Working at Career Services
At Career Services we have great people, positive leadership and meaningful work. People who work here have a real sense of belonging. There are opportunities to develop personally and contribute to developing the organisation.
At Career Services we pride ourselves on being a good employer. Our real strength is our positive work environment and culture. We are flexible and responsive so that we can meet individual and organisational needs.
- The Career Cycles team participating in the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge
Team spirit
We have a positive work environment and culture, with great team spirit and positive leadership. We are all committed to the work we do, which makes a real difference to the lives of New Zealanders. People who work here have a sense of belonging.
One of our three values is “manaaki me te tiaki tangata”. This is about embracing all with mutual respect and teamwork, enabling people to maximise their potential and be the best that they can be.
Award winning
Career Services was once again a finalist in the unlimited/JRA Best Places to Work in New Zealand Survey 2008, where we were awarded fifth place in the medium to large business category. We were awarded the Highly Commended Public Sector Workplace award in the same event in 2007.
The unlimited/JRA Best Places to Work in New Zealand Survey confirms that the most significant things that make this a great place to work are the great people who work here and our positive impact on people’s lives through helping them with their career decision making.
Information about the unlimited/JRA Best Places to Work in New Zealand Survey
- Career Services staff were involved in the Just the Job TV Series
Opportunities
Career Services offers meaningful work with variety, scope and opportunities to develop. We actively support the development of our people. Several have progressed their careers through a succession of different roles in Career Services.
Work-life balance
We recognise that work is only one part of the lives of the people who work here. We support them to make decisions about their careers and shape their work in a way that suits them. This flexibility helps them to achieve work-life balance that sustains them.
Our Chief Executive, Lester Oakes, won an EEO Trust “Walk the Talk” award in 2006, recognising his commitment to the work-life balance of our staff, and how he models work-life balance himself.
“[This award] means a great deal to me personally and professionally because the award celebrates a principle I try to live and work by – making sure that work fits into my broader life, never assuming that work automatically comes first,” says Lester Oakes. “That’s a principle we have embedded in the Career Services work ethic and the advice we offer to clients.”
- Career Services celebrates the 2007 Unlimited/JRA Best Places to Work Survey award
Celebrating success
We recognise people’s achievements both inside and outside of their work at Career Services. Examples include an internal exhibition of artwork by a staff member, and recognising individual sporting achievements. We also celebrate birthdays and important life events such as weddings and births.
What our staff say
Here are some comments from staff members about what makes Career Services a great place to work:
- “This is a very special organisation that people want to work for. It has allowed me to grow as a professional and into leadership positions. I feel empowered to do well and continue to succeed!”
- “Having a clear direction and purpose that fits with my values and being able to contribute to improving the lives of individuals in the community.”
- “From the senior management to the managers to the team members – everyone collaborates and co-operates in such a professional manner – yet holds each other together as a family. It's a wonderful place to work.”
- “The opportunities available for staff to grow and develop further eg through projects, secondments, working groups, the significant amount of professional development offered both internally and externally, being able to comment on the future of products or strategies to encourage growth in other areas like Māori and Pasifika.”
- “The organisation has a strong values base, which is client-centred, responsive to the needs of the clients, and forward thinking, looking for ways to improve delivery and service to clients.”
- “Career Services operates as a strengths-based organisation and encourages people to use and grow their strengths. It is also highly customer-focused and really puts effort into providing quality services to clients.”
