Melanie currently works as a Consultant at a Consumer Public Relations Agency.

She holds a BA (Arts) in English Literature and Political Science.

1. When you were 7 years old you wanted to be... a writer. 

2. Name of the educational institution(s) you graduated from
Victoria University, Wellington.

3. Why did you choose your major(s) or specialisation?
I majored in English Literature and Political Science. I was planning to go into a career involving the media following graduation, so I chose English because it's my love and Politics as a seperate area of focus and specialisation. The skills and knowledge I gained across both disciplines was varied and invaluable.

4. How did you find your first job?
As soon as my studies had finished, I was actively looking for a fulltime corporate position. One of the first jobs I saw sounded perfect for me, and I submitted my CV with a cover letter. I went for an interview at the recruitment agency that had advertised it, and was shortlisted. I then met with my prospective boss, and was hired.

5. Describe the interview process you went through to obtain your first position after graduating
I had an initial interview with the recruitment agency who had advertised the job. I met with the consultant there and had a formal 45 minute interview about why I wanted the job, what skills I could bring to the position etc. I was also tested on my skill level for Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and typing speed.
After being short-listed by the recruitment agency, I met with my prospective employer for a formal 30 minute interview.

6. What training was made available to you by your employer in your first role?
I had a 2 week handover before I started in my role, which ensured I was fully briefed on what I needed to do on a day to day basis. I was also able to attend Powerpoint training, which I didn't have experience in before starting.

7. Describe some of the roles you have held since your graduate level position
My first role was an office administrator in a Minister's office in parliament, where I was for just over a year. I then moved into a 6-month contract as an Executive Assistant, which required direct support for a senior director.
My next role was at a PR agency as an Office Manager, where I was for 2 years. This job was a foot-in-the-door to this industry, and a chance for me to learn everything I needed to know about PR. This role required support for 5 senior directors, as well as event management and project management.

8. Have you found your degree useful in your working career? Why (or why not)?
Having a degree shows an employer that you've applied yourself for 3+ years, met all the criteria, and submitted high quality work that's resulted in a highly sought after piece of paper that is your degree.
I haven't directly applied any of the information I learned during my degree to any of my jobs. However, the skills and abilities that I have gained as a result of doing my degree have been invaluable. All of the jobs that I have had, have required a degree as part of the criteria, and it's a really essential part of your education if you want to get ahead professionally.

9. What are your plans for the next 5 years?
I'm aiming to be promoted to Senior Consultant in the next 6 months, and am working around specific goals to acheive that.
I want to continue learning everything that I can about my industry and my clients' industry, so that I'm the best PR professional that I can be.
I'm also thinking about going back to university to get my Masters Degree in Communications.

10. What advice would you give an upcoming graduate looking to kick off a successful career?
My biggest piece of advice would be to look at the bigger picture, not just the immediate future. Think about your dream job, and where you need to start to get there down the track. Nothing is "beneath you" - when you're starting out and inexperienced you need to gratiously take any opportunities that you can to get to where you want to be in 5 or 10 years time. Go for it!!