Madeleine Stowers

3 month Tuputoa internship at SkyCity - working across Human Resources (HR), HR Helpdesk and DE&I.

HR Onboarding project

Reviewing SkyCity Onboarding process to identify crucial points in handover from Recruitment to Helpdesk (data process) and Learning and Development (Training and Elearning). To identify gaps and suggest recommendations for SkyCity to improve employee experience.

Relevant skills acquired

• Internal Stakeholder management

Cultivated positive relationships with internal stakeholders/teams to record information relative to their respective contributions to onboarding.

• Critical thinking skills required in suggesting feasible recommendations for a smoother onboarding process for employees and processing i.e review automated emails to new employees - restructuring initial communication out in creating an inclusive and welcoming connection.

HR Helpdesk Assist

• Data entry: Processing new hires/employees paperwork into system, crucial point in Preboarding. Helpdesk central point of contact for employee systems and processes from entry to exit of business.

Relevant skills acquired

• Worked effectively in fast-paced environment and meeting process deadlines, reviewing sensitive information i.e visas, identification certificates.
• Collaborative and Team-oriented: Attention to areas that needed support and maintained consistent communication with Helpdesk team

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I)

Assisted in driving Indigenous/Pacific employee strategies at SkyCity.

• Supported diversity and inclusion programs within the organization, fostering an inclusive work environment for all employees i.e Pacific Employment Resource Group Launch plan (ERG a community group)
• Reviewing recommendations from External agency regarding inclusive Pacific strategies at SkyCity - analyzed Pacific employee feedback on experience.

Relevant Skills Acquired

• Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others.
• Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement, recognizing the value and significance of Pacific/Indigenous methodologies and approaches in the corporate space i.e interpersonal and networking skills, community-driven approaches.

In my last semester, I completed a management paper on Intercultural perspectives in New Zealand organizations. Students were required to engage in a coaching style of learning, this was a challenge for me being the only non-business student as well as the only Pasifika person in my tutorial class. It required me to work with compassion and to reflect on my positionality.

Relevant Skills acquired and Key learnings

• Team-based work centred on developing effectiveness and motivation.
• Importance of active listening and relationship building.
• Self-reflection on biases and stereotypes in developing cultural humility and competency in the workplace.
• New Zealand organizations and leaders must lead with cultural humility in alignment with Te tiriti o Waitangi.
• In the workshops, coaches would guide their partners through a personal problem statement using open-non-directive questions, leading with compassion and reflective practice.

A signed letter from the UoW Management school is to be read in conjunction with this CV as submitted.

• General customer service, measuring and fitting of customers with Bendon products, stock control, and store presentation.
• Responsible for opening store, banking, and closing store.

Relevant Skills Acquired

I was interacting with different women, young and old from all walks of life. It was critical in my job that I managed customer inquiries and frustrations appropriately whilst maintaining a professional standard. I engaged with customers, building genuine rapport, and creating a safe space in an environment that may feel uncomfortable and invasive. As a sales assistant, KPIs were used to monitor progress (i.e. standard 5-item sales, 80% linking to customer database, etc. )

• Alternate between supervising and caring for the 6 months - 2 years group and 2 to 5 years age group.
• Duties included preparing infant formula, feeding of infants, nappy changing and preparing/supervising lunches and play activities.
• I was also responsible for opening the Vickery Street childcare centre on a number of occasions.

Relevant Skills acquired

As a teacher aid, excellent communication skills were important in caring for the children and relaying to parents our concerns and updates. Being able to work efficiently in a team environment was invaluable and was absolutely critical in ensuring the children were well taken care of.