Placement Information at Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design

Unlocking Your Creative Career in New Zealand

At Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design, we understand that pursuing higher education abroad is a significant step, especially for Indian students aiming to build a global career in creative fields. Our placement services are designed to bridge the gap between your studies and professional success, offering comprehensive support tailored for international students. With a strong focus on employability, Whitecliffe equips you with the skills, networks, and opportunities needed to thrive in New Zealand's vibrant creative industry—or even back home in India. As you prepare for the next intake in February or July 2024, our career guidance will help you navigate post-study work visas, internships, and job placements effectively.

Career Services and Support

Whitecliffe's dedicated Career and Employability Team provides personalized assistance from day one of your program. We recognize the unique challenges Indian students face, such as adapting to New Zealand's job market, understanding work rights under student visas, and leveraging your qualifications for opportunities in both NZ and India. Our services include:

• Resume and Portfolio Building: Expert workshops to craft standout CVs and digital portfolios that highlight your creative talents. We emphasize showcasing projects relevant to Indian markets, like fusion design or sustainable fashion, to appeal to global employers.
• Interview Preparation: Mock interviews with industry professionals, focusing on confidence-building and cultural nuances. Sessions cover common questions for international graduates, including how to discuss your transition from India to NZ.
• Job Search Guidance: Access to our online job portal, featuring exclusive listings from NZ creative agencies, design studios, and brands. We also connect you with alumni networks in India for potential remote or return opportunities.
• Visa and Work Rights Workshops: Tailored advice on post-study work visas (up to 3 years for level 7+ qualifications), helping you understand how to apply for open work visas and pathways to residency—crucial for Indian students planning long-term stays.
• Mentorship Programs: Pairing with successful alumni and industry mentors, many of whom are Indian-origin professionals in NZ's design sector, offering insights into balancing cultural heritage with innovative work.

Our team organizes regular career fairs and guest lectures from top NZ employers like Fisher & Paykel, Resene Colours, and international firms with ties to India, such as those in Mumbai's fashion hub. For the upcoming intake, early registration ensures priority access to these events.

Internship Opportunities

Hands-on experience is key to placement success, and Whitecliffe integrates internships into many programs, including Fashion Design, Graphic Design, and Interior Architecture. As an Indian student, these opportunities allow you to gain NZ work experience while complying with visa restrictions (up to 20 hours/week during term time).

Key highlights:

• Industry Placements: Partnerships with over 100 creative studios in Auckland and Christchurch provide 10-12 week internships. Past students have interned at Auckland's leading ad agencies and sustainable design firms, building portfolios that stand out in competitive Indian job markets.
• Paid and Unpaid Options: Many internships are paid (NZD 20-25/hour), helping offset living costs. We assist with applications and negotiate terms to ensure fair opportunities for international students.
• Remote Internships: For those eyeing India-based roles, we facilitate virtual internships with global companies, bridging NZ education with Indian industry needs like digital media and e-commerce design.
• Success Rate: Over 85% of our internship participants secure full-time offers or references, with Indian graduates often transitioning to roles in NZ's growing creative economy.

For the next intake, internships start as early as your second semester, giving you a head start on building professional networks before graduation.

Employment Outcomes and Statistics

Whitecliffe boasts impressive graduate employability rates, with 92% of our students employed or in further study within six months of graduation (based on 2023 data). For Indian students, this translates to strong prospects in NZ's design sector, where demand for diverse talent is high—especially in areas like visual communication and product design.

Program	Average Starting Salary (NZD)	Top Employment Sectors	Placement Rate for International Students
Fashion and Textile Design	45,000 - 55,000	Fashion houses, Retail, Export to India	90%
Graphic and Motion Design	50,000 - 60,000	Advertising, Digital Media, Tech Startups	95%
Interior Design	48,000 - 58,000	Architecture Firms, Hospitality, Sustainable Builds	88%
Overall Average	48,000	Creative Industries	92%

These figures reflect full-time roles in NZ, but many Indian graduates leverage their Whitecliffe degree for high-paying positions in India (e.g., INR 6-12 lakhs annually in Mumbai or Delhi design firms). Our qualifications are recognized by bodies like the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), ensuring seamless credential evaluation for Indian employers.

Special Support for Indian Students

We prioritize the needs of Indian students by offering:

1. Cultural Integration Sessions: Advice on networking in NZ while maintaining ties to Indian festivals and communities, with links to Auckland's Indian student associations.
2. Scholarship-Linked Placements: For recipients of our India-specific scholarships (up to NZD 5,000), enhanced placement support including priority internship matching.
3. Return-to-India Pathways: Guidance on transferring credits or gaining experience for roles at Indian giants like Reliance Retail or Tata Consultancy in design divisions.
4. Post-Graduation Alumni Network: Join our 5,000+ strong global community, with active Indian chapters for ongoing job referrals.

Enrolling in the next intake means immediate access to these resources. Our success stories include Indian alumni now leading design teams at NZ firms like Icebreaker and contributing to Indo-NZ creative collaborations.

Why Choose Whitecliffe for Your Placement Journey? In a competitive world, our holistic approach ensures you're not just qualified, but employable. Contact our admissions team today to learn how we can support your transition to a rewarding career in arts and design. Your creative future starts here in New Zealand!