Here at Student Job Search we are a small but dedicated team, passionate about connecting students with job opportunities to help reduce financial hardship. Today we are chatting to Jobs and Customer Experience Manager Lily Misselke-Evans about what makes her tick.
Tell us about what you do at Student Job Search and why it matters.
I’m the Jobs and Customer Experience Manager at Student Job Search, which means I lead our frontline team.
My team and I are often the first point of contact for both students and employers, whether that’s answering calls, helping with job listings, or working through queries. Because of that, we have a real opportunity to shape people’s experiences with SJS from the very start.
What we do matters because we’re here to make things easier. We help students find work, support employers to connect with great candidates, and make sure the whole process runs smoothly and positively.
What do you enjoy about working here?
I really enjoy the variety; no two days are ever the same and there’s always something new to figure out (usually just as you think you’ve got everything under control). But most of all, it’s the people. The team is supportive, down to earth, and genuinely cares about the impact we have on students. There’s a real sense that what we do makes a difference, which is incredibly motivating.
What superpower would make your job easier?
Mind-reading would definitely help, especially when trying to get to the bottom of a “quick question” that turns into a 20-minute mystery.
Tell us about where you come from and why you've chosen NZ as your current home.
I’m originally from Guernsey in the Channel Islands which is a tiny island between France and England that most people haven’t heard of but absolutely should! It’s essentially a postcard you can live in. I now have two homes, Guernsey and Wellington. One is small, and the other seemed like a big city move at the time but after a few years, you realise Wellington is really just a village where everyone somehow knows someone you know.
It’s also the only city I’ve ever lived in, which feels like setting the bar quite high early on as on a good day; you genuinely can’t beat it.
What do you think is the biggest issue for students right now? What message would you give them?
Students are juggling a lot; study, work, finances, and trying to enjoy the experience at the same time. My message to them is to not feel like you have to have everything figured out straight away. Take opportunities as they come, ask for support when you need it, and remember that progress doesn’t have to be perfect!
Does pineapple belong on pizza?
This feels like a controversial moment… but yes, it absolutely does. Sweet and salty is a winning combo.
Best advice you've ever received?
Don’t trust anyone who says: “This will only take five minutes”. A simple rule that has saved me from a lot of overly-optimistic planning.