Jasmin Mueller

Choosing to study at the University of Waikato, she began her Bachelor of Social Work on the Hamilton campus before later transferring to Tauranga, where she found an environment that broadened her perspective and strengthened her commitment to supporting others.

You didn't feel like just a number. People really cared and made time to talk to you. And so that's why I ended up with Waikato

From the very beginning, Jasmin knew she wanted to pursue a pathway that would lead to a career where she could help others and make a meaningful difference in their lives. Moving countries further cemented this desire, reinforcing her commitment to being someone who supports youth through change and challenge.

Today, Jasmin describes it as an absolute privilege to do the work she does, walking alongside people in times of need.

While studying social work, Jasmin quickly found her footing, both academically and personally. When asked what was special about studying at the Tauranga Campus she said.

“It felt like being part of a family. The smaller class sizes made the degree very intimate, and the lecturers were incredibly supportive and approachable. Coming from Germany with English as my second language, I felt well supported. The campus environment was welcoming, and I built lasting friendships and networks with classmates. I really felt like I was part of a family.”

Her time at Waikato gave Jasmin the confidence and skills to step into the profession with purpose.

Since graduating, her career has continued to flourish. She began working in child protection with Oranga Tamariki (first during her fourth-year placement and later as a full-time role) primarily in the foster care space, an experience she describes as one of the greatest privileges of her career.  

It was great to work alongside people who opened their homes to children, (family or non-family), and to see the difference they made in children’s lives through the care they provided, both short and long term.

Today, Jasmin is a Clinical Lead at Health New Zealand, overseeing practice across pediatrics, maternity, and neonatal units. Her role involves providing clinical oversight, ensuring practice is up to standard, and contributing to the development of both new and existing processes.

Jasmin and her team work closely to support families of premature babies, children with chronic illnesses, and those facing complex medical needs to get the support they require.

She says the most rewarding part of her work is walking alongside people, advocating for them, and helping connect them with services that can make a real difference. “Often, it’s simply about making people aware of what’s available,” she explains. “I’m there to support and advocate for people, but they’re the ones doing the work and making the changes.”

While several years into her career, Jasmin continues to carry the experiences and skills role-modelled by her lecturers into her day-to-day work, finding the people’s skills, compassion, and empathy they demonstrated to be invaluable.

Jasmin’s advice to future graduates: “Every opportunity is a learning experience, whether good or bad. If something doesn’t work out, it’s not failure, it’s growth.”