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Graduate Jobs

Find the best Graduate Jobs

4.0
  • Closing in 4 days

Graduate Job

Auckland, Canterbury, Wellington, Bay of Plenty
Our Emerging Professionals Programme will bring some of the country's top emerging talent together with the best people from across Waka Kotahi.
Applications Close
26 Mar 2023
Start Date
1 Feb 2024
Salary
NZD 60,000
4.0
  • Closing in 4 days

Graduate Job

Auckland
Interested in a career in Water, but not sure where to start? Apply for this opportunity across Consulting, Construction & Utilities.
Applications Close
26 Mar 2023
Start Date
8 Jan 2024 - 26 Jan 2024
Salary
NZD 65,000 - 70,000 Life & Medical Insurance
  • Closing in 4 days

Graduate Job

Auckland CBD, Wellington CBD
Have you finished your degree or starting your final year of study? Do you have a passion for financial markets? If so, we'd love to hear from you!
Applications Close
26 Mar 2023
Start Date
7 Feb 2024
Salary
NZD 65,000 - 75,000
  • Closing in 4 days

Graduate Job

New Zealand
If you love business and understanding what drives success, business growth and the numbers behind the scenes, then this is the opportunity for you.
Applications Close
26 Mar 2023
Start Date
3 Jul 2023 - 7 Feb 2024
Salary
NZD 60,000 - 65,000
  • Closing in 5 days

Graduate Job

Auckland & Wellington
We have exciting opportunities for law graduates to join our 2024 Law Clerk programme in Auckland or Wellington.
Applications Close
27 Mar 2023
Start Date
8 Jan 2024
Salary
NZD 60,000 - 70,000 Sign-on bonus, annual wellness allowance
  • Closing in 5 days

Graduate Job

Auckland & Wellington
As a Law Clerk, you will experience a first-class journey, with full participation in real work.
Applications Close
27 Mar 2023
Start Date
1 Nov 2023 - 4 Dec 2023
Salary
NZD 60,000 - 70,000
  • Closing in 6 days

Graduate Job

Seven offices across New Zealand
Want a great team, outstanding training, and the chance to make a real difference?
Applications Close
28 Mar 2023
Start Date
1 Feb 2024
Salary
NZD 55,999 - 56,500
  • Closing in 7 days

Graduate Job

Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton, Wellington
Deliver a Better World with AECOM.  You’ll work in a dynamic and inclusive environment where we will champion your integrity and innovative mindset.
Applications Close
29 Mar 2023
Start Date
19 Feb 2024
Salary
NZD 66,000 - 68,000
3.8
  • Closing in 7 days

Graduate Job

Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton & Wellington
We all leave a legacy. What will yours be?
Applications Close
29 Mar 2023
Start Date
19 Feb 2024
Salary
NZD 66,000 - 68,000
4.4
  • Closing in 8 days

Graduate Job

Wellington
Are you an intellectually curious analyst with an interest in electricity charging methodologies or producing business critical information?
Applications Close
30 Mar 2023
Start Date
ASAP
Salary
NZD 95,000 - 120,000 Starting salary is based on experience. Transpower offers salary + benefits + Kiwisaver

Graduate Jobs overview

Graduate Programmes vs. Graduate Job

When entering the final year of your university degree, students will begin their search for graduate employment. While “graduate programmes” and “graduate jobs” sound similar, they differ in a range of ways, including the structure of the role, purpose and training provided.

Graduate Programmes

Graduate programmes differ from graduate jobs in that they are structured, often including rotations in different departments and parts of the business. Employers have a focus on recruiting the best graduate talent from diverse backgrounds, as their plan is to develop graduate talent into future leaders of the organisation.

The most in-demand graduate programmes are with large employers like in IT, the ‘The Big Four’ (KPMG, EY, Deloitte and PwC), in engineering and the public service sector.

What are the benefits of a Graduate Programme

Rotations

Most graduate programmes in large organisations offer rotations. Instead of being glued to one role, employees are rotated throughout a range of different business units or departments. It’s a terrific way to gain experience in different roles and business units. An example of this in practice, Kraft Heinz recruit finance graduates into their programme, however, they also have a rotation through marketing, and sometimes logistics and supply chain.

On the job training

Employers understand that students aren’t the finished article when graduating from university, and thus you will be supported with a variety of training, depending on the industry you work in. Graduate employers will build a framework of structured learning and development, plus on the job training, to fast track students technical and soft skills. The learning, development and support is what sets a graduate programme apart from an entry-level graduate job.

Depending on the industry, it’s common that employers partner with professional organisations for on the job training and certificates. An example of this is in the accounting sector, with most firms providing support in order for you to achieve your CA or CPA qualification. Training and development is a big commitment from the company, as it requires significant investment in time and money, so only very large organisations can afford to offer them. Because of the substantial investment by the employer, there are lofty entry-level requirements, meaning the best candidates with high grades and well rounded CV’s will obtain a graduate position.

Employers will generally implement a  “buddy system”, which acts as a support mechanism. You will be one of many graduates in the programme, meaning you will have access to a graduate cohort to lean on for support and advice. After graduates have completed the programme, more often than not they will be offered full-time roles and participate in ongoing organisation-wide professional development and training.

How to apply for a Graduate Programme

Know when to apply

Whilst there is an increasing trend of graduate employers recruiting mid-year, you’ll find that most graduate employers will open applications between February and April.

Research employers of interest

Next item on the checklist, research the employers that offer graduate programmes. There are loads of useful online tools to conduct research, including our nifty browse employers list which highlights the top graduate employers in New Zealand. This is especially useful if you are in your penultimate year, as you can start bookmarking the employers and sectors that you’re interested in.

Does the employer accept applications from your degree

Relevant degrees are important, however, you will quickly realise that employers take applications from a range of degrees. The most employable degrees at the time of writing are ‘STEM’ degrees (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), as employers face skill gaps in their organisations which require these all-important technical skills. Many graduate employers also offer “generalist” programmes, which candidates from all disciplines are encouraged to apply since they are looking for diversity of thought in their programme and organisation.

What stages are involved in the graduate recruitment process?

Whilst this does vary depending on the employer, it generally involves:

  • Completing an online application
  • Phone interview
  • Group assessment
  • Face-to-face interview

At each point, applicants are screened before progressing to the next stage of the recruitment process. The application and hiring process is long, and can sometimes span over a couple of months. However, the key is to be patient as all of your fellow students and applicants are in the same boat.

Once you have passed every stage in the recruitment process, employers will send a formal offer, normally via email. Once you have accepted the offer and popped the proverbial cork on the champagne bottle, it’s now time to get back into the swing of your studies, complete your degree and graduate. Start dates for graduate programmes are generally in February the following year.

What is a graduate job

Graduate jobs are generally entry-level roles targeted to students graduating university or that have completed their studies. They are on offer in all industries, but since they are generally less structured than graduate programmes, these roles are more often than not available with small to medium-sized businesses, or in niche roles at larger corporates. Graduate jobs are normally full-time roles, however, there are also part-time and contract roles available for students, depending on the industry you decide to work in.

How to apply for a graduate job

Employers assess candidates’ relevant knowledge, skills, experience and which degree they studied in order to determine if they are a good fit for the organisation. When applying for a graduate job, the first thing the employer will require is your CV and a cover letter.

When crafting your CV, it’s important to know your strengths and match them to the job description. Don’t use the CV that you have sent to other employers. Hiring managers screen resumes and cover letters for a living, and it becomes apparent very quickly if it’s a ‘generic’ CV.

It’s also vital to list all relevant part-time work. Try to list the previous tasks and experiences you’ve had in part-time roles, internships etc and highlight “soft skills” like collaboration, time-management and leadership.

Assuming your resume has knocked the employer's socks off, the next step in the process is an interview. Employers will usually complete a phone screen to start, which may last between 10-15 minutes and involve a series of questions. It is worth your while to do your research on the most common questions asked in phone screens, and have some bullet point answers prepared for when you get the phone call.

Once you have aced the phone screen, it’s now time to prepare for the face to face interview. Remember, this isn’t a one-sided interview. Whilst employers are gauging whether you’re a good fit for their culture and whether your skills and experience can tick the boxes as to what they are looking for, it’s also a great chance for you to see if it’s a good fit. Employers will also use interviews to gain an understanding of the candidate's creative skills, critical thinking, and in particular their communication skills and organisational fit. Make sure you do further research into the company beforehand and practice answering common interview questions so that you are as prepared as possible and speak with confidence.

Graduate Programme Key Locations:

Graduate Programme Key Industries:

Top graduate employers by sector

Accounting & advisory

Banking & financial services

Engineering, R&D and manufacturing

Government & public service

  • Auckland City Council
  • Ministry for Primary Industries
  • Ministry of Education
  • Reserve Bank of New Zealand
  • The Treasury

IT & Communications

Law

  • Bell Gully
  • Chapman Tripp
  • DLA Piper
  • Minter Ellison Rudd Watts
  • Russell McVeagh

Retail & consumer goods

Advice for Graduate Jobs


Tackling selection criteria

Selection criteria form a key part of the application process. We've brought in careers and employment advisors Michelle Ash and Jane Hall from Lincoln University to nut out the details.

Figuring out your ideal career

Whether you have too many interests or none at all, no one said choosing a career would be easy. John Ross, Senior Career Development Consultant from Massey University advises where to start.

How do I answer that?

Need help working out what to say? Shaun Pulman and Lusi Atiga of Auckland University of Technology's Employability and Careers service unpack how to answer ten standard interview questions.

Is further study for me?

Millie Douglas, Senior Career Consultant from Victoria University of Wellington offers a wealth of knowledge on the world of further study.

Managing your online presence

Gina Robertson, Career Development Services Manager from the University of Waikato provides insight on how to make your online presence an asset, not a liability.

How to stand out from the crowd

Feeling uncomfortable about self-promotion? Fear not. Senior Careers Development Consultant Sarah Moyne from the University of Auckland lends a hand.

Tackling selection criteria

Selection criteria form a key part of the application process. We've brought in careers and employment advisors Michelle Ash and Jane Hall from Lincoln University to nut out the details.

Figuring out your ideal career

Whether you have too many interests or none at all, no one said choosing a career would be easy. John Ross, Senior Career Development Consultant from Massey University advises where to start.

How do I answer that?

Need help working out what to say? Shaun Pulman and Lusi Atiga of Auckland University of Technology's Employability and Careers service unpack how to answer ten standard interview questions.

Is further study for me?

Millie Douglas, Senior Career Consultant from Victoria University of Wellington offers a wealth of knowledge on the world of further study.

Managing your online presence

Gina Robertson, Career Development Services Manager from the University of Waikato provides insight on how to make your online presence an asset, not a liability.

How to stand out from the crowd

Feeling uncomfortable about self-promotion? Fear not. Senior Careers Development Consultant Sarah Moyne from the University of Auckland lends a hand.

Videos for Graduate Jobs


Rio Tinto VR

If you’ve ever wondered what the inside of a mine site looks like, then wonder no more! We have created a virtual reality representation of our mines and remote operations centre in Perth.

Join us at Rio Tinto

Be curious. Be proud. Belong. It begins with you.

Rio Tinto Graduate Profile Lucas Cary

Meet Lucas Cary, an Environment Graduate at Rio Tinto.

Rio Tinto Graduate Profile - Claudia Haugg

Meet Claudia, a Graduate Mechatronics Engineer at Rio Tinto.

ElectraNet

Intergen's parent company, Empired Ltd, helped create ElectraNet’s cutting edge battery performance monitoring website, powering an engaging, user-friendly digital experience.

Intergen Auckland

A typical day in the Auckland Office. Join us for a quick tour around Intergen’s Auckland office and a preview of what we get up to.

Rio Tinto VR

If you’ve ever wondered what the inside of a mine site looks like, then wonder no more! We have created a virtual reality representation of our mines and remote operations centre in Perth.

Join us at Rio Tinto

Be curious. Be proud. Belong. It begins with you.

Rio Tinto Graduate Profile Lucas Cary

Meet Lucas Cary, an Environment Graduate at Rio Tinto.

Rio Tinto Graduate Profile - Claudia Haugg

Meet Claudia, a Graduate Mechatronics Engineer at Rio Tinto.

ElectraNet

Intergen's parent company, Empired Ltd, helped create ElectraNet’s cutting edge battery performance monitoring website, powering an engaging, user-friendly digital experience.

Intergen Auckland

A typical day in the Auckland Office. Join us for a quick tour around Intergen’s Auckland office and a preview of what we get up to.

Graduate Jobs Graduate Success Stories


  • Graduate stories
MYOB is optimistic about the future of the accounting industry; our vision is 'The Connected Practice'. This is the coming together of three critical functions within accounting; transaction processing, compliance and business advisory. 'The Connected Practice' seeks to leverage time saved from automation to enable accountants to focus on advising clients.

Shailan Patel

  • Graduate stories
MYOB is optimistic about the future of the accounting industry; our vision is 'The Connected Practice'. This is the coming together of three critical functions within accounting; transaction processing, compliance and business advisory. 'The Connected Practice' seeks to leverage time saved from automation to enable accountants to focus on advising clients.

Shailan Patel

  • Graduate stories

Alicia

  • Graduate stories

Alicia

  • Graduate stories
MYOB is optimistic about the future of the accounting industry; our vision is 'The Connected Practice'. This is the coming together of three critical functions within accounting; transaction processing, compliance and business advisory. 'The Connected Practice' seeks to leverage time saved from automation to enable accountants to focus on advising clients.

Shailan Patel

  • Graduate stories
MYOB is optimistic about the future of the accounting industry; our vision is 'The Connected Practice'. This is the coming together of three critical functions within accounting; transaction processing, compliance and business advisory. 'The Connected Practice' seeks to leverage time saved from automation to enable accountants to focus on advising clients.

Shailan Patel

  • Graduate stories

Alicia

  • Graduate stories

Alicia