Find out how Be. Lab’s Tertiary Internship Programme equipped Kane with the confidence and practical skills to land an exciting graduate position that will set him up for future success as a lawyer.
Raised by his Samoan grandparents, Kane Kayem credits their unwavering support for shaping him into the kind, ambitious and motivated person he is today.
With his Samoan culture central to his identity, Kane is passionate about giving back and supporting other Pacific Island students. He is actively involved in the community, and has recently finished a term as President of the Otago Pacific Islands Law Students’ Association.
Moving to Dunedin to study law provided a fresh start for Kane. He admits he wasn’t the best student in high school, but as soon as he set his mind on becoming a lawyer, he rose to the challenge and excelled.
Like many people, the uncertainty of the first Covid lockdown in 2020 was a tough season for Kane. But after reaching out to Otago University Mental Health Services, he found the support he needed to get back on track.
With a new outlook on life, Kane now faced the challenge of applying for internships at law firms. However, after countless applications, he still needed to secure a position. “I would apply for an internship in February and wouldn’t hear anything back until August”, he explains. “The lack of communication was really difficult, and I felt left in the dark.”
A turning point was when Kane discovered Be. Lab through Otago Disability Services, who connected him with Be. Lab Relationship Manager, Michael Stevens. Kane was a perfect candidate for our Tertiary Internship Programme; our 12-week paid internship for tertiary qualified Kiwis living with a disability, access need, or health or mental health condition.
“I felt supported from the beginning”, says Kane about his experience working with Be. Lab. “Michael’s communication really stood out, and he kept me updated at every stage with a quick phone call or email”. As well as constant communication, Michael supported Kane in editing his CV and cover letter and preparing him for internship interviews.
It wasn’t long before Kane secured an internship in the European Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). “Among other things, I worked on the Russia/Ukraine conflict, so I was definitely thrown in the deep end!” laughs Kane. “But I loved it, and I had awesome support from my team at MFAT, and of course, Michael continued to support me, too”.
With only 18 students receiving internships out of 800 applicants, it was a competitive process, but according to MFAT Lead Adviser for the European Division, Janet Lowe, Kane’s academic achievements and extracurricular activities, combined with his skills and aptitude, made him a great candidate.
“We loved hosting Kane as an intern”, she says. “He applied energy and enthusiasm to his tasks and team activities. As well as being smart and eager to learn, Kane has strong interpersonal and cross-cultural skills that were put to good use”.
Central to Kane’s Samoan culture is a willingness to learn from his elders and those with more experience. So, he applied this value to his time at MFAT and soaked up all he could. “I love to learn, so I just embraced my time at MFAT by being a sponge”, he explains.
Kane’s passion for learning paid off because, at the end of the internship, he landed a graduate position which he will begin at the end of his studies in the summer of 2022. It was a coveted role, with only seven interns awarded the privilege.
The opportunity will also take him back to Wellington where his grandparents live. “I’ve missed my grandparents over the last five years, so I’m looking forward to spending time with them again”, says Kane.
Armed with a law degree, first-hand experience and a newfound confidence, Kane’s future is bright. “Be. Lab helped get me to where I am today. I wasn’t just a number in their system. Their support is second to none".
And his advice for someone who feels stuck in the dark, as he did a few years ago?
“Just take the first step in seeking the support you need. For me, it was reaching out to Mental Health Services and then to Be. Lab. It made such a difference to where I am today”.