Year 13 Business – Shadow a Leader Experience

On Thursday 25 June, I had the opportunity to spend a day at Chapman Tripp, one of New Zealand's leading law firms, as part of the AUT Shadow a Leader Programme.

Alongside three other students, I developed my networking skills and explored different career pathways while meeting professionals from across the firm's legal, leadership, and business services teams. One of the highlights of the day was participating in Q&A sessions with team leaders, solicitors, and members of the Senior Leadership Team. Hearing about their day-to-day work, career journeys, and advice for students aspiring to enter the profession provided valuable insight into the many pathways within law and professional services, as well as the opportunities for growth in the sector.

Another standout experience was the personal branding workshop, which encouraged us to think more intentionally about how we present ourselves, our strengths, and our experiences as we prepare for future career opportunities. We also received practical CV advice from the firm's Talent Acquisition Specialist on how to effectively showcase our skills and experiences to prospective employers.

This experience gave me valuable insight into the legal profession and reinforced the importance of curiosity, effective communication, and adaptability. I am sincerely grateful to Chapman Tripp, AUT, and especially Mr Sharma, (HOD Commerce) for making this opportunity possible and for continued support in helping students gain meaningful industry exposure.

~ Ekam Kaur Minhas 13B7