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Patrick is a recent graduate of the University of Otago, having just completed a three year Marketing degree. He is now hoping to gain some practical workplace experience to supplement the theory learnt at university.

“Now that I have graduated, I would ideally like to gain some real work experience in a tourism operation, perhaps as a Marketing Assistant,” said Patrick.

Patrick attended the Careers Expo with the aim of seeing what opportunities exist in the current marketplace. “I wanted to gather as much information I could about what real, current opportunities are available to me, not what they tell you might be an option when you are still at school.”

The Expo also provided the opportunity for Patrick to meet and talk with people in industry and discuss his career aspirations with current managers who happily accepted his CV.

“It was a great opportunity to talk face to face with managers, even just to work on communication skills with real workplace managers instead of teachers,” said Patrick.

“It is very hard for students to find companies that will take the time to actually talk to you and provide you with some real, practical advice about what to expect in the industry and what they are looking for in an employee. As a graduate that is what you really need, a realistic expectation of what is available and what to expect from a career in a particular industry.”

Patrick’s long-term aspiration is to become a Marketing Manager in the tourism sector, turning his passion for people into a career. “I like talking to people and finding out the customer point of view. I am particularly interested in consumer behaviour and the best way I can turn this into a career is to work in the ultimate people industry: tourism.”