most about AIC is the way students are guided throughout their journey, including through opportunities such as Pitch Night.

“I feel like I have plans in mind and I can achieve them because I’m supported by the school. It’s a good feeling,” he says.

He says there will always be challenges and adjustments, especially when moving to a new country, but they have been easier to navigate because of the support around him.

“I know that when I need help, there are people I can turn to. If I want to do well in my studies, I know there is academic support available. If I want exposure to industry, I have the Employability Team backing me up. I’ve never experienced this kind of support before,” says Val.

“I feel like my success is also a reflection of the support the school has given me.”

Val says he chose Otago Polytechnic for his master’s studies because the team responded to his enquiry within a couple of hours. Since then, the staff at Auckland International Campus have supported him every step of the way — from guiding him through the pre-arrival process to arranging an airport pick-up and helping point him in the right direction for accommodation.

During Orientation in February, the Student Success Team provided new students with practical guidance on everything from where to shop for basic items to how to access student discounts on public transport. Val says knowing what to expect made the transition much easier.

“One thing that really stayed with me from that session was when she told us, ‘don’t be afraid to ask questions, because people here are really welcoming and kind’.”

Val has now completed his first two courses — Research and Enquiry, and Capabilities for Managers. He says these introductory courses gave students the opportunity to reflect on how things were done in their previous workplaces and connect that experience to their academic learning and research.

“I have industry experience, so I could easily relate to what the teachers were saying. I could also share my own thoughts and experiences.”

Although he was initially nervous about returning to study, Val says he quickly found his footing with the support of his lecturers and the Learning Support team.

“I never thought I would enjoy being back at school again after such a long time, but I’m having a really good time.”