AUT
BUSINESS
SCHOOL
Co-operative
Education
/
Information for
Employers
Thank you for your interest in AUT’s Co-operative Education programme. By providing mentoring and workplace experience to a Bachelor of Business student you are investing in our future leaders and developing New Zealand’s talent pool of business graduates. Your commitment makes a real difference.
We look forward to partnering with you as we equip the next generation of decision makers with a rigorous business education and a strong skill set.
Read on to discover what AUT’s Co-op programme involves.
WELCOME
DR GEOFF PERRY, DEAN AUT BUSINESS SCHOOL WITH BACHELOR OF BUSINESS STUDENTS
For further information about Cooperative Education at the AUT Business School, please contact:
Kate Coleman
Co-operative Education Manager 09 921 9323 / [email protected] www.aut.ac.nz/business/co-op
WHAT IS CO-OPERATIVE
EDUCATION?
Co-operative Education (Co-op) is a work placement for Bachelor of Business students who are in their final year of study. The programme is a formal part of the Bachelor of Business degree and it is an important final step before graduating. It’s an accumulation of knowledge which is applied to the reality of the working environment. Students gain workplace experience that develops their skills as effective professionals, and complements their academic learning. They apply classroom knowledge to real situations and challenges, analyse their experiences and respond to feedback.
Co-op gives employers exposure to the latest business knowledge and new ideas that our students bring. Co-op fosters a dynamic relationship between employers, students and the AUT Business School, and develops networks and opportunities for future engagement across a broad range of activities.
< CHRISTEL CHAPMAN
Business Consultant, Vodafone NZ Bachelor of Business in Sales
“The co-operative education placement was for 9 weeks but I continued there until the end of the year and was offered a full-time role for the following year. The placement gave me a good overall understanding of the functions of Vodafone and enabled me to develop my network within the organisation.”
Employer comment
“Christel has built a strong network within Vodafone and has a really good future here. Her ability to learn quickly and her enthusiasm and commitment are why I employed her. Christel’s qualification brings an ability to focus on tasks and think about new ways to grow revenue and opportunities. Work experience is certainly key to getting into this industry.”
LENGTH &
PAYMENT
The placement has a minimum requirement of hours that the student must work - 360 hours over a nine week period. The length can be extended depending on the needs of the employer.
The start and end dates of the nine week period are set due to the requirements of our university semesters.
While payment is not mandatory, we encourage you to consider reimbursement to the student. If you would like guidance with appropriate hourly rates please contact Kate Coleman, Co-op Manager.
Kate Coleman
Co-operative Education Manager 09 921 9323 / [email protected] www.aut.ac.nz/business/co-op
< STEPHANIE FAHEY
Marketing Communications Associate, Bank of New Zealand
Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Marketing
A co-op placement at the VisionWest Community Trust led to voluntary work for Stephanie Fahey and then a full-time role as marketing communications coordinator.
“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity as a recent graduate to work on the entire rebranding and implementation process.”
Now marketing communications associate at the Bank of New Zealand, Stephanie’s role is to work on national campaigns and local marketing initiatives.
Employer comment
“We were looking for someone with some marketing experience. The role is very busy and works across the business, so time management, communication and stakeholder management skills were also very important. Stephanie displayed excellent communication skills, had the right level of experience and a great attitude.” Marcia Leow, Marketing Communications Manager, Bank of New Zealand
BENEFITS FOR
EMPLOYERS
Co-op offers your organisation additional resource and flexibility, and the opportunity to identify and develop future talent for you and your industry.
Co-op students can:
• Provide assistance in busy periods • Work on special projects
• Release existing staff for other duties • Cover for staff who are on leave
Co-op students bring some of the latest thinking from their field of study, fresh ideas, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Many employers offer permanent employment to their Co-op students at the end of their placement. This saves time and costs involved in recruiting new staff and your organisation gains an employee who is already familiar with your mission and values.
WHAT KIND OF WORK CAN
STUDENTS UNDERTAKE?
Students are required to work in a role that relates to the major/s they are studying. For example, a student majoring in accounting needs to be undertaking accountingrelated work.
This enables the student to gain experience in their field and gives employers the benefit of specialised knowledge and skills.
Examples of recent work undertaken is as follows:
STUDENT’S MAJOR CO-OP PLACEMENT ROLE WORK UNDERTAKEN
Accounting Assistant Accountant
Junior Accountant Finance Officer
Budgeting, cash flow forecasting, journal entries, preparation of financial statements, accounts receivable, billing, reconciliation, debt collection Preparation of taxation returns for small businesses
Economics Business Analyst Investigating the impact of changes in government policies
Undertake cost benefit analysis and calculate returns of investments Business Information Systems Assistant Network and
Communications Manager
Managing and supporting IT
Finance Analyst Financial analysis of proposed
transactions and preparation of Information Memoranda Research of Industry sector Human Resource Management
and Employment Relations
HR Administrator Assistant Manager
Support HR team in recruitment and remuneration review
Audit OSH systems
Marketing Marketing Graduate
Assistant Marketer Market Researcher
Assisting on projects, research, competitive analysis
Develop procedures for e-Marketing/ internet marketing services for clients Sales Sales Representative Preparation of quotations
Customer and supplier liaison Analysis of customer markets Establishing new customers, maintaining existing customers Retail Assistant Manager Analysis of store design and display
Analysis of restrictions and opportunities for franchisees
Systems - implementation of retail accounts system
Management of retail customer accounts As a guideline, students are capable of undertaking work at an entry or graduate level, provided that they are given instruction and guidance as required. Some students are able to perform at a higher level depending on their experience.
MICHELLE TEH
Summer Clerk Internships can incorporate Co-op
A summer internship at KPMG Business Advisory division has led to a permanent job for Michelle Teh.
During her internship Michelle worked as part of the audit engagement team, as well as working on tax compliance and financial reporting. Michelle was able to include the Co-op requirements into her internship.
“The range of jobs kept it very interesting, and I really enjoyed the chance to work with the best in the industry. KPMG’s culture was great and being a part of an intern group ensured that I had a lot of support when I needed it. I am so excited I have gained a permanent position at such a prominent firm, and I look forward to providing professional guidance for their impressive client base.”
EMPLOYER’S
ROLE
AUT asks that Co-op employers:
• Provide the resources needed to do the job safely and effectively
• Be well informed about AUT’s expectations of students during Co-op and to encourage the student to meet those expectations
• Assign a workplace supervisor to the student (this could be yourself or someone to whom you have delegated responsibility). The workplace supervisor oversees the student, gives guidance on the requirements of the job and feedback about his/her performance during the Co-op placement
• Negotiate reimbursement or payment with their Co-op student
AUT’S
ROLE
The AUT Business School has overall responsibility for students during their Co-op semester. AUT will:
• Allocate an academic supervisor to support students with their programme of study during their Co-op placement.
• Be available to discuss any queries or issues you may have with the employment of a Co-op student before or during the placement.
ABOUT AUT
BUSINESS SCHOOL
The AUT Business School is known for the high quality of its graduates, the impact of its research and its effective engagement with business and the broader community. We attract students from New Zealand and overseas who are seeking a relevant, rigorous and engaged business education that prepares them well for business practice or a research career.The AUT Business School is amongst an elite group of 6% of business schools worldwide with accreditation from AACSB International. We have over 180 academically and professionally qualified staff delivering our curriculum. Through our Business School Advisory Boards we engage industry leaders in the development of relevant business programmes. Advisory Board Members include PricewaterhouseCoopers, ANZ National Bank, Deloitte, Fonterra, Retail World Resourcing and Coca-Cola Amatil NZ.
We also have partnerships with some of the best Business Schools in Europe, Asia and North America.
Our vision is: Transforming lives, Changing business.
< ORIELLE FOx
Ngåpuhi
Bachelor of Business in Economics and International Business
A three-month internship in Japan working on brands such as Suntory whiskey and Johnson & Johnson was the highlight of Orielle Fox’s study.
“I was a strategic planning intern with J. Walter and Thompson (JWT) Tokyo, a worldwide brand consultancy company. It was a priceless experience being in that industry and observing the internal workings of a corporate. Attending client meetings, team presentations and workshops all impacted strongly on my personal and professional development.”
BACHELOR
OF BUSINESS
The Bachelor of Business is designed to turn today’s students into tomorrows sought after professionals. Students build a broad understanding of business and develop the specialist skills needed for their career. Students choose one or two majors from the 14 available:
Accounting Advertising
Business Information Systems Design
Economics Finance
Human Resource Management and Employment Relations International Business Management Marketing Retailing Sales Sustainable Enterprise Tourism
RICHARD NASH
Bachelor of Business in Management and Marketing
“Co-op gave me the opportunity to apply different theories and applications that I have learnt over my degree to the work environment I was in. Vodafone provided me with guidance and future opportunity within the business that I’m very grateful for.”
Employer comment
“One of Richard’s main tasks was to take ownership of our research panel, in which he managed projects from start to finish, whilst also handling internal stakeholders and working with our external agencies. Richard needed to be present at briefing sessions and various other meetings related to the project.
Richard then needed to take all aspects of the project meetings on board and produce surveys and reports to deliver on these tasks. Over Richard’s 9 weeks he has demonstrated a thorough understanding of what was required of his role, and the value that was required of him to deliver within this role.
Richard has actually pushed the role further than we expected, and took on a lot more tasks and responsibilities we previously thought a Co-op student would not be ready for – his hunger to learn has really meant Richard has continued to add value to whatever he works on.” Ross Delaney, Market Research Manager Vodafone New Zealand
ANNA MCHARDY
Vodafone have been supporting AUT’s Co-op programme for over two years now and its popularity internally goes from strength to strength. We have hosted students within our Finance, Marketing and HR teams and with each intake we look to extend the offering into other
business units such as Sales Supply-chain and Internal Communications.
We have been really impressed with the calibre of talent coming through from AUT into our business. They have all been highly professional, full of enthusiasm and have shown a real interest in our business, so much so that we have offered three students fixed term contracts within the teams where they undertook their placement.”
GARTH COOK
“It’s a great partnership. It’s a privilege to be part of each student’s learning, and the students have proven to be committed, hard-working team members. The programme is highly rewarding for everyone involved.”
Learning and Development Manager Warehouse Stationery.
INDUSTRY
ENGAGEMENT
Our Business Relations team can assist you and your business with any questions or suggestions you have about working with the AUT Business School. We invite you to get in touch.
Sarah Trotman, Director of Business Relations [email protected]
Ph (09) 921 9999 extn 5391 Ways to engage with us:
