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The Ultimate CV Checklist for Students

Have you already completed short courses in Auckland and are ready to dive into the workforce? Before you hit the job market, you’re going to need to make sure that your CV is up to scratch – it’s competitive out there! Take a look at the ultimate checklist for CV’s we’ve compiled below, and make sure yours ticks all the boxes.

Work-Focused vs Skills-Focused CV

There are two main types of curriculum vitae that people can use to portray their skills and experience to employers – a work-focused CV or a skills-focused CV. While many people use a work-focused CV to showcase their experience and progress their career further, if you’re a graduate fresh out of school, or if you’re just starting down a new career path, then chances are you don’t have years of work experience to show prospective employers. If this is the case, then using a skills-focused template is the best type of CV to use.

An empty work history doesn’t have to be a disadvantage! If you create a skills-focussed CV, you can highlight your best skills and qualities to prospective employers, showing your potential to grow and learn.

What to include in your CV

A professional and well-presented CV will make all the difference between a positive and a negative response. To present yourself professionally in your job applications, make sure your CV includes the following.

1. Your name and contact details

Both your first and last name, in large, bold text. Your contact details should include a phone number and email address for employers to get in contact with you.

2. A personal statement

A personal statement gives a brief overview of who you are, and what strengths, and experience you have. It is only about three to four sentences in length and sits below your contact details. It is optional to include this, but a personal statement is very useful because it helps employers get a concise, clear perspective of you and your career objectives.

3. Personal skills

These should be skills relevant and useful to the job you’re applying for. When you’re applying for specific jobs, take note of the skills listed in the job advertisement, and include them in your application. Make sure to give examples of how you have used them so employers can fully appreciate your experience.

For example, good attributes to emphasise are strong communication skills, your commitment to detail, or your ability to work well under pressure. Use examples of when you used these skills in school, in work experience programmes, or your previous employment. Even if your previous job or experience isn’t related to the job you’re applying for now, as long as you show employers how the skills you gained are relevant to the role at hand, you can include it in your resume. Learn more about how to include your skills in your CV!

4. Technical skills

There is a wide range of technical skills you could include in your CVs, such as your driver’s licence or your language skills if you’re fluent in two or more languages. Practical skills are a great way to show employers what other capabilities you bring to the table. A driver’s licence can be advantageous and sometimes necessary if the job requires a lot of travel to and from locations. In comparison, knowing multiple languages can be useful for multicultural workplaces.

5. Work history and volunteering experience

Include your most recent job and volunteering experiences if you have any. What you need to include for this section is the name of the employer, the job title, the location of the job, and the start and end date of your work or volunteer experience. Follow this with a short list of tasks you needed to perform for this role, and any achievements you gained while working in it.

6. Qualifications and education

For the qualifications part of your CV, you can include the following: school qualifications, school subjects, grades, certificates, diplomas, or degrees. Any micro-credentials or short work-related courses you accomplished can also be included here. Have your qualifications listed in chronological order from most recent to oldest.

7. Achievements

If there are any important achievements you didn’t list in your qualifications, list them in this section. Achievements can be anything from any awards or commendations you received, to any contributions you made to the community or any successful projects you completed. If you have previous work experience, you can also include examples of how you helped former employers reach their sales targets.

8. Personal interests

This is an optional section, but you can include a list of personal interests to showcase any non-work-rlated skills you may have that make you a great candidate for the job (e.g. hobbies that show you are proactive, are a team player, and so on).

9. Referees

A referee is typically someone who knows you professionally such as your current or previous manager, but they can also include people such as your team leader, teacher, or work experience supervisor. Include at least two referees in your resume and provide their professional details, including the referee’s first and last name, job title, the organisation they work in, phone number, and email address.

Make your CV easy to read

Employers take between 15-20 seconds to initially scan through CVs. If your CV is easy to read and well-presented, then it is more likely to make a good first impression and stand out. Our key tips for making your CV look professional and presentable include:

Do Include:

  • Strong headings
  • Black, easy to read font
  • Keep a formal tone
  • Use clear, short sentences, and break up blocks of text
  • Use bullet points to list information
  • Keep your CV between 1-2 pages maximum

 

Don’t Include:

  • Abbreviations, unrelated jargon, or slang
  • Images or photos
  • Too much text or bad spelling
  • An unprofessional sounding email address
  • Unrelated work experience
  • Lies about your experience or skills
  • Your date of birth/age
  • Your marital status
  • Your religion
  • Your bank account details

Pro tip! Include action verbs in your CV to describe your skills and work history. Words like managed, demonstrated, developed, and organised are powerful because they give a strong impression that will maximise the effectiveness of your accomplishments.

Another best practice is to save your CV as a word document under your name, the job title, and the application date. This makes it easy for you and the employer!

Useful Supportive Documents to include

Besides your CV, there is a variety of other documents you can choose to include to support your job application. Supportive documentation types include:

  • Cover letter – the most important supportive documentation. Tells your potential employer why you are the ideal candidate for the role.
  • Letters of recommendation such as a professional reference or a personal character reference letter.
  • Education transcripts
  • Certificates
  • Other documents relevant to the job

In need of practical work experience? Study short courses in Auckland with Crown

Looking to study in New Zealand and eventually enter the work force? Here at Crown, we provide a wide range of business, travel and tourism, and hospitality courses for you to choose from. Study with Crown to gain industry knowledge, practical skills, and work experience that will keep you two steps ahead of the crowd when applying for your dream job. For more information, explore our website or get in touch with us today to register your interest!

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Job Interviews What to Know Beforehand

A job interview is nerve-racking for most people, but the more prepared you are, the less nervous you’ll be. If you’ve already completed your course study in Auckland and are ready to get out and join the industry of your dreams, here are some key tips to help you absolutely crush your next job interview!

What kind of job interviews are there?

The best way to prepare for your interview is to know what to expect before you go, and one of the first things to be aware of is that no two interviews are the same. While some interviews will be one-on-one, others can be structured with a panel of two or more people interviewing you. A group interview with multiple applicants is less common, but you might find yourself in one if you’re applying for a sales role or an internship position, or if the company you’re applying for is hiring multiple people for the same job.

Other common interview types include over-the-phone or video interviews. Phone interviews usually take place in the first round of screening to see if you are a suitable candidate to come in for a full interview. In contrast, if it’s in a video format, there are a few things you’ll want to do beforehand.

Prepping for Video Interviews

  •  Make sure you know which computer program, website, or application the video interview will be held on, and have a test-run of the program with a friend or family member. Check that the sound, video, and microphone are all working properly prior to the interview to avoid any complications during the interview.
  • Make sure your device is fully charged.
  • Exchange numbers with the interviewer prior to the call, in case of any video link failures.
  • Make sure you – and the background – look presentable and professional.
  •  Have your interview notes and CV close by for reference.

Preparation is Key

Arriving at the interview fully prepared and knowing what to expect will not only help you feel more confident, it will also show the interviewer that you are serious about getting the job. Before attending your interview, make sure you:

  •  Research the organisation. Learn as much as you can about the organisation, this will help you determine if the position is right for you and will also give you an idea of what they’re looking for in an employee.
  • Prepare your answers beforehand. Research commonly asked job interview questions and write down your answers. You don’t need to recite these answers word-for-word during the interview. In fact, it’s better if you don’t! However, if you think about possible questions beforehand, you are less likely to be caught off-guard and will be able to speak with confidence and intention.
  • Know your strengths and weaknesses. A common question interviewers ask, is “What are your biggest strengths/weaknesses?” This is your chance to discuss your strengths and show how they are relevant to the job at hand. Recognising your weaknesses and sharing them is equally important. Everyone has weaknesses, so show your employer that you’re aware of yours and that you’re willing to honestly self-assess and seek ways to improve them.
  • Prepare your own questions for the interview. Having questions prepared and ready will show the interviewer that you are interested in the job and the organisation.
  • Practice with a friend. Practising your answers out loud and having a friend ask you possible interview questions is an excellent way to prepare. Not only will you become more familiar with the potential interview question, speaking out loud will give you confidence in your answers, as well.

First impressions matter

When it comes to job interviews, a first impression can make the difference between a rejection email and a follow-up interview. Give yourself the chance to make a good first impression with the following tips:

  • Look the part. You don’t need to go out and buy a brand-new wardrobe to look presentable. As long as you wear something smart and tidy, employers will recognise the effort you made to be well-dressed.
  • Arrive early. Make sure you have your means of travel to the interview sussed before the interview day and plan your schedule so that you arrive 10-15 minutes early.
  • Practice respect. Make sure to show respect and consideration to everyone you encounter. This is a good life practice in general but it is especially important when visiting the site of your job interview.
  • You might encounter your potential employer unexpectedly or bump into people who end up being your future colleagues or teammates.
  • Good manners and positive body language. Being polite, friendly, and confident does wonders for a good first impression.
  • Bring the essentials. Useful things to bring to an interview include a copy of your resume and other relevant documentation, a notebook and pen to write with, and a water bottle in case you get thirsty.
  • Respond Thoughtfully. You don’t need to rush. Take your time to respond thoughtfully to the questions you’re asked and tie your answers back to your accomplishments.

After the Interview

Once the interview has finished, you can ask the interviewer or hiring manager about the next steps in the interview process. You can also enquire to find out when you’re likely to receive a follow-up email with the results of your interview.

If you’ve already completed an interview – well done! You’re one step closer to landing your dream job. If you’re interested in learning more about what to do before accepting a job offer, such as choosing between multiple offers and resigning from your previous employment, there are plenty of resources available online.

If you didn’t get the job, don’t be disheartened! Think of your interview as a valuable experience you can improve from. You will definitely have more opportunities to find something even better.

Looking for more practical experience? Come study in Auckland with Crown

Want to gain experience and confidence in the industry of your interest? Enrol in one of Crowns intensive short courses, hospitality courses, or business courses in Auckland and hit the ground running. We provide you with all the industry-specific knowledge you need to know and help you build a repertoire of key skills and experience to smash your next interviews with. Feel free to contact us today for more information on courses and opportunities through Crown!

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How Crown is Different to Other Schools

Want to join a career in business, hospitality, or travel & tourism but lack the experience or know-how to get a foot in the door? If so, then studying with Crown is one of the best steps forward you could make, and we’ll help you get the work experience you need to join the career of your dreams. So how exactly do we help you achieve your goals, and why should you choose to study with us?

We’re leaders in the industry

Crown is first-rate in the field of business, hospitality, travel and tourism, and is one of the longest-running tertiary institutes in New Zealand. Having been established since 1972 (that’s 48 years of teaching!) our fundamental principles of providing caring and innovative training have not changed one bit! However, we’re not stuck in the times, either. In fact, we are constantly improving our practices! We keep our courses and teaching methods fresh and relevant through Crown’s strong connection with reputable partners in the industry.

We provide an innovative & caring approach to learning

We are passionate about holistic learning; this means we aren’t just focused on getting students the academic knowledge they need to succeed in the field. We are dedicated to developing our students and helping them win in all aspects of their lives. Our teachers are also genuinely invested in every one of their students and more than willing to support, listen, and guide students however they can. This is why we also provide a wide range of support services such as career and wellbeing support, as well as student support workshops outside of regular classes. These workshops will supply you with all the tips you need and help you step into the professional world with confidence.
In addition to this, we can also provide free public transport for students through an AT Hop card to make getting to and from school each day a breeze!

Crown creates confident & world-ready graduates

Our Real World Experience (RWE) and work placements are vital parts of Crown’s curriculum. RWE covers an in-depth range of experiences that helps to bring students into the realm of business, hospitality, travel and tourism, such as:

  •  Consistent exposure to the exciting world of employment.
  • Onsite Seminars, networking events.
  • Offsite industry visits and famils (familiarisation tours)

All of these excellent experiences help students built their skills, knowledge, and confidence in the industry! Work placements are the final milestone for students to complete their Crown Diploma programme.

All the knowledge, skills, attributes, and Real World Experience students gain through their studies is put to the test in this final Work placement.

We can provide this excellent opportunity thanks to the close working relationship we have with many of New Zealand’s best hotels, tourism operators, and travel agencies. Each of the businesses we work with is happy to help Crown students, providing great career stability and promotion opportunities!

Great Facilities & Culture

Not only is Crown loved for its welcoming environment, great culture, and friendly staff and students, Crown is also loved for its modern and multi-level campus grounds which have the best training facilities students could need! Our facilities include:

  • Ramada hotel room & reception desk
  • Airline cabin
  • Travel agency desk
  • Bar and barista training area
  • Kitchen facilities
  • Café & restaurant area
  • Outdoor & indoor student common area
  • Cultural performance & seminar area
  • Classrooms with computers

We give students the valuable connections they need

Crown’s great relationship with reputable, quality industry partners means that throughout your studies, we will connect you with some of these great partners. Students have multiple opportunities to meet companies and get connected at events such as onsite seminars, networking events, offsite visits, famils, Real World Experience, and Work Placements. These connections to first-hand travel and tourism practices, people, and opportunities, are the steppingstones that give Crown students a foot in the door before the rest.

Study with us and kick-start your career!

Whether you’re interested in studying barista courses, hospitality courses, or are looking into business or travel and tourism careers, we’re here to help you succeed in your career goals! If you’re interested in the opportunities we can offer you, register your interest with Crown today and we’ll be in touch with you within two working days to confirm your enrolment.

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Helping Students Succeed in Difficult Times

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Thankfully at the Crown Institute of Studies, we have been doing our very best to make sure our students can continue to study in Auckland without their learning being interrupted. Students are now able to continue their courses online and we are providing our students with all the essential resources and help they need in order to succeed.

What are we doing to help our students?

We are completely aware that COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on industries specialising in business, hospitality, and travel and tourism. But we also know that with time, things will improve, and that this situation will not last forever. When the time comes and there is once again a hungry need for skilled workers in these industries, our students will be prepared to take on the responsibility.

We are presently doing our utmost to ensure that our students have access to the tools and provisions they need to complete their studies. We are fully prepared to deliver classes online and are presently doing so with our current students.

 

What tools are available for our students?

We have made available all the essential online learning tools our students will need to effectively complete their online classes and maintain contact with us throughout the term. Online tools we have implemented include:

 

  • Microsoft Teams
  • WhatsApp, Skype, and other such social media.
  • Moodle
  • Zoom

 

Microsoft Team will be one of the main platforms we use for communicating with our students. To log in to Microsoft Team, students will be able to use their Crown emails for easy access.

 

Moodle and Zoom have already been used successfully, helping our current students complete their classes and not have to worry about altering their course dates.

 

Chromebooks for students who do not have a device of their own

We are providing Chromebooks for all students who do not have a device of their own for online learning. These Chromebooks are specifically for students to use while studying at Crown and will need to be returned at the end of the student’s studies.

 

How will classes continue for now?

 

Every morning at 9:30am, the tutors will have video meetings with the students to check in with everyone as a whole class. Attendance will still be taken online each morning because it is still very important to be present during classes, even while studying from home.

 

We will be continuing to have regular group meetings during the new term via video call. Students will be able to ask any questions they need and still be able to contribute to class discussions as per usual.

 

For the duration of the lockdown period and until we can start up our regular classes on campus, sessions will continue to be taught through online platforms.

What financial support do our students have access to?

For those who are particularly affected by the current situation and those who are not eligible to apply for Fees Free, we have established a new COVID-19 Hardship Scholarship that students can apply for. All New Zealand citizens and residents can apply for this scholarship with us and will be able to receive 100% funding of tuition fees for all our level 3, 4, and 5 programmes.

 

For those looking to apply for the COVID-19 Hardship Scholarship, they can apply here via our enrolment form.

 

How can students apply & when does term start?

 

Our term and courses start up on the 28th of April and the following term begins on the 2nd of June.

 

We are currently accepting enrolments for our travel and tourism courses as well as our hospitality and business courses. Normally, students need to come into the campus for an interview and a tour of the campus, but in the current circumstances, all interviews are happening online via Zoom, Skype, Facetime or phone call.

 

Keep an eye out for updates

We will continue to provide updates on our current situation so our students and prospective student can stay fully informed. We will also continue to provide as much student support as we can, so if you have any questions or need to talk to us about anything, we are more than happy to help. Please call us on 0800357316 or email us at info@crown.ac.nz.

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Effective Study Tips for Online Learners

Best-tips-for-studying-effectively-for-happy-online-learners-490

Online learning is an excellent way for students to study and we believe that with the right mindset, tools, and strategy, all students can thrive and accomplish their academic goals. Read our top 10 online study tips below to get the best success with your online learning!

1. Set Goals

Setting goals is the best way to keep yourself feeling motivated. If you’re able to maintain a clear perspective of what you’re doing and where you’re going, then moving forward will be much easier. Because distance learning is self-paced, students need to set up their own schedule to follow and work towards their own due dates. Our best goal setting tips include:

Study Do’s

  1. Set long-term goals and have clear learning objectives that matter to you.
  2. Create a schedule and set daily goals for studying.
  3. Create to-do lists – you can keep track of the work you do, and satisfyingly check off the work you complete!
  4. Write down due dates in a calendar and put it on a wall where you can see it regularly.
  5. Make your own deadlines for assignments and set them a few days before the actual assignment is due. This will mean you won’t be kicking yourself the night before the assignment is due, stress-mashing the keyboard! Give yourself time to deal with unexpected circumstances and time to edit your work or finish other assignments.

Study Don’t

 

  1. Don’t try to pace yourself against the expectations of someone else’s plan. If their strategy doesn’t work with your learning style it will feel unnecessarily frustrating trying to follow. Make a personal plan that works for you and stick to it.

 

2. Optimise Your Study Space!

How effectively and efficiently we study can be very much influenced by the location we study in. Of course, a study space that works for one person might not work for another. Some people love working in a café with the bustle and chatter taking place in the background, or listening to ambient sounds, while others prefer complete quiet for a clear head. When learning from home, key aspects to consider for your study space include:

 

  1. Setting up a dedicated study space where you can work in daily. Environment is key, so it’s a lot easier to get things done if you complete your studies in one space associated with getting work done. This is true for all things, from working out to relaxing and studying. If you try to study from the comfort of your own bed, there’s a high chance you’ll fall to sleep!
  2. Choose the ambience that works for you. Do you prefer working with music in the background, ambient sound, or no sound at all?
  3. Have a decluttered workspace for maximum concentration.
  4. Consider studying in a private area of the house if you can, where other people won’t interrupt or distract you.
  5. Make sure you have access to a reliable internet connection as classes and materials will be online.

3. Get Familiar with Your Course

Get familiar with your online course before it begins so if you have any questions, you can have them answered before the course kicks off. It is also a good idea to check if there are any technical requirements or materials you need to get access to, so you can be ready to go when classes start.

4. Know Your Learning Style

Everyone’s learning style is different, and what works best for one, might not be efficient for another. Again, figure out what ways work best for you, whether that involves using visual material, reading, writing, listening or activity doing, that depends on which strategy works best for you. Usually, strategies include a few different learning styles. The main types of learning styles include:

 

  1. Visual – using material like pictures, diagrams, charts, cue cards, and brainstorm maps.
  2. Auditory – for those who learn best when material is spoken out loud. These learners will prefer learning through lectures and discussions.
  3. Reading and Writing – for those who prefer assignments that involve reading and writing.
  4. Kinesthetic – For those who learn best through doing and applying new information.

5. Join the Discussion

Listen to and participate in class discussions via online forums and keep an eye out for any updates. Participating in discussions is a great way to apply the knowledge you are learning by discussing it, asking questions and figuring out concepts together. Joining class discussions can also help you feel more connected and make it easier for you to reach out and make friends.

6. Do One Thing at a Time

By focussing on one thing at a time you can maximise your concentration and work efficiently. This means you won’t feel unnecessarily overwhelmed trying to complete everything at once.

7. Set Time Limits & Take Regular Breaks

If you set specific time frames in which you will be studying, you can increase your productivity within that time because you know you will get to relax later. While you study, it’s also important to take regular breaks to stretch and give your mind a rest. Studying is hard work and looking after yourself and taking breaks when you need them will decrease overall stress and improve concentration.

8. Take Care of Your Body & Mind

Being a student is hard work and how efficient you are at studying is affected by the daily habits and routine you create for yourself. From how much we sleep and how much water we drink, to what type of food we eat and how much exercise we do, all these things have a big impact on our energy levels and our ability to concentrate throughout the day. So make sure to implement a healthy routine!

9. Ask for Help When You Need It

Remember: you’re not alone. Your classmates are probably wondering the same things you are wondering, and your teachers are practically on the edge of their seats waiting to answer your questions! So talk things through in forums, ask your classmates and teachers, and use the resources you are provided with, they are there to help you.

10. Be Prepared & Stay motivated

Motivation is very much dependent on how much you prepare and apply yourself to the tasks at hand. Often, you can’t rely on motivation alone to get you started, but once you do start, you gain momentum and can get into a good rhythm. Some days willpower is hard to muster, while others, it’s a piece of cake, so be kind and pace yourself.

 

Bonus tip: Acknowledge Your Accomplishments!

Your hard work deserves recognition! Reward yourself with things you like after completing your work. Whether that’s a refreshing walk, time with your friends, a date night, watching a movie or eating your favourite food, just make sure that you recognise and value your own efforts.

 

Where to Apply for Online Courses in Business & Hospitality

 

Crown Institute of Studies is presently accepting online enrolments for our hospitality and business courses as well as travel and tourism courses! Come explore our website and find out if a career in business and hospitality is right for you!

 

enrol now here and current situation concerning COVID-19Read more information on the Crown Institute of Studies’

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5 Ways Your Brain Can Stay Fit Over the Holidays

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It’s important to take a break and allow yourself some well-deserved rest especially after a gruelling semester of studying for your courses in Auckland. But as tempting as it is to lay in bed 24/7 and binge-watch that new Netflix show, you don’t want to be doing nothing all-holiday-long. Here are five ways you can be productive and still have fun over the break to ensure you’ll be fresh and ready to get back into learning when you start school again.

Find a New Hobby or Interest

It’s the perfect time to find a new hobby. From learning how to cook to knitting, there’s something different out there for everyone. Not only would a new hobby allow you to express your creativity in a bunch of different ways, they’re also a great method for exploring what you’re good at.

An incredible means to occupy your time during the holidays, hobbies are also great for relieving stress even when you’re back in school. Furthermore, these skills can be carried throughout your life, so the next time it’s someone’s birthday you know you’ll able to gift them a beautiful, handmade scarf.

Lend a Hand

Make a difference in the world by volunteering your time. Not only does this help you become a more fulfilled person, it’ll also increase your happiness and the happiness of those on the receiving end. Volunteering is also a great way to meet people and help develop your social skills no matter which sector you choose to dedicate your time to.

In addition to bettering the lives of others, this sense of purpose can give meaning to your life and keep you mentally stimulated, meaning that both you and the persons involved can benefit greatly from this selfless act.

Educate Yourself

It’s always helpful to have a bit of general knowledge, and it certainly doesn’t hurt to know more about the way the world works. Continuous learning ensures your brain is kept stimulated and your critical thinking skills are put to the test.

Learning isn’t just limited to the classroom. Keep yourself occupied with an educational YouTube video or documentary online and you just might have some additional facts that will be useful on trivia night.

Learn a New Language

Being multilingual has been associated with plenty of added benefits such as better decision making, improved memory and an increased attention span. With helpful applications and websites such as Duolingo and Babbel, it has never been easier to pick up another language, especially if you have plans to travel somewhere new!

Explore!

Travelling to new places is proven to not only help you feel better physically by keeping you and your brain active, but also emotionally by keeping stress levels low and making you happier.

Can’t afford to travel far? A new street or area close to you that you haven’t been to before works just as well too. Get your walking shoes on as you prepare to make the trek to better physical and mental health!

Interested in studying this year?

Are you interested in travel? Do you want to make a difference in New Zealand’s tourism industry? Contact us today and we can help you get started in <span;”>travel and tourism courses at Auckland’s longest established private tertiary institute.

 

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The Best Study Spots in Auckland City

The-best-study-spots-in-auckland

Studying in Auckland has a neat collection of rewards and benefits, and the multitude of contrasting backdrops around the city is just one of them. When you’re studying in Auckland, whether it be for travel and tourism, or history and business, you can guarantee you won’t have to search very far to find a secluded spot to set out your books and get some serious study done. But if you’re sick of the same old spots and you need some new ideas for places to concentrate, here are a few of our favourite study spots!

On the Lush Grass of Albert Park

Uni students from all Auckland campuses congregate in Albert Park; it’s the central thoroughfare for all aspiring wizards *ahem* scholars. Situated right among all the commuters passing through can be the perfect place to go completely unnoticed.

On a sunny day, the park benches of Albert park are glistening off the reflection of the fountain, and you can easily get your tan on while you sit and study. Alternatively, setting up in the comfort of the Gazebo can be an ideal atmosphere to zone out of the world around you. Or just find a dry patch of grass under the shade of the park’s great trees. Trust us—great weather and a light breeze will do you some good and will only heighten your focus! (Just don’t fall asleep during your study break!)

Auckland City Library

Okay, maybe we’re stating the obvious here, but so many people overlook Auckland City Library as a valid study spot! There’s no shortage of spots to hide away or set up your notes within the four walls of this vast building. There’s free WiFi, computers to use stacked with all the programs you’ll ever need, and for the more creative projects they even have a dedicated Makerspace complete with 3D printers!

This library has definitely evolved into more than just a book depository—it just keeps getting better and better over the time—but that doesn’t mean there isn’t still an impressive collection of books. The Auckland library network is the largest in the entire southern hemisphere, and you can request any book from the network to be delivered to the central library online. This includes fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, reference books, old newspapers and even heritage documents.

Surrounded by History at the Museum

Auckland War Memorial Museum is just a short walk across the domain, and offers free entry with proof of Auckland residency. Along with all the fascinating exhibitions, Auckland Museum is also home to a vast research library, which is an absolutely perfect spot to study among some of the country’s most expansive history collections.

Surely you can get smarter just by sitting among all the documents and absorbing their knowledge, right? Either way, this provides an engrossing environment that will find you being incredibly hard to disturb. Plus, it’s pretty quiet.

Over a Cup of Coffee: Café Study

The central city is full of hidden cafes and eateries perfect for setting up and studying over a cup of delicious coffee and a snack. As a student, you’ve got to scout out which cafes will be happy for you to sit there for a couple of hours with your laptop out—but these places definitely exist! Here are some of our favourites:

Welcome Eatery, Grafton

This spacious eatery is a short walk across Grafton Bridge from the central city. Its patrons consist mainly of like-minded focused students, as well as the odd business meeting. It’s the perfect atmosphere to get some work done and escape a little from the hustle and bustle of the city.

William’s Eatery, Wynyard Quarter

Enjoy a stroll along Auckland’s waterfront on your way to this sunny study spot. Both the coffee and food are next level at this popular eatery, and the modern interior exudes a calming feel to take away all the stress of uni. If you stay for long enough, you can even enjoy one of the best ‘golden hour’ spots the city has to offer.

Bestie Cafe, St Kevin’s Arcade

For a study sesh with a view, Bestie is really the best! Set up at one of the tables at the end of the historical St Kevin’s Arcade on K’ Rd, and you’ve got yourself one of the most ‘grammable study spots in the city, looking out over Myers Park and the city beyond. Grab a coffee or a kombucha and you’re all set to go.

Remedy Coffee, Midtown

Just off Queen St at number 1 Wellesley Street is tucked away the cutest little coffee shop. This place is frequented by students and offers a quaint, study vibe as the walls are lined with books and plants. Just like studying in your lounge without having to make the commute home.

Make the most of Studying in Auckland

No matter whether you’re in lectures, completing your work experience, or finding a good spot to study, when you enrol in Crown Institute, we’ll guide you through making the absolute most out of Auckland while you study. It really is a great place to be completing a degree, and if you’re interested in starting one, get in touch with us today!

 

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A Day in the Life of a Flight Attendant

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If you’re looking at pursuing flight attending as a career, travel and tourism courses open tons of opportunities that will lead you right to it! Studying to become a flight attendant is nerve-wracking, yet exciting in all aspects. Being able to travel to new places, meet new people, and explore different cultures sounds exactly like the dream! Don’t get us wrong, though, it’s also a lot of hard work! If you’re serious about taking your dreams to greater heights and are up for the challenge, discover what your typical day would look like up in the skies!

Pre-flight

It’s not uncommon for flight attendants to start their day in the wee hours of the morning. Since you have to be well-prepared before take-offs, flight attendants need to get up early and should be ready to go at least two hours before their flight. It’s not just so they can spend some serious time perfecting that primed flight attendant look! All cabin crew members also have to go through a customary briefing before boarding the plane.

Crew members run through topics such as safety, security, and first aid. Then, there’s a quick Q&A test before the flight attendants are allowed to operate the flight. After which, they are given flight details such as what specific meals are loaded in the plane, passengers that need special care, and if there are any turbulences to expect during the flight. Finally, flight attendants are assigned to specific positions which determine their responsibilities on the day’s flight.

 

Onboard the Aircraft

The first task required of flight attendants while onboard the aircraft is to make sure that the aircraft is ready for onboarding. They start by checking all the necessary emergency equipment (safety cards, life jackets) and making sure each seat has a complete kit in usable condition. They then test the entertainment system and ensure lavatory equipment is functioning and that supplies are ample.

Since flight attendants are given designated tasks according to your role for the day, responsibilities may vary. You could be the one assigned in the aisle section or you could be tasked with counting all the meals and trays for the flight. You may also need to document the locations for inflight service items and ensure the total amount of supplies are enough for the total passenger load. We know, it’s a lot of responsibilities! But not to worry—flight attendants work as a team. The success of the flight doesn’t solely rely on just one person, it relies on the overall cooperation of each team member!

The cabin manager who leads the cabin crew then calls for boarding and the rest of the flight attendants make their way to their boarding positions. While passengers aboard the aircraft, flight attendants can help passengers with their load. Though not a required procedure, it’s always a nice gesture to offer a lending hand to families – especially those with children, to carry and lift their bags so that other passengers can get to their assigned seats faster.

Once everyone is settled, the flight attendants close the overhead bins, close the doors, and prepare to head to their demo positions. They will demonstrate aircraft emergency procedures and safety features to passengers. After the demo, flight attendants will check the seatbelts and make sure passenger are seated safely. Once they finish their respective sections in the aircraft, they head on to aft galley and the cabin manager lets the captain know that cabin is secure.

 

After take-off

As the seatbelt sign turns off, the flight attendants can begin their service. They make their way to the aisle to turn on the entertainment system and start distributing customs cards to passengers. After that, they start to serve the passenger meals, followed by rolling out the beverages.

Next, they come back out with the empty carts from meal services and collect all the rubbish. Some passengers will request for different beverages after the meal service. Flight attendants are also tasked to process credit cards and passenger’s change as they run orders. It’s all hard work! But at the end of bar service, it’s usually break time for the crew!

 

After landing

After the seatbelt signs are turned off, flight attendants help passengers get off the aircraft. The cabin members stand alongside the captain at the front of the aircraft and bid farewell to the passengers.

 

Post-flight

Depending on a flight attendant’s flight schedule, there may be enough time for downtime where they can hang out, take a nap, work out, or have a sit-down meal. Other times, in-between flight schedules are just too tight that they go straight from one gate to the next. But it’s okay, some trips will allow you days off in a new country which gives you more time to explore and become a tourist yourself!

 

Different days, different time zones

Being a flight attendant doesn’t limit you to flying the same schedule you have flown countless times. It’s not routine work, nor is it a 9 to 5 job. Each day looks different when you’re a flight attendant. You never know what to expect or who you will meet on a particular day. And that is why each day demands a fair share of mental, physical, and emotional preparation. There is paperwork to finish, demanding passengers to deal with, unexpected situations to overcome, and routine preparation to accomplish. Yet, along with it comes some of the most memorable and meaningful experiences you will take part in. You will explore new places, get to meet new people, and experience soaking in different cultures! Each day holds a different kind of surprise but expect tons of lessons to pick up en route to every destination!

 

 Ready to fly high?

Crown Institute of Studies offers the best courses in tourism New Zealand has to offer! We can help shape you to become a professional in your chosen career path including flight attending! Crown also provides business and other hospitality courses that will help you succeed in your chosen industry. Dream big and soar high. We’ll help you get there!

 

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Five Tips to Balancing a Part-Time Job While Studying

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While you’re studying, you may find yourself wanting or needing to get a part-time job. Most students work part-time when they are studying, whether it be to earn some extra cash, or to gain relevant work experience. If you’re working part-time while studying at university, we’ve got 5 tips to share with you that can make having a job and balancing your studies more manageable. Let’s dive right in!

Be Realistic About Your Availability

Depending on what and where you study, you may only be required to be in classes or lectures for half of the week. Looking at the blank spaces in our uni timetables, it can be easy to think that we have all the spare time in the world. This can give us the illusion that we have more time to spend working than we think! Unfortunately, this can backfire badly when we’re applying for jobs.

Be realistic – you need to know how much time you’re going to need for studying and doing assignments outside of just attending lectures. If you are studying full-time, think of your studies as a 40-hour work week, just like any other full-time job. You can then be realistic at what hours you have left over in the week to spend time working.

Be upfront about this when you apply for jobs and go to interviews, so that your employer is aware of your schedule and can’t add you to extra shifts. You can quickly overwork and burn out, which is not a good thing for you or your employer. If you think you may have more time to work earlier in the semester than later on when things start to get hectic, be upfront about this as well and give dates to potential employers so that they are fully aware of your availability.

Try to Get a Job in Your Field Of Study

Unfortunately, you aren’t going to get your dream job in your field while you’re only half way through your degree. Everyone has to start somewhere! However, it is a good idea to apply for part-time work that’s within the industry or that links in with your field of study. This could be a paid internship, a tutoring role, or anything else that relates to your chosen field.

Having a part-time job that relates to your degree not only gives you an edge, but it can also be extremely valuable when it comes time to graduate and find a full-time role. You will already have some experience under your belt to add to your CV, giving you an edge on all the other graduates.

Some courses offer work experience papers within the degree. Ask your tutors or look online to see if your course has an industry lead paper. If your job can help you towards completing a paper, you can easily kill two birds with one stone and save yourself a lot of time and stress.

Finally, some courses may even have industry partnerships that will help you get a job. For example, at Crown Institute we offer a Study and Work programme. This allows students to work at one of our partnering companies in the travel and tourism industry, as well as other industries, to gain relevant work experience while they study. You can gain professional training in employment skills and your work experience is guaranteed to be paid.

Make the Most Out of Study Breaks

We’ve all been there – you want to relish your student life for as long as possible. We get it. After all, this is the last time in your life you will ever get two weeks off every 6 weeks and all of summer to go on holiday. However, study breaks are a good opportunity to get extra shifts where you can and work more hours. You will find yourself needing the extra cash for when your studies get stressful and you have to prioritise.

Christmas break is an especially good time to pick up extra shifts at your job, as it’s easily the busiest time of the year in most industries. If you put your hand up and offer yourself for more time during Christmas and other breaks, your employers will probably be more than happy to give you more shifts.

Plan Out Your Weeks

Planning is key to not falling behind, especially when it’s closer to exams or when assignments are due. There is nothing worse than thinking you have all the time in the week to study, only to leave it to the last minute and then be stressing out about exams and assignments while you’re at work.

Planning can help avoid this. Invest in a good weekly planner – whether it’s an app, a book or your online calendar. Block out hours each day when you have class and work, and then block out an efficient number of hours to study.

The next part about planning is sticking to your plan! This may sound obvious but is harder to do than you would think. Try to motivate yourself so that you don’t procrastinate, and you will feel less stressed overall.

Most Importantly: Don’t Forget that Your Studies Come First!

Once you get a job, it can be so easy to get excited about making money and forget to prioritise your studies. However, it’s important to understand that studying is your number one priority. This is what’s going to propel you into much better work opportunities in the future.

You don’t want to stay at the same level on the corporate ladder forever and getting a degree can leap you steps closer to getting your dream job. In order to get there, you can’t lose sight of the necessary steps towards reaching your career goals.

 

Gain Work Experience During Your Studies at Crown Institute

 

If you’re considering working while you study, our Study + Work programme may be the perfect fit for you. It offers professional training to prepare you for employment and customer service, and then sets you up for a guaranteed paid work experience at one of our many partnering companies. You’ll get to gain real-life experience in the workforce, while you finish your degree. Our partners understand the importance of your studies and will not only push you towards having the best working and studying balance available but will offer you experiences that can propel your learning.

 

To talk to us about applying for the Study and Work programme, contact us today.

 

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Crown Institute of Studies are pleased to announce their NZQA-certified Diploma of Tourism and Travel, for 2019

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According to Tourism New Zealand, two million holidaymakers visited our shores to enjoy what New Zealand had to offer in 2018. These visitors spent around 40 million dollars every day and this money was used back into our communities. The tourism industry plays a huge part in showcasing our corner of the world to the rest of the world and this is where we need people like you to join the tourism industry.

That’s why Crown Institute of Studies has recently announced their new Diploma in Tourism and Travel programme. The Diploma in Tourism and Travel is an innovative qualification and is now open for application. It is a great for people who are looking to immerse themselves in New Zealand’s thriving tourism industry and be a part of change that would lead to make New Zealand as one of the most visited countries in the world.

Tourism is an exciting career path. Many pursue tourism because it gives them a great opportunity to see the world. Whether you are playing your part 30,000 feet in the air, or taking a group of people for a tour through Hobbitton, the jobs available in the tourism industry are endless and this gives graduates a way of working while enjoying the many benefits tourism has to offer.

At Crown Institute of Studies, we have Travel and Tourism courses that will help you get into the tourism industry and ‘hit the ground running’. We have industry experts that help us design our courses and we can also provide you with work experiences in the industry while you study. Our advisory group are industry experts that help us keep our courses practical and relevant.

Whatever the reason maybe, apply at Crown and we will help you achieve an exciting career in an industry that is forever ‘woke’. Applications are currently being accepted for the first intake, starting 11 February 2019. For more inquiries, contact us on 0800 357 316 or click HERE to complete an enrolment form.