Since 2019, Buddle Findlay has welcomed students from the Halberg Youth Council for work experience via the Buddle Findlay and Halberg Career Experience programme. This is a programme we co-developed with the Halberg Foundation to give members of the Council, all young leaders with physical disabilities the opportunity to build practical skills and confidence in a professional setting.
In September, Joseph Tebuett joined our Wellington office for a weeklong placement. With leadership credentials already stacked high and an eye on law as a future career, he brought a unique perspective to the programme. We spoke with him during his time with us to hear about his goals, reflections and highlights of the experience.
Q: Could you start by telling us a bit about yourself what you’re studying and what interests you most at the moment?
I’m 19 and live in Nelson. I’m studying a business diploma through Open Polytechnic. At the moment my biggest passion is sport, especially rugby. I also play wheelchair basketball, which can get pretty aggressive, but that’s part of the fun.
Q: Looking ahead, what are your long-term career goals or areas you’d like to explore?
Last week provided me with amazing insight into how a law firm is managed, and as a result, I’m looking to study a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Canterbury next year. I haven’t chosen a specific area yet, but corporate law interests me, particularly working as an agent for athletes. Every athlete needs an agent, so that feels like a good fit.
Q: Outside of study and work, what do you enjoy doing what helps keep you balanced?
Sport plays a big role, but I also enjoy taking a stroll into town, grabbing a coffee, or going to the library to explore topics I’m interested in.
Q: Are there particular skills you’d like to develop further, or areas where you’d welcome more experience?
Leadership has been a strong part of my life since intermediate. I’ve captained the Tasman team at the Halberg Games, and I was deputy head boy, a cultural leader, house captain, on the student council, and a peer supporter at school. Leadership comes naturally to me, but I’d like to work on keeping my cool – sometimes I can get a bit hot-headed. Learning to stay calm and not get ahead of myself is something I want to improve.
Q: What drew you to the Halberg Youth Council and why is being part of it important to you?
I was drawn to the Halberg Youth Council because it’s a group of young people sharing ideas and focusing on what’s best for youth and para-athletes. Where I live in Nelson, we haven’t had a Youth Council representative since 2018, and in that time youth participation in sport has dropped significantly. Being part of the Council gives me a chance to represent my community and give young people a voice.
Q: What do you hope to contribute through your role on the Council?
My aim is to give my community a voice and represent their views. I’m excited to learn, make new connections, and contribute to initiatives like the Halberg Awards. It’s about embracing every opportunity and helping build something positive for youth.
Q: Thinking about opportunities like this placement, what were you most looking forward to and what do you think has been the most challenging?
I was looking forward to meeting people, learning about the legal system, and understanding the different roles in a law firm – both legal and non-legal. Honestly, I haven’t found anything particularly challenging. I came in with an open mind, keen to learn as much as I could. It’s been a great experience, and I feel fortunate to be part of it.
Q: Have you learned anything about the law or the different types of career paths available in a law firm you didn’t know before?
Yes, I’ve learned a lot about the variety of legal careers and also the non-legal roles in a firm – HR, finance, marketing, administration. These roles don’t always get the credit they deserve, but they’re just as important to a firm’s success. It was really interesting to see how it all works together behind the scenes.