Consultant Testimonials
2022
2021
ThinkPod was an eye-opening and undoubtedly unique experience compared to the rest of university. Being put in a group with other consultants developed my interpersonal skills such as teamwork and communication, which helped me grow further as a person. I also got to give back to the community in a unique way. It is an experience I'd recommend to any student looking for a way to apply the skills they learned in their courses to a real-life situation while also playing a part in assisting our communities.
Paris Sephton
Consultant for The Rising Foundation
ThinkPod provides an opportunity for students to get a taste of the world of consulting while working closely with a local non-profit. I've made long-lasting connections throughout my consultant journey and learned the importance of both written and verbal communication skills. Working in a collaborative environment, knowing that your work will positively impact lives provides an unmatched sense of fulfilment. I highly recommend giving ThinkPod a go!
Maximus Soares
Consultant for AnxietyNZ
At ThinkPod you get to tackle real issues faced by social organisations in the community. You meet like minded students in a team and develop valuable skills in research, problem solving and presenting. For me, my experience was enhanced by the great support from the ThinkPod team, the well run activities and an interesting client that I got to work with. I think it is an experience that I would recommend.
Brendan Zhang-Liao
Consultant for People Against Prisons Aotearoa
Becoming a volunteer consultant at ThinkPod has honestly been one of the most valuable experiences I've had at the University of Auckland. Throughout the program, I was not only given outstanding mentorship and support by leading industry professionals but I've also developed genuine friendships and connections that I will carry with me going forward. Most importantly being a part of this organisation has taught me valuable lessons that have helped prepare me for life after university.
Ben Kim
Consultant for Child Rescue
Being a consultant for ThinkPod was one of the best decisions I have made in my university career. It is a tangible way to give back to the community and provide valuable insights for non-profit organisations. Being a consultant has allowed me to develop many vital interpersonal skills such as communication, taking initiative and critical thinking. The experience working in the consulting world gave me many insights into what working in this profession could be like. I have made lasting connections with my team of consultants, who were also super passionate about giving back to local communities!
Katherine Aitken
Consultant for The Rising Foundation
I started as a ThinkPod consultant in March 2021, and would recommend doing it to anyone! Not only was it fun, skill-building, challenging, and broadened my social horizons, but it definitely helped me to land a graduate role. I was able to discuss in interviews how ThinkPod taught me to work in groups, balance competing interests and meet soft and hard deadlines. I was even told that ThinkPod caught the attention of one of the hiring managers I interviewed with, and that they were curious about it. So while you should do ThinkPod because it’s an excellent volunteering experience, and you’ll make tons of friends and have a lot of fun, if you are a bit more job-focused, it’s also an excellent step forward there too.
Tamara Blackshaw
Consultant for Fair Food
Previous Years
The ThinkPod experience was one of the most fun things I took part in in my University career and I would recommend it to anyone looking to expand their horizons and work on their out-of-the-box problem solving skills. There was a strong bond of friendship formed among the members of our group as well as with our mentor, who made us feel comfortable that we were always on the right track and finishing our work to a good standard. I have made friendships that will last a lifetime and learned valuable skills that will help me greatly in my professional life!
Dara Shapkova
Consultant for Youth Arts New Zealand
I think ThinkPod is such a great concept, and the organisation my team worked for was a really worthwhile one. My team was fantastic, all really motivated and fun to spend time with. It is a great, real world experience where you can put some of the theoretical aspects of university learning to use in a practical way…. for those looking to get into client facing roles after graduating.
Allison Vaughan
Consultant for Motor Neurone Disease
I think ThinkPod is such a great concept, and the organisation my team worked for was a really worthwhile one. My team was fantastic, all really motivated and fun to spend time with. It is a great, real world experience where you can put some of the theoretical aspects of university learning to use in a practical way…. for those looking to get into client facing roles after graduating.
Laura Porter
Consultant for Big Brothers Big Sisters
ThinkPod is one of the best ways for university students to meet a network of awesome, passionate people. Throughout the semester, you get to know your team, and develop a real sense of camaraderie as you work to deliver the best report you can. You get to work with incredible, passionate clients and help them to make a real difference.
Christopher Vroegop
Consultant for Sustainable Business Network and Mentor 2019/2020