With its rich job market and supportive employment policies for international graduates, New Zealand is among the best locations to pursue a degree and job title. There are many reasons why it could be a gainful choice to set your career goals in New Zealand. Easy access to the global job market through multinational companies and businesses, high salary rates, and a strong emphasis on work, life, and health balance, among many other reasons, make New Zealand an attractive country in which to build one’s career.
Finding the right job opportunity suitable to your skills and expectations can often be a challenge, especially if you’re an international resident or graduate. With our guide to discovering work opportunities in New Zealand after your graduation, explore the best possibilities awaiting your attention and take control of your future.
In-Demand Job Opportunities in New Zealand
1. Finance Manager
- Salary Range: NZD 10,400 ($6,260) – NZD 12,000 ($7,200)
Finance is among the most profitable and popular sectors for employment in New Zealand. Among similar job titles, finance managers can obtain great advantages with enhanced working standards and high salaries. Bachelor’s graduates from accounting, finance, or business can find a lot of options as finance managers, and if you also have a postgraduate degree in the same fields, you can find even better positions with higher salaries.
The salary rate for a finance manager is about NZD 11,250 (6,780) per month, yet it hugely depends on the employee’s qualifications and the employer. For instance, finance manager jobs in Auckland and Wellington Central usually offer higher rates going up to NZD 12,000 ($7,200).
2. Civil Engineer
- Salary Range: NZD 7,900 ($4,750) – NZD 9,580 ($5,770)
Civil engineering is one of the most demanding work options in New Zealand, mainly due to the high number of infrastructure projects and strong investment in civil engineering technologies. As a result, most of the civil engineering job adverts include a well-paid salary to attract the most skillful professionals from all over the world.
The popular work locations for civil engineers in New Zealand can be anywhere in the country where the infrastructure project is conducted, and the salaries vary depending on the company or project. Companies located in Tauranga and Wellington often offer the highest salary rates for civil engineers, with an average of NZD 9,580 ($5,770) per month. The overall monthly salary average for a civil engineer in New Zealand is NZD 8,700 ($5,200).
3. Data Analyst
- Salary Range: NZD 6,600 ($4,975) – NZD 8,300 ($5,000)
Working as a data analyst in New Zealand can be a good opportunity if you like office or remote work, and there is a high number of job adverts showing the popularity of the position in the country. Besides local companies, there are plenty of international employers offering data analyst positions to professionals with the necessary qualifications. This way, you can improve your CV easily by having the chance to work with a global company.
The salary for data analysts is usually satisfactory compared to other positions in similar sectors; the monthly salary is around NZD 7,500 ($4,500), yet depending on your qualifications and experience, you can find employment with a monthly salary of up to NZD 9,000 ($5,400).
4. Clinical Nurse
- Salary Range: NZD 7,900 ($4,760) – NZD 8,750 ($5,270)
Clinical nurses are responsible for the healthcare of individuals at hospitals and other legally recognized healthcare centers. Their duties vary from monitoring patients’ health to providing personal care and assisting medical practitioners or specialists. There is one particular advantage of working as a clinical nurse in New Zealand. That is, international student graduates from relevant faculties and degrees can have the opportunity to gain professional experience by working with international pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in the country.
Clinical nurses are in high demand in New Zealand in almost every location, and some popular destinations include Oakland, Otago, and Wellington. As a result of the high demand, clinical nurse salaries are generally satisfactory in New Zealand. The average monthly salary for a full-time clinical nurse is NZD 8,300 ($5,000).
FAQs: Employment Opportunities in New Zealand
What Type of Visa is Needed for Employment Purposes in New Zealand?
To be able to work full-time in New Zealand, every foreign national must hold a work visa sponsored by the employer in New Zealand. International students graduating from their degree programs at a university in New Zealand also need a work visa since their student visa won’t cover full-time employment.
Before applying for a New Zealand work visa, you will need a job offer from an employer in New Zealand. Then, depending on the type of work visa you’re eligible to apply, you can start your online application. When applying for the New Zealand work visa, you must make sure you will have enough time between the announcement of your application results and the starting date of your employment.
Where Can You Find a Job in New Zealand?
There are several reliable platforms for international student graduates to use for their job hunting in New Zealand. Once you receive your degree diploma, you should start by preparing your employee resume and include all of your academic and professional qualifications. Then, you can browse job search websites like Seek, Careerquest, or Find a Job by creating a profile and contacting employers for an interview.
When browsing jobs, you should pay extra attention to find out whether the job vacancy involves visa sponsorship services as well as any additional support from employers to international candidates.
Finding a job as an international student after graduation in New Zealand is generally not very complicated because the majority of the job positions look for English-speaking individuals. However, specific qualifications play a critical role in your employment; therefore, you first need to know your capabilities and where you want to be in your career path. Excited? Find your dream job in New Zealand to take control of your career life.
Planning your studies abroad? To learn more about New Zealand, visit our Available Programs for International Students and NZ Study Guide sections!
