Amy Young has always wanted to help other people realise their career aspirations.
As a Customer Service Account Manager (CSAM) for Connexis in the Eastern Bay of Plenty/South Waikato region, Amy is realising her own career aspirations.
“My passion has always been to support others in their career development, and being a CSAM for Connexis is the ideal job for that! Seeing trainees achieve their aspirations and being able to support them to do this is the most rewarding role I’ve had,” she says.
Amy has been with Connexis for the past 2.5 years but has a lot of experience in other roles where she has supported other people to find jobs, both in New Zealand and Australia.
As a CSAM Amy regularly travels around her region, meeting with both learners and employers making sure they have everything they need and are able to successfully complete their training seamlessly as easily and efficiently as possible.
“This role has a ton of variety. No two days are the same, and no two workplaces are the same,” Amy says. “The diversity of learners we support is huge and being able to have a front row seat to some of New Zealand’s biggest infrastructure projects is really interesting.
“But the real privilege is working alongside some of the amazing people in the infrastructure industry.”
Amy adds that she has learned a lot about each of the Civil, Energy, Telecommunications and Water industries Connexis provides training for and says being a CSAM is great for improving your general knowledge!
“The best piece of advice I was given in the job was to be prepared to always be learning. It’s very true. I’m still learning every day — and there’s still a lot more to learn.”
One of the highlights of each year for her is the annual Girls With Hi Vis (GWHV) initiative, run by Connexis to give female high school students a taste of what infrastructure careers are like, to bring more women into the industry.
“I’ve seen some fantastic Girls With Hi Vis events and heard from women that have had amazing careers within infrastructure, and who have really inspirational journeys to share.
“Seeing the inspiration within the young women that attend is special, and there have been some great employment outcomes along the way too!”
When it comes to the trainees Amy works with herself, her message to all of them is: “Do the mahi, get the treats!
“It’s not easy to balance work, home life and study’. It’s not something that happens overnight, so consistent progression, and having a plan to stay on track are the keys to success,” she says, adding that it’s also important to make the most of the team around you and be vocal if you need help with something.
“The rewards are there for you at the end, like personal accomplishment and career development, but it all comes back to making that plan to stay on track.”
