Career Focus Information

Further Job Spotlights can be found on our Careers News > Careers Spotlights google sites page.

In this Issue:

Where physics can take you

How to become a Pet Groomer

How to become a Visual Merchandiser

Where history can take you

At the bottom of this page is a list of careers listed in previous issues.

Where physics can take you

Have you ever wondered how your smartphone knows which way is up, how doctors can see inside your body without surgery, or how GPS guides you to your destination? The answers lie in physics - science that explains how our universe works. If you're considering studying physics at high school, you'll be opening doors to an incredible range of career possibilities that go far beyond what you might imagine.

Physics isn't just about equations and lab experiments (though those are important too). It's about developing problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and a deep understanding of how things work on the most basic levels. These skills are incredibly valuable across numerous industries, making physics graduates versatile professionals in the job market.

Physics-focused careers for passionate problem solvers

If you absolutely love physics and want to make it central to your career, there are some fantastic opportunities waiting for you.

Astrophysicist

This might be the dream job if you're fascinated by space and the cosmos. Astrophysicists study everything from black holes to the Big Bang, using sophisticated instruments and mathematical models to unlock the mysteries of the universe.

You could find yourself working at observatories, space agencies like NASA, or universities, contributing to our understanding of phenomena millions of light-years away.

Medical physicist

This could be great if you'd like to combine your love of physics with helping people. Medical physicists use physics principles to develop and operate medical equipment like MRI machines, radiation therapy devices, and imaging systems.

You'd work closely with doctors and healthcare teams to diagnose patients, advise on treatment plans, spend time on research improving and developing medical procedures, ensuring patients receive the safest and most effective treatments possible.

Other careers where physics shines

Some careers rely heavily on physics principles, even when it's not obvious. So if you enjoy physics but have strong interests in other areas too, that's OK - the perfect job could be waiting for you.

Sound engineer

This might seem like a purely creative job, but understanding acoustics, wave behaviour, and frequency response is crucial for recording artists, mixing live concerts, or designing concert halls.

Your physics knowledge can help you manipulate sound waves to create the perfect audio experience.

Financial analyst

You might not think physics has anything to do with money. But many financial models are based on physics concepts, particularly statistical mechanics and mathematical modelling.

Physics graduates often excel in this field because they're comfortable with complex mathematical relationships and can analyse patterns in large datasets - skills that are incredibly valuable when predicting market behaviour.

The transferrable skills you'll gain

What makes physics so powerful as a foundation for your career is the incredible range of transferrable skills you'll develop, including:

Breaking complex problems into manageable parts
Thinking logically about cause and effect
Communicating complex ideas clearly

These abilities are valuable whether you're designing sustainable energy systems as an environmental engineer, developing new materials as a research scientist, or even starting your own technology company.

More jobs that need physics

Enjoying physics but not inspired by any of the jobs mentioned so far in this blog? That's OK - here are some more to explore:

Physics teacher - share your passion for physics and inspire the next generation of curious minds.
Meteorologist - predict weather patterns and help people prepare for what’s coming.
Systems engineer - solve big, complex problems by making all the parts of a project work smoothly together.
Civil engineer - apply physics to design and build structures and systems communities rely on.
Aeronautics engineer or designer - help aircraft and spacecraft fly longer distances faster more efficiently.
Process engineer - improve how things are made using principles of physics, chemistry, and maths.
Web developer - use your logic and problem-solving to build the tech behind websites.
Geophysicist - investigate the Earth’s secrets through natural forces like gravity and magnetism.
Laser engineer - design high-powered laser systems for use in everything from medicine to space exploration.
Software engineer - use structured thinking and logic to create apps, games, or computer systems.
Forensic scientist - use motion, energy, and materials to analyse crime scene evidence and understand what really happened.
Nanotechnologist - manipulate matter at the tiniest scale to design materials and tech with amazing new properties.
Quantum mechanic - dive into the world of atoms and particles to understand how the universe really works.
Nuclear engineer - harness the power of atoms for clean energy, medicine, or scientific discovery.

Your journey starts now

Studying physics at high school doesn't mean you need to be the next Einstein, but it does give you a powerful toolkit for understanding and shaping the world around you.

Whether you end up designing the next generation of renewable energy systems, developing life-saving medical technologies, or creating algorithms that power our digital world, your physics knowledge could serve as a solid foundation for whatever path you choose.

How to become a Pet Groomer

Pet groomers care for animals of all ages, shapes and sizes. Commonly working with dogs and cats, they're responsible for washing, clipping, grooming and styling their fur, as well as trimming their claws and cleaning other problem areas, helping them live comfortably and look fabulous.

If you’re great with both human and animal customers and have a steady hand and lots of patience, this career could be ideal for you.

What skills do I need as a pet groomer?

Excellent customer service skills
Strong attention to detail
Love of animals
Reasonable level of fitness
Patience and resilience
Good hand-eye coordination
Confidence and reliability
Hygiene and safety-minded

What does the job involve?

Bathing, shampooing, and drying pets
Brushing, clipping, and styling fur
Trimming nails and cleaning ears
Checking for signs of health problems
Discussing grooming options with pet owners
Providing product recommendations and advice
Maintaining a clean and safe workspace
Keeping records of each pet's grooming history

What Career Cluster do pet groomers belong to?

Pet groomers are typically members of the Guardian Cluster, dedicated to keeping our furry friends healthy, happy, and looking fabulous. The hands-on nature of the job might also appeal to Makers.

What kind of lifestyle can I expect?

Most pet groomers work standard business hours, but you might start early or stay late to accommodate owners who need to bring their pets in before or after work. It's also common for pet groomers to work on weekends.

Pet groomers typically earn an average salary throughout their careers.

You can work in a variety of environments, including in veterinary clinics, specialist pet salons, from your own home, or through a mobile grooming service. There are also plenty of opportunities for part-time work for those who require more flexibility.

How to become a pet groomer

Becoming a pet groomer requires training for both success and animal safety.

Most aspiring pet groomers start with a grooming or animal care course at a vocational training provider - you may even have the opportunity to complete your course as part of an apprenticeship. You'll learn animal handling, breed-specific cuts, tool usage, and business basics.

You'll also need to develop your skills gradually, often starting with basic services like baths and nail trims before progressing to full grooming services. Building confidence with different breeds and temperaments takes time and practice.

Career progression can lead to owning your own salon, specialising in show grooming, expanding into pet daycare or photography, or even specialising in more unique animals.

What can I do right now to work towards this career?

If you're in high school and considering a career in pet grooming, here are some practical steps you can take today:

Volunteer at local animal shelters or rescue organisations to gain experience handling different animals and observing their behaviour.
Consider finding a part-time job or work experience at a grooming salon, veterinary clinic, pet store, or even dog walking or pet sitting to start building relationships with owners.
Talk to professional groomers about their experiences - most are happy to share insights about the industry and what the job really involves day-to-day.

Where can I find more information?

Similar careers to pet groomer

Dog Trainer
Conservationist
Shearer
Animal Shelter Worker
Veterinary Nurse
Wildlife Biologist
Retail Worker
Zookeeper

How to become a Visual Merchandiser

Visual merchandisers create eye-catching store displays and layouts to attract customers into retail settings and maximise sales. They use colours, lighting, props, and products to influence how people experience and interact with brands.

If you have a great sense of style, love retail, and enjoy creating spaces that capture people's attention, a career as a visual merchandiser could be right for you.

What skills do I need as a visual merchandiser?

Creativity and imagination
Customer focused mindset
Strong attention to detail
Good understanding of colour and design
Excellent communication skills
Great time management skills
Can cope with the physical demands of the job
Flexibility and adaptability

What does the job involve?

Design and create displays and in-store layouts
Choose colours, lighting, and props that enhance products
Decide which products are to be displayed and where
Install, maintain, and pack up displays
Plan seasonal campaigns and product launches
Collaborate with your team on promotional campaigns
Manage budgets for display materials and props
Keep up to date with trends in fashion, design, and retail

What industries do visual merchandisers typically work in?

Retail Trade
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
Manufacturing

What Career Cluster do visual merchandisers belong to?

Because the goal of their work is to connect customers and drive sales, visual merchandisers primarily fall in the Linker Cluster. Innovators may also enjoy the design aspect of the role, while Makers might be drawn to the more hands-on parts of the job.

What kind of lifestyle can I expect?

This job offers a high amount of flexibility, with around half of all visual merchandisers working part-time. Most work standard business hours, but you might need to work evenings or weekends during busy shopping periods or seasonal changes.

The work can be quite physical, involving lifting props, climbing ladders, and moving displays around. Travel is sometimes part of the role, particularly if you work for a large retailer with stores in multiple locations.

While visual merchandisers mostly work in retail settings, there are also opportunities in museums, hotels, airports, and other commercial environments.

Visual merchandisers typically earn an average salary, with opportunities for growth as you gain experience.

How to become a visual merchandiser

There's no single path to becoming a visual merchandiser, but there are several things you can do to help you break into the field.

Many visual merchandisers obtain a qualification in design, visual arts, fashion, or marketing. Courses in interior design, graphic design, or retail management can also be useful.

Alternatively, you might like to start in a retail sales position and work your way up. Many visual merchandisers learn about customer behaviour and retail operations while working in other roles.

No matter which pathway you take, it's beneficial to build a strong portfolio of work you can show to potential employers. Showing off your design skills in other mediums (like graphic design, photography, fashion design, or even visual arts) is a great starting point.

What can I do right now to work towards this career?

If you're still in school and interested in a career as a visual merchandiser, here are some steps you can take right now:

Practice at home by creating your own displays - rearrange your bedroom, style a bookshelf, or even help organise your school's display boards.
Gain retail experience through casual work or work experience. Understanding how shops operate and customers behave is valuable for any visual merchandiser.
Take workshops and short courses in design that can help you build important skills. There are lots of courses you can take online and some for no cost.

Where can I find more information?

Similar careers to visual merchandiser

Interior Designer
Graphic Designer
Architect
Marketing Manager
Fashion Stylist
Jewellery Designer
Retail Assistant
Advertising Agent

Where history can take you

Do you think history is just about memorising dates from dusty old books? Think again. History is one of the most versatile subjects you can study, and could help you to build a toolkit of skills that employers across every industry will value. From detective work to storytelling, critical thinking to cultural understanding, history graduates are shaping our world in ways you might never have imagined.

History isn't just about the past, it's about understanding how the world works, how people think, and how to navigate complex issues and thinking with confidence. Ready to discover where history can take you? It could be your secret weapon for career success.

The superpowers history gives you

When you study history, you're not just learning facts; you're developing a remarkable set of transferrable skills that make you incredibly valuable in today's job market.

Critical thinking and analysis

History teaches you to examine sources, weigh evidence, make connections, and spot bias from a mile away. You'll learn to ask all the right questions: Who wrote this? Why? Does this make sense? Is this true? What's missing from this story? These skills are pure gold, but particularly now in our age of information overload and fake news.

Research mastery

Historians are expert detectives, tracking down clues across libraries, archives, and databases. You'll master the art of finding reliable information quickly and efficiently, which is invaluable whether you're preparing a business report or investigating a news story.

Communication excellence

As a history student you'll become a brilliant storyteller who can take complex ideas and make them engaging and accessible. You'll learn to write persuasively, present confidently, and adapt your communication style for different audiences, from academic papers to social media posts.

Cultural intelligence

Understanding different time periods and societies makes you exceptionally good at working with diverse groups of people. You'll develop empathy, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to see situations from multiple perspectives.

Problem-solving prowess

Historical events are like giant, messy case studies filled with competing interests, unintended consequences, and complex causes. Studying them teaches you to navigate ambiguity, think systemically, and approach problems from multiple angles.

Where history can take you

Have you ever wondered why certain news stories trend whilst others disappear, how successful companies build their brands, or why some political campaigns succeed whilst others fail spectacularly? The answers often lie in history - understanding patterns, precedents, and the deeper currents that shape human behaviour.

If you're considering studying history at high school, you'll be opening doors to an incredible range of career possibilities that extend far beyond what you might imagine. Let's take a look at some of the role history could help you to succeed:

Media and communications

Your storytelling skills and ability to research complex topics make you perfect for a career in journalism, content creation, or public relations. History graduates often become:

Journalists covering everything from politics to business
Documentary makers bringing fascinating stories to life
Content strategists helping brands tell their stories
Social media managers creating engaging historical content

Business and finance

The analytical and research skills you develop studying history are highly prized in the business world. Many history graduates thrive as:

Management consultants solving complex business problems
Investment analysts researching companies and market trends
Project managers coordinating complex initiatives
Business development specialists identifying new opportunities

Government and policy

Your understanding of how societies work and change makes you valuable in shaping public policy and governance. You could become a:

Civil servant developing and implementing government policy
Political advisor providing strategic guidance to decision-makers
Diplomat representing your country's interests abroad
Policy researcher analysing the potential impact of proposed changes

Law and justice

The critical thinking and argument skills developed through history make it an excellent foundation for legal careers, where you might work as a:

Lawyer arguing cases and interpreting complex legal precedents
Paralegal supporting legal research and case preparation
Court administrator managing the systems that keep justice flowing
Legal researcher investigating case law and regulatory changes

Education and training

Share your passion for understanding the world by helping others develop the same critical thinking skills as a:

Teacher inspiring the next generation of curious minds
Corporate trainer helping businesses develop their staff
Museum educator making history come alive for visitors
Curriculum developer designing engaging learning experiences

Arts and culture

Your deep appreciation for human creativity and cultural context opens doors in the creative industries. Careers for people with an interest in history include becoming a:

Museum curator selecting and presenting collections
Heritage consultant helping preserve important historical sites
Arts administrator managing cultural organisations
Exhibition designer creating immersive historical experiences

More jobs that need history

Enjoying history but not inspired by any of the jobs mentioned so far? That's fine - there are heaps more to explore too, like:

Archivist – preserve and organise historical documents and records that help us understand our shared heritage.
Genealogist – help people discover their family histories using research skills and historical knowledge.
Intelligence analyst – use research and analytical skills to assess threats and provide strategic insights to government agencies.
Historic preservation specialist – protect and restore important buildings and sites for future generations.
Travel writer – combine your knowledge of different cultures and places with storytelling skills to guide modern explorers.
Market researcher – investigate consumer behaviour and business trends using the same skills you'd use to analyse historical patterns.
Film researcher – ensure historical accuracy in movies and TV shows, helping bring the past to life on screen.
Publishing editor – use your research skills and attention to detail to help authors tell their stories effectively.
Data analyst – apply your pattern-recognition skills to make sense of large datasets in business or government.
Anthropologist – study human cultures and societies, both past and present, to understand how we've evolved as a species.
Political campaigner – use your understanding of how societies change to help shape public opinion and policy.
Grant writer – research funding opportunities and craft compelling proposals for non-profits and cultural organisations.
Corporate historian – help companies understand their heritage and use their stories for marketing and strategic planning.

Getting started

If you're interested in any of these careers and you're already studying history, you're already on the right track. Make sure to:

Develop your digital skills – learn to use databases, digital archives, and data analysis tools.
Build a portfolio – whether it's blog posts, research projects, or multimedia presentations.
Seek work experience – museums, archives, newspapers, and government offices all offer valuable opportunities.
Join relevant societies – connect with professional historians and learn about career opportunities.
Consider interdisciplinary studies – combining history with business, technology, or science can open even more doors.

Your future starts here

History isn't just about understanding the past; it's also about shaping the future. Whether you end up investigating corporate corruption as a journalist, advising governments on policy, or helping a start-up understand its market, your skills and passion for history could give you the tools to make a real difference.

ISSUE 8

Why you need science: For people who don’t like science

How to become an Animator

Psychology vs counselling: What’s the difference?

How to become a Social Worker

How to become a Forensic Scientist

10 jobs for sporty people

How to become a Meteorologist

ISSUE 7

How to become an Instructional Designer

8 jobs for people who love movies

7 ways volunteering can benefit you

ISSUE 6

How to become a Scrum Master

How to become a Publisher

ISSUE 5

Discover career pathways in Sport

Discover career pathways in Writing and Editing

Discover career pathways in Communications

Discover career pathways in Network Administration

How to become an Electoral Worker

Discover career pathways in Disaster Management

Discover career pathways in Libraries and Archives

11 careers you may never have heard

ISSUE 4

Discover career pathways in Counselling

Discover career pathways in Accounting

ISSUE 3

Discover career pathways in Utilities

Discover career pathways in Translation and Interpretation

ISSUE 2

Planning for a future in medicine

Discover career pathways in Immigration

Discover career pathways in Telecommunications

Business Pathway Spotlight

Jobs for people who love puzzles