Choosing the right career in NZ can feel like a near-impossible task, especially when there are so many career opportunities out there! However, if you’re feeling directionless, you don’t need to stress too much. In fact, it’s completely normal, and we’ve got tonnes of tried and tested tips to help you find your perfect fit.
So, if you’re a high school student in New Zealand wondering, “What career should I pursue?” keep on reading! This guide can help you explore job opportunities, understand what career paths might be a great fit, and make the best decision for your future. Let’s dive in!
Can’t Decide What Career to Pursue?
If you can’t decide what career to pursue, you’re not alone. In fact, a lot of high schoolers have absolutely no clue what career opportunity they want to chase after. While some (very lucky) people identify their dream career at a super young age, most of us need a little extra guidance; that’s right, you’re actually a part of the majority!
This feeling of not knowing can be a little disconcerting at first, but try to think of it as a mystery waiting to be solved! There are plenty of ways to figure out what job is right for you, and with the right mindset, it can be pretty fun too!
How to Decide What Career You Want
Take our Free Career Quiz
If you’re unsure where to start, our completely free career quiz can help point you in the right direction. Career quizzes like ours take your skills, interests, and personality into account to suggest careers and industries that might be a good fit. And while no career quiz can tell you exactly what to do, they’re a great starting point for discovering career opportunities you might not have considered!
Make a List of Your Passions and Interests
What do you love doing? What subjects do you enjoy at school? Do you prefer working with people or alone? Are you more creative or analytical? These are the kinds of questions you should be asking yourself when thinking about your future!
Listing your passions and interests can help you connect the dots between what you enjoy and potential career opportunities which, in turn, helps you land a role that you actually love. For example, if you love writing, consider journalism, marketing, or content creation. If you enjoy problem-solving, engineering, IT or STEM could be a good fit. And if you’re passionate about helping others, healthcare or social work might be the way to go!
Consider How Much Education and Training You’re Willing to Do
Some jobs in NZ require years of study, while others offer entry-level positions straight out of high school. Think about how much time (and money) you’re willing to invest in your education. If you want to start working ASAP, trades, apprenticeships, and certifications are great careers that don’t require a degree. However, if you love learning, university degrees may open up even more career opportunities.
Think About Your Long-Term Goals
Do you dream of travelling? Owning a business? Working remotely? Some careers in NZ align better with these goals than others. For example, jobs in tech and digital marketing often allow remote work, while careers in tourism could help you travel the world. Setting long-term goals can help you find a career in NZ that best matches your lifestyle goals.
Speak to a Career Counsellor
High schools in NZ usually have a career counsellor on call who can help guide you through the decision-making process. Their insights can prove super valuable too, as they can provide insights into different job opportunities and help you understand career opportunities and pathways. They can even suggest courses or programs that align with your interests.
Consider Doing a ‘Test Run’ of Your Chosen Career
Before committing to a career opportunity, it’s always best to try before you buy (A.K.A. land some work experience or a volunteer role in the industry. That way, you’ll know whether it’s truly something you want to do long-term.
Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteering is a fantastic way to get experience in different fields without long-term commitment. Want to work in healthcare? Volunteer at a hospital. Thinking about teaching? Help out at a local school. Volunteering looks great on your CV and helps you gain real-world experience; at Explore Careers, we call that a win-win!
Work Experience Opportunities
Many high schools in NZ offer work experience programs where you can spend a little bit of time working in a field you’re interested in and learning about different industries. Trust us, it’s a great way to test the waters before making any big decisions!
You can also reach out to businesses and ask if they offer internships or work shadowing opportunities, or check out what’s available on our jobs board; don’t just wait for career opportunities to come to you!
The Importance of Self-Reflection
Understanding yourself is key to choosing the right career. Take the time to reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, and what truly makes you happy. That way, you can choose a career that ticks all of your boxes!
Questions to Ask Yourself
- What subjects do I enjoy the most at school?
- Do I prefer working with people, technology, or ideas?
- Am I more interested in a stable job or an adventurous career?
- How important is salary to me?
- Do I want to work for a company or start my own business?
FAQ: How To Land Your Dream Career in NZ
Question: How Do I Decide What Career I Want?
Answer: To identify your ideal career opportunity, start by exploring your interests, taking our career quiz, and trying out different job opportunities through volunteering or work experience. The more you explore, the clearer your path will become.
Question: What Are the Best Tools to Help Me Decide What Career I Want
Answer: Some great resources to get you started include online career quizzes, career counselling services at school, LinkedIn (time to start networking), and websites like Explore Careers.
Question: What If I Choose the Wrong Career?
Answer: If you think you’ve chosen the wrong career, don’t stress! It’s completely normal to change careers if you’re not feeling it. If you start down one path and realise it’s not for you, you can always pivot. The most important thing is gaining skills and experience that can transfer to other job opportunities.
Question: Do I Need to Go to University for a Good Career in NZ?
A degree isn’t always necessary to land a great job! While some professions do require a degree (like law or medicine), there are plenty of career opportunities in trades, IT, and business that don’t require university. Apprenticeships, certifications, and on-the-job training can lead to great jobs, too.
Don’t Worry, You’ve Got This!
Choosing the right career can feel overwhelming, but remember; you don’t have to have it all figured out right away! Keep an open mind, try new things, and don’t be afraid to change direction if needed. With so many career opportunities in NZ, there’s something out there that’s perfect for you.
And if you ever need a little bit of extra guidance, head to our career advice page to learn more (or check out our social media and flick us a message for personalised advice)!
