Job opportunities, not studies, dictating Kiwi career choices

A series of online polls on New Zealand’s largest job site, seek.co.nz, have revealed that what Kiwis choose to study does not always dictate their career paths. Of those surveyed, 64% said their current job was not aligned to what they studied or trained in.

Janet Faulding, general manager of SEEK New Zealand, says there are a number of factors behind people changing tack in their careers.

“We know that many people change careers at least once in their lifetime, which can lead to people working in roles that don’t necessarily relate to their studies. In SEEK research conducted earlier this year, it was revealed that 7 out of 10 New Zealanders would consider a complete career overhaul.

“What’s more, with nearly 138,000[1] people in New Zealand receiving tertiary qualifications in 2011 alone, the market for graduate level jobs is becoming increasingly competitive. Many young Kiwis will be learning to adapt to the current market conditions, by taking on roles they may have otherwise not considered,” she says.

The volatile and competitive labour market of recent times is also likely to have impacted Kiwi’s career choices, with further findings from SEEK revealing that 66% of Kiwis are not working in jobs that they believe reflect their personal interests, passions, or hobbies. This could signal that, when it comes to matters of employment, Kiwis let the brain lead before the heart.

“This particular finding shows that while people study what they love and what interests them, ultimately many Kiwis’ career decisions are made for other reasons, such as job security, or better pay and prospects,” says Ms Faulding.