Professional Services

What You Could Do

Career Opportunities in Professional Services

Roles across New Zealand’s professional services sector are highly varied, spanning entry-level positions through to senior leadership roles.

Opportunities exist across consulting, advisory, strategy, finance, technology, risk, and project delivery.

Example Career Paths

Here are some key roles you could pursue:

Research Analyst / Associate

Research Analysts support consulting and advisory teams by building the foundation of client projects.

Responsibilities may include:

• Conducting research and market analysis
• Interpreting and analysing data
• Preparing reports and presentations
• Engaging with subject matter experts
• Supporting problem-solving and recommendations

This role is a common entry point into consulting careers.

Project Manager

Project Managers coordinate teams and oversee the successful delivery of projects.

They typically:

• Manage timelines and deliverables
• Allocate tasks and resources
• Monitor risks and challenges
• Liaise with clients and stakeholders
• Ensure projects stay on track

Strong organisation and leadership skills are essential.

Consultant

Consultants work directly on solving client challenges and delivering strategic advice.

The role often involves:

• Analysing business problems
• Developing recommendations
• Managing project components
• Advising clients
• Mentoring junior team members
• Supporting business development

Consultants often develop expertise in specific industries or disciplines.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

The CEO leads the organisation’s strategy, performance, and operations.

Responsibilities include:

• Setting business direction
• Managing people and culture
• Overseeing budgets and performance
• Driving growth and innovation
• Engaging with boards and stakeholders

This is a senior leadership role requiring significant experience.

Beyond These Roles

The sector also includes careers in:

• Strategy & advisory
• Risk & compliance
• Technology consulting
• Finance & accounting
• Human resources
• Marketing & communications
• Data & analytics

Explore & Research

Because career pathways are diverse, one of the best ways to shape your direction is to:

✅ Research different roles
✅ Understand required skills
✅ Explore qualification pathways
✅ Gain practical experience

Professional services careers can offer:

• Broad industry exposure
• Rapid skill development
• Diverse project work
• Strong progression opportunities

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Graduate Outcomes & Gender Split

Qualifications & Graduate Outcomes

For many roles within New Zealand’s professional services and consultancy sector, a bachelor’s degree is typically required as a minimum — particularly for consulting, advisory, finance, and analytical positions.

However, there are also opportunities to enter the industry through:

• Graduate programmes
• Internships
• Cadetships
• School-leaver and early career pathways
• Entry-level operational or support roles

These options allow individuals to gain experience while developing professional skills.

Common Degree Backgrounds

Many professionals in the sector hold degrees in:

• Business & Management
• Commerce
• Economics
• Finance
• Accounting
• Data & Analytics
• Law
• Information Technology

Business and management qualifications remain among the most versatile foundations.

Graduate Employment Insights

Graduate outcome trends in New Zealand continue to show strong employment prospects for business and management-related disciplines.

Typical patterns indicate:

• High overall employment rates
• Solid full-time outcomes
• Broad career flexibility

It’s important to remember that graduate data may not fully reflect those who are:

• Working part-time
• Self-employed
• Pursuing postgraduate study
• Building portfolio careers

Overall, outcomes remain encouraging.

Gender Representation

Gender balance within professional services varies by:

• Specialisation
• Organisation
• Seniority level

Industry patterns often show a relatively balanced workforce, though representation may differ in leadership and senior executive roles.

Indicative trends:

• Broad participation across genders
• Increasing focus on diversity & inclusion
• Continued progress in leadership representation

A Competitive & Rewarding Sector

Professional services careers can offer:

✅ Rapid skill development
✅ Exposure to diverse industries
✅ Structured career progression
✅ Strong earning potential
✅ Global mobility opportunities

Average Salary

Current surveys in the sector indicate the median salaries for full-time roles in this industry as:

• Research Analyst Roles: $67,600-$82,500
• Project Manager Roles: $98,000-$123,000
• Consultant Roles: $91,00-$128,000
• CEO Roles: $156,000-$220,000

Salaries are also determined by several factors, including:

• The segment of the industry you work within.
• Your job title and seniority.
• The amount of experience you have.
• Location, some rural areas may pay less than roles in main cities.

Industry Growth

Industry Growth & Impact

New Zealand’s professional services and consultancy sector continues to show strong long-term growth, reflecting increasing demand for specialist expertise across business, government, and industry.

Over recent years, the sector has expanded significantly, supported by:

• Growth in knowledge-based industries
• Rising demand for advisory and consulting services
• Business transformation and innovation
• Regulatory and compliance requirements
• Global market engagement

Professional services play a vital role in enhancing productivity, performance, and strategic decision-making.

Employment Trends

Employment across professional, scientific, and technical services has demonstrated steady growth, making it one of New Zealand’s key white-collar employment sectors.

High levels of demand exist for qualified professionals with expertise in:

• Finance & accounting
• Legal services
• Business advisory
• Strategy & consulting
• Risk & compliance
• Marketing & communications
• Data & analytics

Key Occupations

Common roles within the sector include:

Accountants
Supporting financial management, reporting, and advisory services.

Lawyers / Solicitors
Providing legal advice, compliance, and transactional expertise.

Management Consultants / Analysts
Helping organisations improve efficiency, strategy, and operations.

Marketing, Advertising & Communications Managers
Driving brand, engagement, and growth strategies.

Bookkeepers & Finance Officers
Managing financial records and business administration.

Why This Matters

Growth across professional services creates:

✅ Diverse career opportunities
✅ Strong graduate demand
✅ Cross-industry mobility
✅ Pathways into leadership and specialisation

A Sector Built on Expertise

Success in professional services is driven by:

• Specialist knowledge
• Analytical thinking
• Communication skills
• Commercial awareness
• Relationship-building

Qualifications and Entry Pathways

Qualifications & Study Pathways

For many professional roles in New Zealand’s professional services and consultancy sector, completing a bachelor’s degree can provide a strong foundation of business knowledge, analytical capability, and communication skills.

Relevant degree pathways may include:

• Bachelor of Business / Business Management
• Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
• Bachelor of Economics
• Bachelor of Accounting & Finance
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
• Bachelor of Business Law
• Bachelor of Communication / Professional Communication
• Bachelor of Human Resource Management

These qualifications can lead to careers across consulting, advisory, finance, strategy, marketing, and people & culture roles.

Postgraduate Pathways

Following a bachelor’s degree, many professionals choose to pursue further study such as:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master’s degrees in specialised disciplines
• Professional certifications

Postgraduate study can support career progression into leadership, strategy, and senior advisory roles.

Vocational & Applied Qualifications

Vocational education offers practical, career-focused alternatives and entry routes.

Examples of relevant New Zealand qualifications include:

• New Zealand Diploma in Business
• New Zealand Certificate in Business (Level 3–4)
• Marketing & communications qualifications
• Project management certifications
• Business administration programmes
• Commerce and finance diplomas

These pathways are often well suited to operational, coordination, and support roles.

Skills-Based Entry Routes

Some careers may be accessed through:

✅ Workplace training
✅ Industry certifications
✅ Internships & cadetships
✅ Graduate programmes

Do Your Research

Requirements vary depending on:

• Career pathway
• Role specialisation
• Employer expectations
• Qualification level

Always review job descriptions carefully.

Multiple Pathways to Success

Regardless of your academic results or preferred learning style:

✅ University degrees
✅ Vocational study
✅ Certifications
✅ Workplace entry

There are flexible routes into New Zealand’s professional services workforce.

Best Places to Study

Where to Study Business & Management

Where you choose to study will depend on your interests, career goals, preferred specialisation, and learning environment. Different institutions offer particular strengths across business, commerce, and management disciplines.

Leading New Zealand Universities for Business & Management

University of Auckland
Offers highly regarded programmes in business, commerce, management, economics, and finance.

University of Otago
Well known for commerce, accounting, finance, and economics.

Victoria University of Wellington
Recognised for business, public policy, economics, and management.

Massey University
Provides a wide range of business, management, marketing, and international business qualifications.

University of Canterbury
Strong offerings in commerce, business analytics, and management.

Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
Industry-focused programmes across business, management, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

Things to Consider When Choosing Where to Study

✅ Degree specialisation
✅ Industry relevance
✅ Internship opportunities
✅ Graduate outcomes
✅ Campus experience
✅ Location & lifestyle

Both university and vocational providers can support careers in business, consulting, finance, marketing, and professional services.

Where to Learn More

Learn More About Professional Services & Consulting Careers

You can explore career pathways, industry insights, and professional development opportunities through organisations that support and advocate for New Zealand’s professional services and consulting sectors.

Some great places to start include:

Institute of Management Consultants New Zealand (IMCNZ)
Represents management consulting professionals and supports standards, certification, and career development.

Consultancy & Professional Services Networks
Industry groups and associations offering events, resources, and networking opportunities.

BusinessNZ
New Zealand’s leading business advocacy body providing economic updates, workforce insights, and policy perspectives.

New Zealand Chamber of Commerce
Supports businesses and professionals through networking, training, and industry engagement.

Human Resources Institute of New Zealand (HRNZ)
Professional body supporting careers in human resources, people & culture, and organisational development.

CA ANZ (Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand)
Supports accounting, finance, and advisory professionals across New Zealand.

Marketing Association New Zealand
Industry body supporting marketing, strategy, and communications professionals.

Why Connect with Professional Bodies?

These organisations can help you:

✅ Understand career pathways
✅ Build professional networks
✅ Access industry insights
✅ Discover certification opportunities
✅ Stay informed on sector trends

Regional & Specialist Organisations

Across New Zealand, regional associations and specialist groups also offer:

• Industry events
• Professional training
• Career resources
• Mentorship opportunities

Professional services and consulting careers span industries including business, finance, technology, strategy, HR, marketing, analytics, and advisory.