A study in success
Andrew is a sharply dressed man with an equally sharp mind and interestingly a collector of exotic guitars. He holds an Honours degree in Commerce and a Master of Laws. These qualifications have stood him in good steed for his Mainstream position in a government agency. His job involves a lot of proof reading and research. “You have to have your wits about you” he says.
Unfortunately having enviable qualifications has not always paved the way to employment for Andrew. Before he started his Mainstream position Andrew saw studying as a positive road to take after he made several attempts to find work but was faced with discrimination after experiencing long bouts of mental illness. “When you haven’t got a job and couldn’t get one, that (studying) was the obvious thing to do”. A job he held from 1994 to 1997 saw him employed as a ‘well qualified’ security guard. This didn’t faze Andrew however. “I took it in my stride so at least I could say I had a job.”
After facing the challenge of getting work on his own accord he realised he would need additional support. This is where Emerge came in. Andrew began working with Emerge part way through 2009. He said that he will always do what he can first without necessarily relying on other people but agreed it was good to have Emerge in the background.
Andrew searched for a Mainstream position for over a year and whilst researching information he happened to strike up a conversation with the chief executive of a prominent Government agency. He indicated that they may be interested in working with Andrew at a later date. An approach for a Mainstream position was made in March 2010 and Andrew was offered a position in December. Andrew likes his new job and admits that time management is crucial when things get laborious. He has weekly meetings with his Manager and feels well supported in his role. “I think they are looking after me better than they should be” he says.
Andrew is most appreciative of having a job especially in light of what has recently happened in places like Christchurch and Japan and for now is happy to ‘focus on his job for the next two years’ hoping to prove himself to his employer. Beyond this he has gained eligibility into a Ph.D programme. He still aspires to complete a doctorate sometime in the future, but must put his work duties first.
