In the last year 12 months both of our children have entered the workforce and are pursuing careers which they have passion for. As parents we all know that the choice of vocations is endless. Fortunately, when our children attended college we engaged consultants to assist them in an appropriate career direction.

The whole process of applying for jobs and eventually getting one has been a real education for me. I thought it appropriate to share what we have experienced.

Our Daughter –

During college and university, we have encouraged our children to seek employment along with following other passions. For her, this included work at Pak n Save and New World stacking shelves, rowing and coaching as well as Surf Lifesaving. She also worked part-time as an administration assistant learning Xero, Accounts Payable & Receivable etc.

At the time we didn’t realise how much importance this work experience and association with rowing would help her get a job. During her 3^rd year at University, she was accepted as an intern in a large multinational. Pretty much she “licked stamps” and was “sole charge of the drinks trolley” which she was not impressed with. When she finished university, she didn’t have a job offer so immediately went to McDonalds to work in admin. The dream job offer came from the Multinational and she was away.

Our Son –

Same as above, he worked at New World, Pak N Save as well as McDonalds. Not only that he saw the benefits of making a “quick buck” from Uber Eats. Driving tractors all summer,  part time rental car company manager and learning administration including Xero were further additions to his C.V. The big break was a 100 hour internship at Waikato Regional Council. Swimming and surf lifesaving were also on the radar. University wasn’t really his thing so his grades were slightly above average (typical boy)!

Then the job hunting started. Multiple applications were made with the corresponding number of declines. It had a huge negative impact on his wellbeing and self-esteem. After some thought we engaged an expert to “jazz up” his C.V. The perfect job was advertised, and he applied. The first interview was on “Teams” at 6.00pm on a Sunday night, the second was at the premises with the HR officer and the 3^rd with the whole team of 30. The importance placed on his degree was minimal, all they needed to know was that he had one. 90% importance was placed on work ethic, references (not family), referees, sports coaches etc.

My learnings have taught me that although education is important, the modern-day employer is interested in how rounded the applicant is in many aspects of their life. Huge importance was placed on character and employer references and less on the degree itself.