How to make a career decision

If you're choosing between several career or course options, take a look at each one and ask yourself these important questions.

• How well does this career fit with my skills, values and interests?
• How will this career affect my family, friends, interests and other commitments?
• Is this a career I can commit to?
• How can I progress in this career?

If you're considering different course options, ask yourself these important questions.

• How well does this course fit with my skills and interests?
• Will this course help me get the career I want?

• Compare your study options
• How to choose study or training for your career

Your career choice will affect your finances and any financial commitments you have.

• Study – if you have to study for your career, you'll have fees to pay and won't earn a full-time wage.
• Apprenticeships – if you're doing an apprenticeship, you'll have fees to pay and will only earn a training minimum wage.
• Work – if you're starting a new job, you may have relocation costs to pay.

Budget your career choice

Before you choose a career:

• plan your living costs, such as rent, food, household bills
• budget for training or work costs, such as fees, computers, transport
• check if this career will help you reach your financial goals, such as buying a house, saving for travel or owning a business.

• Find out about pay for different jobs in our job profiles

Career or course decisions can affect your family/whānau. Do you have any responsibilities you need to consider, such as being a parent or caregiver?

• New Zealand Carers website - support for balancing carers duties with work

Ask yourself how your career will fit with your values.

Your career or study may affect other parts of your life, such as how much time you have for your interests or your ability to:

• do volunteer work
• belong to a sports team
• be involved in your community.

• Who am I and what am I good at?

If you're having trouble making a decision by yourself, consider talking to:

• your family/whānau and friends
• career advisers or consultants
• course providers
• people who have jobs that interest you.

• Who can help you make a career decision

• Contact us for career help
• How to choose study or training for your career
• Scholarships
• Fees Free website – check your eligibility for fees-free tertiary study and industry training
• Sorted website - information and calculators to help you with budgeting and setting financial goals
• StudyLink website - loans and allowances for students
• StudyLink website - other financial help for students