AIC Employability Manager Joins International Education Discussions at The PIE Live Asia Pacific
Dani Mao represented AIC in two panel discussions exploring international graduate employability and the future growth of international education in New Zealand.
Dani Mao represented AIC in two panel discussions exploring international graduate employability and the future growth of international education in New Zealand.
AIC Employability Manager Dani Mao recently joined education and industry leaders at The PIE Live Asia Pacific 2026 at the Gold Coast, contributing to two panel discussions on international graduate employability and the future of international education in New Zealand.
One discussion explored how New Zealand can grow international education in ways that deliver meaningful outcomes for students, institutions, employers and communities. Dani highlighted the growing importance of employability and graduate outcomes, noting that prospective international students are increasingly asking institutions about industry partnerships, internship opportunities, employment outcomes and career pathways.
She also shared AIC’s approach to supporting students beyond their qualification through initiatives including the Placement Ready Programme, Industry Connect, alumni mentoring, employer partnerships and industry placements.
The wider panel discussion highlighted the importance of looking beyond enrolment numbers when considering the future of international education. Speakers emphasised student experience, industry connections, community confidence and graduate outcomes, alongside the need for better tracking of what happens when international graduates enter the workforce. Dani summed up the goal as achieving stronger student outcomes and ensuring those outcomes are properly tracked.
The discussion was also featured by The PIE News in its article examining New Zealand’s international education recovery and the growing focus on outcomes as demand increases.
