NZ Tech Insight

• Networking, Mentorship & More: Secrets to Your First Job

  Want to be mentored by Ben Yu? 🌟 Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybbest/Secrets to Your First Job✅ Start Early👩‍🎓 Find a Mentor💼 Gain Industry Experience🤝 Network Smartly🌐 Build Your Brand📩 Follow Up🎓 How to Land Your First Job in Tech 🚀Just wrapped up an insightful conversation on Tech Insight 🎙️ about breaking into the tech industry. Here are my top 3 rules for students and grads looking to launch their careers:1️⃣ Start Early – Don’t wait until graduation. Begin networking, polishing your CV, and applying for internships in your first or second year.2️⃣ Find a Mentor – Someone who’s walked the path can guide you through the maze. Mentorship is a game-changer.3️⃣ Get Industry Experience – Whether through internships, research papers, or volunteering, real-world exposure beats grades.💡 Bonus tip: Build your personal brand on LinkedIn and GitHub. Don’t just say you’re a fast learner—show it through learning posts and open-source contributions.🙌 You can’t control the job market, but you can control how much you grow. Stop complaining. Start building. Your future self will thank you.#TechCareers #GraduateJobs #MentorshipMatters #NetworkingTips #PersonalBranding #GitHub #LinkedInTips #CareerGrowth #InternshipOpportunities #SolutionArchitectShow #BenYu #TechInsight #JobSearchJourney #NZTechInsight

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• From Game Developer to Tech Leader: Kyle’s Journey of Passion and Purpose

  Guest: ⁠Kyle Muir⁠Ben Yu⁠ and Fay Qian⁠We had the pleasure of chatting with Kyle Muir, a respected senior people leader in NZ’s IT industry, about his inspiring career journey—from writing games as a teen to leading teams and shaping strategy at scale.💡 Key Takeaways:Started in tech by breaking (and fixing!) family computers 🖥️Built and sold a game in PHP/MySQL as a teenager 🎮Got his first job through a grad programme at Intergen 👨‍🎓Transitioned from technical roles to people leadership 👥Uses AI daily for reporting, insights, and decision-making 🤖Emphasizes the importance of understanding business strategy 📊Shares advice for aspiring leaders: be curious, proactive, and visible 🙌🎯 “Anyone can become a solution architect or a leader—it’s all about mindset, problem-solving, and communication.”🔥 Whether you're a student, developer, or future leader, this episode is packed with insights on career growth, leadership, and the evolving role of AI in tech.🎧 Listen in, get inspired, and if you’re keen to share your own story, reach out!#TechLeadership #CareerJourney #AIInTech #PeopleLeadership #Podcast #NZTech #WomenInTech #GraduateTips #SolutionArchitecture #LinkedInLearning #LeadershipDevelopment #ImposterSyndrome #CareerGrowth #FutureOfWork #BenYuPodcasts

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• EP10 From Chef to Engineering Director: A Journey of Adaptability, Resilience & Vision

  Guest: ⁠Dennis Hui⁠, Director of Software DevelopmentHost: ⁠Yufei Qian⁠ Master's student in AI at the University of AucklandDennis began his career in hospitality before transitioning to IT.Studied commerce, then computer science at the University of Auckland.Progressed from developer → senior developer → team lead → manager → director.His life experience and people skills gave him an edge in leadership roles.Focused on identifying team gaps and driving process/technical improvements.Expanded technical scope beyond mobile to backend and DevOps.Learned to make strategic decisions and communicate effectively with global stakeholders (US, Singapore, Southeast Asia).Developed adaptability to navigate cultural differences and shifting business needs.Emotional Management – Stay composed under pressure and handle interpersonal challenges with resilience.Let Go of Perfectionism – Leadership involves trade-offs and compromises.Resilience – Stand firm in decisions despite conflicting demands.Soft Skills & Influence – Especially for introverted developers, communication and influence are essential. Future roles will focus more on persuading others to accept your solution than building it yourself.AI reduces the need for deep technical memorization.Developers should shift focus to:✅ High-level solution design✅ Business understanding✅ Communication and influenceAI will handle execution; humans will lead strategy.Leaders must be highly adaptable as AI accelerates change in tech stacks, consumer needs, and global dynamics.Networking is key: Attend meetups, build connections—even indirect ones can help get your CV to the right hands.Showcase soft skills: Interviews now focus more on cultural fit and communication than technical depth.Understand the company/team: Tailor your interview responses to show alignment with their values and work style.Leverage referrals: Collaborate on projects to demonstrate your skills and earn endorsements.📬 Connect with DennisFind him on LinkedIn: Dennis HuiHe’s open to offline meetups and passionate about giving back to the community that supported his journey.🧑‍🍳 From Chef to Tech Leader🧭 Leadership Journey & Challenges💡 Key Leadership Insights🤖 AI’s Impact on Software Development🎓 Advice for Job Seekers

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• EP9 How Podcasting Transformed My IT Career: From International student to IT leader

  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybbest/Ben, the host of the Solution Architect Show, details how podcasting acted as a catalyst for his IT career progression from an international student to a leader. He identifies five key professional advantages derived from the activity, starting with improving communication skills through consistent practice and moving to the ability to ask thoughtful questions and build deep professional relationships with guests. Furthermore, the practice of podcasting refines storytelling abilities, which are essential for explaining complex IT solutions, and is a powerful tool for establishing a personal brand that leads to increased industry recognition. Finally, success in podcasting facilitates public speaking opportunities and community building, which provides a competitive edge in securing high-impact jobs, particularly in networking-focused environments like New Zealand.

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• EP8 From Engineer to Product Leader: Anthony’s Journey

  In this episode, Anthony shares his path from engineering to product management during the early Agile days in NZ. We dive into what product managers really do, the skills needed to succeed, and how community, communication, and business acumen shaped his journey. A must-listen for anyone navigating a tech career shift!Anthony MarterBen Yuemail: [email protected]

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