How to choose study or training for your career

Some jobs have specific pathways. For example, if you want to become a physiotherapist you must have a Bachelor in Physiotherapy degree.

Other jobs may have more than one pathway. To become a food technologist, it's useful to have a degree in either food technology, food science or food engineering.

If you're interested in an industry but aren't sure which job you'd like, there may be different entry-level jobs with different entry requirements. For example, a career protecting the environment may be important to you. To become a ranger either a Level 4 certificate or a degree may be useful, depending on the entry-level job you want.

Many jobs need an NZQA-approved qualification, but some may accept qualifications from non-approved programmes.

Your qualification may affect the type of entry-level job you get and how much you earn.

Ask yourself:

• What type of qualification will get you the job you want?
• How will your qualification support your financial goals?
• Is the qualification recognised by NZQA?

• Salary guide - find out how qualifications can affect earnings

I know what I want to study

If you know what you'd like to study, you may have to choose between different training providers and the type of qualification you'd like.

• Compare study options

I know what job I want but don't know what to study for it

If you're interested in a job or industry but not sure what to study for it, use the job profiles to find out what subjects and qualifications are useful.

• Job profiles - find out what subjects are useful for jobs

It's useful to know how the qualification you're interested in may have helped other people.

Key Information for Students can help you make a decision by giving you information such as how much people with a qualification usually earn, how many are employed and how many are still studying.

• About the Key Information for Students – compare information across qualifications and providers

Once you know what type of qualification you'd like, choose where you'd like to study.

Education Performance Indicator (EPI) reports can give you information about course providers.

NZQA has information about what to consider when choosing an education provider.

• TEC website - tertiary provider performance and course completion rates
• NZQA website -  what to consider when choosing an education provider

One job can be a pathway to another one within a workplace or industry.

You may be able to get micro-credentials for skills you’ve already developed, or there may be a micro-credential you can do which could help you move into a new job.

You may be able to transfer the personal and technical skills you develop doing one qualification or job to other jobs.

Talk to employers to learn what skills they’re looking for and find out if they’d be interested in your skills.

• What are skills?
• Figure out your skills 
• About micro- credentials
• NZQA website – search for a micro-credential

• Who can help you make a career decision
• Contact us for career help