Employment in New Zealand

Discipline is the key to success - this saying hold true for all people of all age groups. But for international students who are new in the country, away from their friends and families, it holds a great value. Sorry I might sound like your parent but in our series of 'Top 5 tips for international students in NZ', here is Tip # 5 #5 Lead a disciplined life International students often find themselves in difficult waters while making that transition to the more independent learning schedules required at the tertiary institutes / universities here in NZ as compared to their previous study. Students are expected to take the responsibility of their own learning, to be more self-directed, to make decisions about what they will focus on and how much time will they spend on learning both inside and outside of a classroom. Coming from a study environment where they are used to more support and direction and even 'parent like' relationship with their teachers to a self...

"You can't get a job...if you don't have a reference!!" You must have heard this statement time and time again from people around you forcing you to question the way the NZ employment market works... Right? I am new in NZ and I don't know anyone here. Until and unless I don't get a chance to work for someone how and where do I get a work reference from? How do you expect me to know someone in the company I am applying for? I can get a job only if my friend can refer me to the employer where he or she is working... Right? WRONG!! Agreed that having other professional speak on your behalf as a reference is an important and critical part of a job search but using your being new in the country and lack of references as an excuse for not getting a job is totally unacceptable. WHY?? Because references can be created!! Amongst various social media platforms available; you've heard of the big three, 'LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook'... Rig...

We all hate to admit when we don't know something!! Especially when you are in a new country, new surroundings, amongst new faces and sounds; trying to figure out your own way could not just result in more work but additional stress as well. So, I am here to tell you: It's OK to ask!! We don't know everything and it's alright to admit that. Actually sometimes this could be your best strategy and my  Tip # 2 # 2 Seek Support Remember, there is nothing wrong in asking for help Even if you come from a culture or a country where asking for help is considered to be rude or inappropriate. Ask for help even if you are shy; it would be difficult for the first few times but it will come out right. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness But please be polite when you ask for help In general, you want to be clear, concise, complete and polite  Reach out to your friends and family Remember if your friends don't motivate you or inspire you...

How did you imagine yourself as an international student before you became one?              Partying? Studying? Or just walking on the campus carrying books with an awesome smile like you see on all the college advertisements? Most of us have these fantasies. Thanks to movies, TV and advertisements!! However, it is quite alarming to see how many students venture out to new unknown territories without appropriate planning. Sorry to break your dreams guys... This is no movie world!!! Employers in NZ are looking for students who lead a balanced life, are resilient, and who can communicate. So, other than studying hard, in the series of 'Top #5 tips for international students in NZ', here is my Tip # 1 # Communication Skills Ya...Ya... I know a lot has been said about it and you've heard everyone asking you to improve your communication skills, but here's how you should do it: Remember, your classroom is one of the best places to impro...