Entering the Workforce – Career Panel
- Start: 5:00pm
- End: 7:00pm
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Category: Network Events
- Region: Otago
- Otago Business School, Room 1.17
- 60 Clyde Street
- Dunedin North 9016
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This is a Student led event by our Otago Network Student Ambassadors, everyone is welcome to attend
Ready to take the next step into the world of work? Join HRNZ for an engaging career panel designed for students and early-career professionals interested in HR and recruitment.
Hear from a diverse group of HR professionals as they share their career journeys, lessons learned, and practical advice on navigating the transition from university into the workforce. From landing your first role to building your career and finding your place in the profession, our panellists will share honest insights into what it’s really like entering the HR world.
Come along, ask questions, make connections, and leave with practical advice to help you take the next step in your career.
Pricing
⦁ HRNZ Student Member = FREE
⦁ Non-Member Student = FREE
⦁ HRNZ Member = FREE
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Cancellations
Appropriate substitutes are welcome - please email [email protected] with their details
Presenter Details
Lara Hartmann
Lara is currently working at Port Otago, as a People Coordinator. Her role covers many HR functions, making it a truly generalist role with exposure to more than she could’ve imagined stepping into the workforce! No two days are the same; whether it’s working recruitment, payroll, administration, training, you name it, she’s probably had the chance to stick her nose into it. She has an extensive Hospitality background and found that this translated well into the HR world, especially the people skills.
Brianna Bold
Bri is the Temp Talent Manager at Platinum Recruitment, where she manages all aspects of temporary recruitment across both the client and candidate sides. From building client relationships and sourcing roles to advertising, screening and shortlisting candidates, interviews and pre-employment checks, managing offers and onboarding, and checking in throughout placements to off boarding, Bri is involved at every stage. As a recent Otago graduate, she understands the excitement and challenges that come with building a career, and loves being able to build genuine relationships to support people as they navigate their careers.
Blaise Avery
Blaise is a Talent Manager at Platinum Recruitment, supporting candidates throughout the recruitment process and helping connect people with new opportunities. Her role includes sourcing and screening candidates, coordinating interviews, and supporting the wider recruitment team. With a background in Psychology and Human Resource Management, Blaise enjoys working with people and creating a positive experience for candidates.
Grant O’Kane
Grant is a senior HR Practitioner, with over 30 years of experience working in generalist roles, at a senior level. His main areas have been in education, healthcare, (both public and private), local government and small businesses. His first HR role was at the University of Otago and he progressed from there to the Dunedin City Council, moving into the Dunedin Hospital and other health organisations and Otago Polytechnic where he undertook a number of Senior Leadership roles. Grant is now a senior HR Practitioner with In Tandem Consulting as well as holding roles with other organisations such as Otago Regional Council and Roslyn Pharmacy. Grant’s main aim in his career is to ensure that HR adds value, is relevant to the business and is a key partner in delivering on the organisation’s objectives.
Mel Warhurst
Mel Warhurst is the Global HR Business Partner at EXA Capital, where she partners with leaders across a global portfolio of 10 software companies and supports more than 350 employees across 8 countries. Her work focuses on leadership development, high-performing teams, employee experience, and scalable people practices. With over a decade of experience, primarily in the technology sector, Mel also brings experience from the professional services, healthcare and public sectors. Mel holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and a Diploma for Graduates in Human Resource Management from the University of Otago.
