Plan your career, How to get a job; 09 January 2019

New year, new career?

Man thinking about a career change

Do you have a career goal this new year? Learn how to upskill or retrain to get into the career you really want.

What's on this page?

Has the new year got you thinking about a change in career? Find out how to explore your options, and ways you could upskill or retrain.

Research opportunities

If you’re thinking about moving into a new career, the first step is to do some research. Find out what opportunities are out there, and whether they’d be a good fit for you.

Interview people with careers that interest you

Talk to people whose careers interest you. Ask them questions like:

  • How did you get into the job?
  • What do you enjoy most about it?
  • Do you think it is a good career to get into?

Work shadow

If you interview someone about their job and find you want to know more, ask your interviewee if you could observe them at work for a day. This can give you a sense of what their job is like.

Use our tools to help you choose a career

Our online tools can also help you plan the career you’d like to move into.

Once you’ve done your research and decided what career you’d like to get into, you may need to upskill or retrain.

Upskilling

Upskilling can involve learning new skills to help you progress in your current job or career.

Upskilling at work

Having a conversation with your employer about opportunities to upskill is common.

Ways to upskill include:

  • Coaching and mentoring – this involves meeting regularly with a manager to see how you're developing, and to make sure you get chances to build on your skills.
  • On-the-job training – many workplaces offer opportunities to train on the job, which might involve a mix of learning at work and in the classroom.
  • Work-funded study – some employers pay for their staff to do study or training through providers such as universities and polytechnics.
  • Secondment – this involves working in a new role at the same organisation for a set period, which allows you to learn new skills and try something different.

Online learning and micro-credentials

Doing a short online course is another way to upskill. Many websites offer online courses in a variety of skills. 

Another option could be to do a micro-credential. Micro-credentials are small, stand-alone credentials that prove the achievement of specific skills, experience or knowledge. Micro-credentials are currently only offered by a few providers in New Zealand.

Retraining

If the career you want to move into is different from what you currently do, you may need to retrain.

You may even be able to get fees-free support or a scholarship to help cover the costs of study.

There are a range of courses available. Check out our courses section for detailed information about courses, earning opportunities, and costs.

Common ways to retrain include:

Distance learning

Distance learning through a university or polytechnic lets you fit study in around your work and life commitments.

Part-time study

Another option is part-time study. You can do this in person or by distance learning. While it will take you longer to gain a qualification, studying part time gives you flexibility.

Full-time study

For some people, full-time study is the best option. While you’ll need to work less or stop working altogether, you can finish your study faster than if you were to study part time.

Apprenticeships

If you want to move into a trade, an apprenticeship could be the way to go.

Updated 5 Jan 2021