A CLOSER LOOK AT SOME SOLID CAREER OPTIONS JOBS IN FOCUS

There are so many things to consider when looking at which path to take after school. Have a look at the following jobs and learn about the relevant factors for each position.

Here you’ll find profiles of nine jobs from across a variety of sectors. Each profile includes detailed job descriptors and some insightful statistics..

Also known as: Game artist/animator; game designer; game producer; game programmer; game tester.

Game developers create games for computers, gaming consoles, tablets and mobile phones. This involves writing, storyboarding, designing, programming, animating and testing.

GAME DEVELOPER Kaihanga tākaro

To become a game developer, it is essential to have experience with video games and computers. Specifically for game programmers, it is usually expected that candidates have a relevant degree, such as a Bachelor of Computer Science, Bachelor of Software Development or Bachelor of Engineering. Within these degrees, tertiary providers often have a specialised course in game programming or interaction design. For game artists or developers, a portfolio or showreel of games built is recommended. Further, a degree or diploma in 2D or 3D animation, media design or game art and development is often preferred by employers.

Useful NCEA subjects for game programmers are Maths, Physics and Digital Technologies. Useful NCEA subjects for game artists are Design and Visual Communication (Graphics), Art History and Visual Arts.

Chances of getting a job as a game developer are poor for those wanting to enter the role, but are good for those with experience.

Statistics: Job prospects: Poor. Length of study: 2–3 years.

Pay scale: Junior game developers with up to three years’ experience usually earn between $60,000–$80,000 per year. Intermediate game developers with three to seven years’ experience uusually earn between $80,000–$100,000 per year. Senior game developers with more than seven years’ experience can earn over $100,000 per year.

Also known as: Digital artist; visual effects artist; web animator; 2D animator; 3D animator; illustrator. Animators create still and moving images using software, models, photography and drawings. Their creations are used in advertisements, film, print (such as books and magazines), online or on television.

Animator

Kaiwhakahauora

To work as an animator, it is necessary to have a portfolio or showcase of your work. Employers generally look for experience (in a particular type of animation or a particular piece of software) and/or tertiary qualifications, such as a Bachelor of Creative Media Production, a Bachelor of Design majoring in Visual Communication Design or a Diploma in Animation.

Useful NECA subjects in this role include Design and Visual Communication (Graphics), Design (Practical Art), Digital Technologies, Art History, Maths, te reo Māori and Painting, Sculpture, Photography, Printmaking Combined. Chances of getting a job as an animator are average for those wanting to enter the role, but are good for those with experience.

Statistics: Job prospects: Average.

Length of study: 3 years.

Pay scale: Graduate animators usually earn minimum wage.

2D animators usually earn between $23–$70 per hour. 3D animators usually earn between $23–$100 per hour.

Also known as: Commercial interior designer; residential interior designer; design consultant. Interior designers plan, design, decorate and furnish spaces across a range of settings, including residential, commercial, retail and leisure. They work with clients and work to their requirements. Interior designers may also work alongside architects, tradespeople and other contractors to deliver on projects.

While there are no specific eligibility requirements to work as an interior designer, employers usually prefer candidates to have a Bachelor of Interior Architecture, Bachelor of Interior Design, Bachelor of Industrial Design or Bachelor of Spatial Design.

Useful NCEA subjects in this role include Art History, Design and Visual Communication (Graphics), Maths, Physics and Painting, Sculpture, Photography, Printmaking Combined.

Chances of getting a job as an interior designer are average as a stable number of people are in this role. The occupation is small in number and there is high competition for job vacancies.

Statistics: Job prospects: Average. Length of study: 3 years.

Pay scale: Interior designers with up to seven years’ experiences usually earn between $55,000–$95,000 per year.

Senior interior designers with more than seven years’ experience usually earn between $90,000–$120,000 per year.

Also known as: Marine architect; yacht designer; boat designer; marine designer.

Naval Architect

Kaitātari pakihi

Naval architects plan, design and supervise the construction and repair of ships, yachts and boats. In this role, naval architects consult with clients, professionals and government officials on designs, check for compliance with safety regulations, write reports and conduct computer simulations and physical tests.

To become a naval architect, it is necessary to have a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) majoring in Maritime Engineering (Level 8). This degree is through Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and is delivered in partnership with the Australian Maritime College in Tasmania. It is possible to specialise in marine and offshore engineering, naval architecture and ocean engineering.

Useful NCEA subjects in this role include Construction and Mechanical Technologies, Design and Visual Communication (Graphics), Digital Technologies, Maths and Physics.

Chances of getting a job as a naval architect are good due to demand for their services.

Statistics: Job prospects: Good. Length of study: 4 years.

Pay scale: Graduate naval architects usually earn $62,000–$78,000 per year.

Naval Architects with three to six years’ experience usually earn $85,000–$110,000 per year.

Naval Architects with more than six years’ experience can earn $150,000 per year or more.

SALES OR MARKETING MANAGER Kaiwhakahaere hokohoko

Also known as: Regional sales manager; digital marketing manager; marketing communications manager; national sales manager. Sales or marketing managers plan, organise and lead the development, promotion and sale of a company’s products, goods and services. In this role, a sales or marketing manager may write reports, analyse markets, help to develop new products and services, manage marketing and sales staff, and identify new markets.

To become a sales or marketing manager, it is generally expected that candidates have a degree in marketing, business, economics, commerce or a related field. Relevant experience in sales or marketing is also a requirement.

Useful NCEA subjects in this role include Business Studies, Design and Visual Communication (Graphics), Media Studies and English. Chances of getting a job as a sales or marketing manager are good as there is strong demand for their services. Enhance your chances of securing a job by developing strong digital sales and marketing skills, such as knowledge of search engine optimisation, e-commerce and social media management.

Statistics: Job prospects: Good.

Length of study: 3 years.

Pay scale: Sales managers usually earn $100,000–$200,000 per year. Marketing managers usually earn $96,000–$230,000 per year.

Curators plan and organise exhibitions, including their content and quality, as well as work on repatriation projects. In this role, a curator may also research, write and present about certain collections or exhibits. Liaising with artists, dealers, museums and galleries on collections and deciding what to add to their workplace’s gallery or museum is also another aspect of this role.

CURATOR Kaitiaki taonga

To become a curator, it is necessary to have considerable industry experience in a relevant area, such as art, art history, Māori or Pacific studies, science, anthropology and history. A postgraduate degree in such a specialist area or a postgraduate qualification in museum studies may also be useful.

Useful NCEA subjects in this role include te reo Māori, Pacific Studies, Art History, History, Classical Studies, Science, Construction and Mechanical Technologies, English and Painting, Sculpture, Photography, Printmaking Combined. Chances of getting a job as a curator are poor as it is a small occupation with limited vacancies and few fulltime roles available. Curators tend to stay in the role for a long period of time, which also limits vacancies.

Statistics: Job prospects: Poor.

Length of study: 5 years.

Pay scale: Curators at smaller museums or galleries usually earn $55,000–$65,000 per year. Experienced curators at larger museums usually earn $65,000–$70,000 per year. Senior curators or team leaders with five years’ experience or more usually earn $70,000–$95,000 per year.

Also known as: Photojournalist; medical photographer; wedding, portrait and commercial photographer. Photographers take photographs of people, products, events or places using digital or film cameras and lighting equipment. Photographers come up with ideas for photoshoots and then plan and organise these. On the day, they arrange models, products, lighting, props and cameras. Afterward, they digitally edit and process the images for print or online use. They may also plan, produce and edit video footage. Most photographers gain skills on-the-job. While there are no specific entry requirements to become a photographer, a relevant tertiary qualification, such as a Bachelor of Fine Arts, may be useful.

Useful NCEA subjects in this role include Visual Arts, Design and Visual Communication (Graphics), Digital Technologies and Art History. Chances of getting a job as a photographer are average for those newly entering the industry, but good for those with experience.

Statistics: Job prospects: Average.

Length of study: Varies.

Pay scale: Photographers in training usually earn minimum wage. Photographers with two to three years’ experience usually earn $25–$35 per hour. Self-employed photographers can earn $50–$250 per hour.

Advertising Specialist

Also known as: Advertising account manager; advertising art director; advertising account executive; media planner; media buyer; producer. Advertising specialists design, plan, organise and implement advertising campaigns to sell products or services for clients. This includes briefing various teams, developing creative concepts, preparing budgets, monitoring progress and reporting back to the client. They also ensure that work is completed on time and on budget.

While there are no specific entry requirements to work as an advertising specialist, many employers prefer to hire advertising specialists who have a degree or diploma in a relevant area, such as advertising, marketing, sales, communications, graphic design or media studies.

Useful NCEA subjects in this role include English, Design and Visual Communication (Graphics), Media Studies and Business Studies. Chances of getting a job as an advertising specialist are average due to high competition for limited vacancies and a moderate staff turnover rate.

Statistics: Job prospects: Average.

Length of study: Varies.

Pay scale: Advertising executives usually earn $47,000–$55,000 per year. Account managers usually earn $55,000–$100,000 per year. Media buyers usually earn $50,000–$120,000 per year. Media planners usually earn $65,000–$100,000 per year. Advertising art directors usually earn $65,000–$120,000 per year.

Also known as: Goldsmith; manufacturing jeweller; silversmith; contemporary jeweller. Jewellers design, make, alter and repair jewellery, such as rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings. They may design freehand or use computer-aided design tools. Other tasks in this role include selecting gems and metals, filing and polishing jewellery, estimating the value of pieces and selling pieces of jewellery.

To become a qualified manufacturing jeweller, it is necessary to complete an apprenticeship and gain a New Zealand Certificate in Manufacturing Jewellery (Level 4). The entity that oversees manufacturing jeweller apprenticeships is the Jewellery Industry Registration Board of New Zealand.

To work as a contemporary jewellery, there is no industry-certified training that is required.

Useful NCEA subjects in this role include Design and Visual Communication (Graphics), Maths and Painting, Sculpture, Photography, Printmaking Combined.

Chances of getting a job as a jeweller are poor for those wanting to enter the role, but good for those with experience. There is strong competition for a limited number of positions.

Statistics: Job prospects: Average. Length of study: 4 years.

Pay scale: Manufacturing jewellery apprentices usually earn minimum wage. Qualified manufacturing jewellers usually earn up to $60,000 per year. Experienced manufacturing jewellers with five years’ experience or more usually earn up to $100,000 per year. Pay for contemporary jewellers varies widely, depending on success and marketability.