Hey there, future leaders of Aotearoa! If you, like so many future job seekers, are starting to think about your next steps after high school, it’s normal to feel a little confused about whether university is right for you. After all, it’s a super common misconception that you need a university degree for a successful career in NZ when, as you’ll soon see, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
In fact, there are tonnes of exciting pathways that you can pursue without racking up any student debt, and today, we’re highlighting some of our favourites. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into the exciting world of building a career without a degree and explore the many opportunities awaiting you.
Can We Build Our Careers Without a Degree?
In short: absolutely! In today’s dynamic job market, many industries value skills, experience, and passion over formal education. Essentially, there are plenty of top employers who care more about what you can do rather than what’s printed on a piece of paper. So, if you’re in New Zealand and thinking about your next step, there are plenty of pathways to explore that don’t involve student loans and lecture halls. It’s just about finding the right one for you!
No Degree vs Degree: What’s the Right Choice?
When choosing a career in NZ, one of the big questions you have to answer is: No degree vs degree; what’s better? And unfortunately, the truth isn’t that simple. In fact, it all depends on your goals. Let’s break it down:
Going for a Degree:
Pros:
- Can open doors to specific professions (like doctors and lawyers).
- Offers in-depth academic knowledge and hard skills for your chosen industry.
- Builds professional networks with other students about to enter the industry
Cons:
- Expensive (trust us, checking your Studylink balance post-degree is never fun).
- Takes years to complete before you start earning.
Skipping the Degree:
Pros:
- Jump straight into the workforce and skip years of study
- Get hands-on experience for your resume
- No student debt (unless you opt for alternative education providers)
Con:
- Some jobs and professions do require a degree
When figuring out which career to choose, think about what excites you, what industries interest you, and how you learn best (and if you’re feeling lost, try our career quiz to get some clarity). Remember, not all careers in NZ need a degree and some of the highest-paying roles today don’t require one at all! However, if your dream job requires one, skipping uni might not be worth it for you.
Discover Different Certifications, No Uni Necessary
Just because you’re skipping uni doesn’t mean you stop learning! There are plenty of ways to level up your skills and stand out against other candidates. Here are some great alternatives:
Online Courses
Sites like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer tons of courses that teach valuable job-ready skills. Whether you want to learn coding, graphic design, or marketing, you can do it all from your couch!
Certificates and Short Courses
Short courses and industry-recognised certificates can boost your resume and help you land a job faster. From IT certifications to first aid training, these can make a big difference in your job search. The best part? They don’t take years to complete!
What Jobs Require No Degree?
Not sure what jobs require no degree or what career to choose? Here are some career options in which you can thrive without a university qualification:
Retail and Customer Service
If you love working with people, joining the retail and customer service industry is a great way to build communication and teamwork skills. Plus, they often come with flexible hours and career growth opportunities.
Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism
Love meeting new people and exploring new places? The hospitality and tourism industry in NZ is booming. What’s more, jobs like hotel management, event planning, and tour guiding can be super rewarding, too.
Building and Construction
Trade careers in NZ are in high demand, and many don’t require a degree; just hands-on training or apprenticeships. Think electricians, carpenters, plumbers, and builders. These jobs in the building and construction industry also tend to pay really well! Talk about earning while you learn!
Creative Media and Arts
Got a creative streak? Graphic design, photography, social media management, and video editing are all careers in the creative media and arts industry that focus on skill and portfolio rather than a degree. The internet has made it easier than ever to turn creativity into a full-time gig!
Resume Building Without a Degree
No degree? No problem! Trust us, you actually have way more resume-worthy skills than you think. Here’s how to highlight your best qualities and make up for that slightly smaller education section:
- Highlight Skills & Experience: Include any internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work.
- Certifications & Training: Show off any relevant courses or short training programs.
- Soft Skills Matter: Employers value communication, teamwork, and problem-solving just as much as technical skills, so make sure you don’t leave them out.
- Build a Portfolio: If you’re in a creative or tech field, a portfolio can be even more powerful than a degree.
Find Your Perfect Career in NZ Today
The idea that you need a degree to be successful is outdated. There are countless ways to create a career without a degree that is fulfilling, well-paying, and enjoyable. Whether you’re considering a career in trades, tech, retail, or creative fields, the opportunities are endless.
So, if you’re wondering what career to choose, just remember, the future is in your hands! Go chase it by taking your career readiness to the next level with other articles on our career advice blog!
