Universities in New Zealand

As I write I'm currently preparing for our school's relationship manager with AUT University to arrive and have a chat with interested students. We've already had visits from University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, Unitec, and Manukau Institute of Technology. A representative from Waikato University will be visiting next week and the University of Otago will be along in week two of the second term. (First term is almost over - can you believe it?)

Anyway, I'm frequently asked which University is the best one to go to. My response is always the same... whichever Uni works best for you.

They're basically all very similar but they do have different approaches. Some can boast smaller classes, some have more "traditional" teaching methods, some are more difficult to gain entry to than others and, of course, some Universities "specialise" in particular areas. (If you want to become a qualified dentist you'll have to go to Otago.)

Aside from that, be aware that a degree from University of "A" has the same status as the same degree from University of "B." A BA from AUT is worth exactly the same as a BA from Canterbury or Massey. For this reason you really should apply for university study at at least two or three (or more) institutions that look good to you. When you have letters of acceptance from all of them, then you can decide which one you actually want to attend. They all have their own strengths - talk to the Careers people at school to find out what they are. Or you could do your own research and make up your own mind.

Stand by for more information about Polytechnics, Trades, Apprenticeships and other generally good stuff.

One final point for today. If you are reading this blog from within Southern Cross Campus click here to go to the "Courses and Careers" file on the Student Shared Drive. You can find heaps of information about various careers, courses, career stories etc. Check it out. Unfortunately, if you are not logged on from inside the school the link won't work.

NEWBY - Small Beginnings

Here I go - my first ever blog post. I'm using this site to spread career information and discussion (I guess) primarily among the students I work with at Southern Cross Campus (a multicultural high school in Mangere, a suburb of Auckland, New Zealand) but also for anyone else who may find the ramblings posted here of interest. I don't know what I'm doing - never tried blogging before - and will have to work this thing out as I go along. The network that my school uses is somewhat tired and blogging seems to be an appropriate way to 'spread the word' about new and existing careers as well as some of the services I can offer here at SCC. The only thing of any great value that I'm going to post today is a plug for the NZ Career Services website. This is internationally highly regarded and well worth a look for anyone - NOT JUST STUDENTS - who may be researching ideas, looking for pathways or trying to figure out what their interests might be. The homepage includes links to a great career assessment tool (Pathfinder) and also a wonderful template where you can build, save and store a stunning CV - complete with tips, hints and examples. Check it out here