Law

What does a lawyer do?

There are actually many different types of lawyers, all of which do very different things. The type of lawyer that people usually think of is the barrister, with barristers representing clients in court. Another type of lawyer is a solicitor, which does more of the behind the scenes and research work. Lawyers can also specialise in many different areas, including tax, health and family law.

How do I become a lawyer?

In order to become a lawyer, you must first complete a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB), which is available for study in six of New Zealand's eight universities. Following this, you must also complete a Professional Legal Studies Course. For more information about Law, go here.

Medicine

What do doctors do?

There are actually a number of different types of doctors. These include surgeons, general practitioners, anesthesiologists and many more.

How do I become a doctor?

All doctors must first complete a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree (MBChB). In order to get into this degree, you must first enroll in either a health science or biomed degree, and then apply to transfer into the MBChB. After completing this degree, you must work for two years as a house officer in a hospital. You can then go on and choose what speciality you would like to focus on. For more information, go here

Politics

MPs

MPs are elected members of the New Zealand Parliament. They act on behalf of those that they are representing, and deal with petitions, complaints and other concerns within the country. They also present and debate new laws in Parliament. For information on the New Zealand political system, go here. There are no specific qualifications required to become an MP, however you can gain experience for the role through debating, joining a political party or joining a union. For more information on how to become an MP, go here.

Foreign Policy Officers

Foreign Policy Officers represent New Zealand's interests overseas.2 here.

Engineering

What do engineers do?

There are many different types of engineers, including civil engineers, who plan and oversee the contruction of structures such as dams and bridges, electrical engineers, who design and construct electrical structures, as well as mechanical engineers, who design and repair machines and tools.

How do I become an engineer?

Though it varies between different types of engineers, most jobs require a Bachelor of Engineering, however others can be entered with a diploma or through an apprenticeship. For more specific information, go here.

Teaching

How do I become a teacher?

In order to become a primary school teacher, you need to complete a Bachelor of Education or Bachelor of Teaching at university. To become a secondary school teacher, you must first complete a degree in the specific subject that you would like to teach (eg maths or english, followed by a one year Graduate Diploma of Teaching. Alternatively, if you do not wish to teach a specialist subject you can simply study a Bachelor of Education. For more information, go here.

Science

What do scientists?

There is a wide range of difference science careers, all of which focus on different areas, for example Marine Biologists (who focus on animals and plants in the sea), chemists (who focus on the makeup and uses of chemicals) and geophysicts (who study the processes of the Earth). Scientists often spend time collecting and analysing data.

How do I get into the science field?

In order to be a scientist you usually need a university degree, and in some cases to have completed post graduate study. For information on specific fields of science, go here.

Nurses

What do nurses do?

Nurses assess, treat and support people who are sick or injured in hospital, rest homes or other locations.

How do I become a nurse?

There are two main types of nurse in NZ, the first being an enrolled nurse. These nurses require a Diploma of Enrolled nursing, and must pass an enrolled nursing exam. The other type of nurse is a registered nurse, which requires a Bachelor of Nursing or other qualification approved by the NZ nursing council. For more information, go here.

Trades

What do people in trades do?

Trades is a bracket term used for practical jobs that require specialist skills, but do not usually involve a university degree. Different trades include being a carpenter, being an electrician or being a plumber.

How do I get into a trade job?

In order to get a trade job, you normally have to do an apprenticeship, which involves being specially trained for a specific trade job. For more information on how to get an apprenticeship, go here.

Careers Info