Insight into the Working World

MCSA MIXER: GRAD Panel // 26.4.17

Left to right: Alyssa Holcroft (MCSA President), Monica Helbano, Melissa Hughes, and James Forster.

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​"One thing I wish somebody had told me at beginning was that you don't have to know exactly what you're going to do for the rest of your life."​
- Monica Helbano​

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Just the thought of finishing university and heading straight into the workforce can be daunting.  Though last Wednesday, it was all put into perspective when three of our Waikato University graduates shared their own experiences and advice with us at our Grad Panel event.
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James Forster 
Studied: Bachelor of Communication Studies majoring in Public Relations and Marketing
​Current Jobs:
Marketing and Digital Coordinator at Chiefs Rugby
Social Media Management/Marketing for Bay of Plenty Regional Council

James's tips and advice:

• ​Make time for yourself: Learning to switch off is hard! Make sure you give yourself time to recuperate if you're going through a busy period.
• It's okay to make mistakes: Accept that you will make mistakes in your career and it's all part of the learning process.
• Differentiate yourself: There's a lot of competition in the market. Think about how you will make yourself unique with your skills and involvement​.

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Melissa Hughes
Studied: Bachelor of Communication Studies majoring in Marketing and Public Relations, specialising in Events Management
Current Jobs: Recently left her position as a Marketing Coordinator as a graduate at the H3 Group New Zealand, and is now a Marketing Promotions Coordinator at LynnMall Shopping Centre for Kiwi Property

Melissa's tips and advice:

• Get involved in extracurricular activities and volunteering: ​All of your experience relates together. For example, Melissa's past nannying experience related to the kids club element of her position as a Marketing Assistant at Westfield.
• Get advice from your lecturers and tutors: If you're looking for a job, they'll probably know someone! They make great references too.
• For those coming to the end of their degrees: Start keeping an eye out for jobs. It's really interesting to get a feel of what opportunities are out there.
• Don't just apply for jobs: Go out and seek them. Find someone who works in the area you want to work in and message them.  Ask: "Do you have any advice for me?​"

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Monica Helbano
Studied: Bachelor of Communication Studies majoring in Public Relations and Leadership Communication
Current Job: Communications Coordinator at HMC Communications

Monica's tips and advice:

• Get involved with MCSA: It shows people that you want to be involved in the industry already, and provides you with a lot of connections as well.
• Be a team player: Recognise what your strengths and weaknesses are in a group environment.  Group work situations at university are the best training for your future job.
• Don't freak out if you don't know exactly what you want to do: Everything that you take on now is an opportunity for you to develop your skills and grow as a person.

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Do you have any stories about your own experiences or tips to share?  Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Shannon Barclay

Communications Manager, MCSA.