From Student to Professional: How to Stand Out Before You Graduate
- Start: 5:00pm
- End: 7:00pm
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Category: Network Events
- Region: Canterbury
- John Britten Building, University of Canterbury
- 69 Creyke Road
- Ilam
- Christchurch 8041
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This is an in-person Student focused event
Graduating with a degree is only one part of preparing for a successful career. In today's competitive job market, employers are looking for graduates who can demonstrate confidence, initiative, strong communication skills, and a genuine understanding of the professional workplace.
So how can you stand out before you graduate?
Join Human Resources New Zealand (HRNZ) Canterbury and 180 Degrees Consulting Canterbury for an engaging evening designed to help students better understand the transition from university into the professional world. Hear from experienced professionals working across human resources, consulting, talent, and people & culture as they share practical insights from their own careers and the qualities they look for when hiring emerging talent.
Our panel will explore:
• What employers are really looking for beyond academic results
• How to build experience and stand out before graduation
• The value of networking, internships, and professional relationships
• Developing confidence and communicating your personal brand
• Making the most of your university experience to prepare for your career
• Common mistakes graduates make—and how to avoid them
Whether you're in your first year of university or preparing to enter the workforce, this event will provide practical advice, real-world perspectives, and valuable opportunities to connect with industry professionals and fellow students.
The evening will begin with interactive networking activities, giving attendees the opportunity to meet fellow students, employers, and industry professionals in a relaxed environment. This will be followed by an engaging panel discussion and audience Q&A, where students can hear firsthand insights from experienced professionals. After the panel, guests can continue the conversation over refreshments while networking, receive professional CV and LinkedIn profile feedback, update their professional headshots, and build valuable connections with employers, speakers, and peers.
Whether you're interested in HR, consulting, business, engineering, marketing, or any other profession, this event will help you take meaningful steps towards launching your career with confidence.
This is an Alcohol-free event.
Pricing
⦁ HRNZ Student Member = FREE
⦁ Non-Member Student = $5.00
⦁ HRNZ Member = FREE
Please note our prices include GST. Payment is due at the time of registration by credit card only. If payment is not received, your registration may be cancelled.
To Register
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For all queries relating to this event email [email protected]
Cancellations & Refunds
To receive a full refund cancellation must be received by HRNZ by email to [email protected] three working days before the day of the event.
Cancellations after this time and/or 'no shows' on the day will be payable in full.
Appropriate substitutions are welcome - please email [email protected] with their details.
Presenter Details
Sahar Jamal, UC International College
Sahar is the Senior Manager – Marketing at UC International College (UCIC), where she leads strategic marketing initiatives that connect students with life-changing educational opportunities. As part of the Navitas global education network, UCIC provides international students with supported pathways into the University of Canterbury, helping them build the academic and personal foundations needed to succeed in higher education. With an extensive background spanning marketing, international education, career development, and student engagement, Sahar has dedicated her career to empowering students to achieve their academic and professional aspirations. Prior to joining UCIC, she spent more than five years as a Careers Consultant at the University of Canterbury, where she supported students in developing career confidence, building professional networks, and navigating the transition from university to employment. Recognised for her strategic mindset, collaborative leadership, and genuine commitment to student success, Sahar brings a wealth of experience in creating meaningful opportunities that help students thrive both during their studies and throughout their careers.
Ketki Gandhi, Korn Ferry
Ketki is a Human Capital Consultant at Korn Ferry, where she partners with organisations across the Asia-Pacific region to deliver strategic, people-focused solutions in talent, organisational development, performance management, and workplace transformation. With a Master's degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and a background spanning both Business and Psychology, she combines evidence-based insights with practical experience to help organisations build high-performing, engaged workforces. A passionate advocate for the future of work and emerging talent, Ketki serves as Vice President of the HRNZ Canterbury Branch, is an accredited HR Professional (APHRNZ), and is an active member of the Culture Amp Canterbury Committee. Drawing on her extensive experience in recruitment, leadership, and organisational development, Ketki brings valuable insights into what employers are looking for and how students can confidently transition from university into successful professional careers.
Jessica Key, Findex
is a Human Resources Consultant at Findex, where she works alongside organisations to deliver practical HR solutions and support positive workplace outcomes. Combining a strong foundation in human resources with experience in marketing, Jessica is passionate about aligning organisational values with people practices that enhance employee wellbeing, engagement, and performance. She is known for building strong relationships, creating trust within teams, and helping create workplace cultures where people can thrive. Jessica has contributed to HR transformation projects and organisational initiatives, developing expertise in HR systems, employee relations, and workplace processes. She brings a practical, people-first perspective to her work and is passionate about supporting the next generation of professionals. At the Student to Professional panel, Jessica will share valuable insights into what employers are looking for and how students can build confidence, develop employability skills, and successfully transition from university into the workplace.
Caitlyn Lawn, HamiltonJet
Caitlyn is a People & Culture Advisor at HamiltonJet, a Christchurch-headquartered global leader in waterjet propulsion systems and advanced marine technology. With customers and operations spanning the world, HamiltonJet is recognised for its engineering excellence, innovation, and commitment to developing high-performing people alongside industry-leading products. Since joining HamiltonJet through its Commercial Graduate Programme, Caitlyn has progressed into her current advisory role, supporting key People & Culture initiatives across the organisation. Her experience spans talent development, employee engagement, organisational culture, and HR operations, with a strong focus on creating positive workplace experiences and supporting business success through people. As a University of Canterbury graduate, Caitlyn combines a strong understanding of people and culture with firsthand experience of launching a successful career in one of New Zealand's leading global companies.
Sponsor Details
180 Degrees Consulting
With thanks to our event sponsor 180 Degrees Consulting Canterbury
180 Degrees Consulting Canterbury is the University of Canterbury chapter of the world's largest student-led consultancy for non-profit and social impact organisations. The organisation connects talented university students with charities, social enterprises, and purpose-driven organisations to deliver high-quality consulting projects that create meaningful community impact while providing students with valuable real-world experience. As a proud partner of the From Student to Professional event, 180 Degrees Consulting Canterbury is committed to helping students bridge the gap between university and the workplace. Through industry engagement, professional development opportunities, and practical consulting experience, the organisation empowers students to build the skills, confidence, and networks needed to succeed in their future careers.
