Caitlin Bowden Enhances Vocational Skills as a Volunteer at the National Tertiary Futsal Championship

Caitlin Bowden, a passionate and dedicated recent graduate rom AUT, recently played a vital role as a volunteer at the National Tertiary Futsal Championship held in Auckland from August 18th to 20th. Her work at the championship, assisting the Marketing and Events Manager, saw her leading social media initiatives and driving digital engagement among students. This experience not only contributed to the success of the event but also provided Caitlin with invaluable opportunities for vocational skill development, a core objective of the Team UTSNZ Workforce Development Programme.

Reflecting on her decision to volunteer with UTSNZ, Caitlin explains, "I wanted to gain practical experience that would allow me to apply what I've learned in my studies to real-world settings. The UTSNZ Workforce Development Programme was the perfect platform for this. I was particularly drawn to the idea of enhancing my skills in social media and digital content production, especially within a sports context."

Caitlin's involvement in the championship was a hands-on experience that allowed her to sharpen several key skills. "Leading the social media strategies and student engagement during the event helped me strengthen my communication, teamwork, and leadership abilities," she notes. "I became more confident in interacting with students, asking them to participate in content, and capturing the essence of the event through creative digital storytelling."

One of the most rewarding aspects of her role was seeing the immediate impact of her efforts. "It was awesome to watch our social media strategies enhance student engagement. Capturing special moments on and off the court, from scoring and celebrating to interviewing, made me realise how powerful digital content can be in bringing people together and amplifying the excitement of the event."

Caitlin also appreciated the networking opportunities the experience provided. "I met a lot of new people, some of whom are in the field I want to be in. I was able to get advice and gain insights into potential career paths in sport social media," she shares. "This experience has definitely boosted my confidence in my abilities and reaffirmed my desire to pursue a career in this field."

Caitlin’s journey is a testament to the value of the UTSNZ Workforce Development Programme, which aims to empower students and recent graduates by offering practical experiences that build a solid foundation for their future careers.

As she looks ahead, Caitlin is excited about the possibilities. With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Social Science, and experience in social media roles at a gym and with the AUT Student Association, she is now focused on building a career in sport social media. "Longer-term, I hope to work with either a women's sports team or a youth/student sports team or club. This experience with UTSNZ has been a crucial step towards that goal."

Caitlin's story is a positive example of how volunteering with UTSNZ can provide the practical experience and industry connections that students and recent graduates need to transition successfully into their careers. Through her work at the National Tertiary Futsal Championship, Caitlin not only contributed to the event's success but also took significant strides towards her own professional aspirations.

ENDS

For more on the 'Team UTSNZ' Workforce Development Programme and how you can get involved visit https://www.utsnz.co.nz/workforce-programme