Engagement and Partnerships Advisor

“I had a deep desire to know everything about everything – how the world worked, why it worked the way it did, and our part in it. This programme became my vehicle for learning more about topics that I was deeply passionate about. Combined with my Latin American area studies, and a History and Politics & International Relations double major in my Arts degree, I was able to explore a variety of worldviews and perspectives.

“The Global Studies community at the University is incredibly supportive. The faculty staff are deeply interested in you and support you to explore the topics and areas you care about. They provided guidance, mentorship and facilitated a tight-knit and collaborative community.

“I secured a graduate position with the Ministry for Ethnic Communities’ Graduate Programme. This placed me with the Ministry of Education in their Te Puna Hanganga, Matihiko – Infrastructure and Digital business unit.

“My degree equipped me with many of the skills I now use at work. I am able to think critically, conduct research, consider a variety of perspectives, and present evidence-based advice to Aotearoa’s decision-makers.

“My current role is the Engagement & Partnerships Advisor with the Ministry for Ethnic Communities. I work closely with Auckland’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities to ensure their perspectives are captured in policy development across government.
 

“The best part of my role is meeting trailblazers and leaders in a variety of industries and communities. A career highlight has been working on the Ministry’s annual conference in Auckland, planning and facilitating the conference panel on ‘Coming of Age: In the Current Climate’.

“Following the Auckland Anniversary Flooding in 2023, the panel brought together three incredible young leaders to discuss the perspectives and experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse communities during extreme weather events. This looked at the ways that young people were paving the way to resilience and capability building using the wealth of institutional knowledge within their own communities. This opportunity allowed me to tap into my Global Environment and Sustainable Development major!

“I am excited to see where the future takes me, knowing that the skills and experience I have gained through my studies and in the workforce will support me in my next steps. I hope to one day be in a role helping our cities to become more sustainable and resilient to extreme weather events, and ensuring the voices of diverse communities are heard.

“My advice would be to take the plunge. There is a wealth of knowledge and experience to be gained from the degree. In a world that is increasingly fast-paced, dynamic and growing, you play a valuable and important role in the conversation.”