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Degrees can lead to careers in New Zealand
Monday, 20 October 2008
While there's no such thing as a guaranteed job for university students, there are certainly some graduates who are being snapped up as the end of the academic year approaches.
(via New Zealand Herald) Those with degrees in engineering, food technology, law, business and finance are in hot demand. Plus the shortages of teachers, nurses and doctors has been well publicised.
Graduates who have studied information technology, environmental science, resource planning and general sciences are sought after this year, as are quantity surveyors, marine scientists, and speech and language therapists. An arts major who can write and communicate also has good prospects.
The university programmes which provide graduates with opportunities to walk straight into a job are cyclical, says Trish Fleetwood, a career adviser at Massey University's Auckland campus.
"There is no such thing as a guaranteed job. You might have the best grades and the best degree in the world, but it is the whole package that the employers want," Fleetwood says.
"Employers in New Zealand have clearly stated that they prize strong communication skills, skills in analysing and presenting information, people who can solve problems and who can find new and better ways to do things.
"These are some of the skills and abilities that all grads have a chance to develop and their importance in successfully gaining employment after graduation cannot be over-emphasised," Fleetwood says.
Students who have managed to secure relevant work experience while studying tend to find securing a position a little easier.
There are a number of new internships in IT, Fleetwood says. In this way, students can get some paid on-the-job knowledge in the university holidays and perhaps establish relationships that could eventually lead to a job opportunity.
People often study subjects which do not lead to a vocational degree. So they have to be a little more flexible about what they are going to do with their degrees.
"All university graduates have the chance to develop skills in problem solving, presenting information and analysing information," Fleetwood says.
She advises students to be responsible for their career planning, to be aware of changes in their chosen industry and work prospects, and to keep up with current events and emerging opportunities.
"Get your degree and be optimistic, but be responsible for your own career planning - you just don't know what is out there," Fleetwood says.
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