Career Focus Information

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

In this Issue:

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

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

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

What does your morning routine look like? Maybe your alarm goes off, you grab your phone to check TikTok, put on some music while you shower, eat some breakfast, and hop on the bus to school. What if we told you that every single step involved science? Yeah, we're not joking. Science isn't just test tubes and lab coats - it's literally everywhere, even if you've never really noticed.

National Science Week is coming around again, and while STEM lovers may be buzzing about all the cool events and competitions, if periodic tables aren't your thing, you might be wondering why you should care. But science is the reason you can stream music, text your friends, and even exist in the first place - so here are some of the reasons why we all need science.

Science - keeping you alive

Your body is basically a walking, talking science experiment. Every breath you take, every beat of your heart, and every time you digest that burger you had for lunch is all science in action. Pretty wild when you think about it.

All those medicines that help when you're feeling rough? Knowing which foods give you energy and which ones make you crash? The fancy machines doctors use to check you're healthy? Yep, all thanks to scientific research.

Ever heard of a biomedical engineer? They design the next generation of medical devices, from robot surgeons to artificial limbs. Or what about a forensic scientist who uses chemistry and biology to solve crimes? Science + detective work = pretty epic career combo.

Your food journey is pure science

Our days of hunting and gathering are over (and we’re pretty happy about that), but food doesn't magically appear on supermarket shelves.

Farmers use scientific knowledge about genetics, soil chemistry, disease management, and weather patterns to grow crops. Food scientists figure out how to make things taste better and stay fresh longer. Even cooking is chemistry - when you bake a cake, you're literally creating chemical reactions that transform basic ingredients into something delicious. And let's not forget food safety: science has your back there too.

Food technologists create new flavours, textures, and products (think plant-based meat or those viral bubble teas) while sustainability consultants help restaurants and food companies reduce their environmental impact through science-based solutions.

Getting from A to B involves serious science

Whether you're catching the bus or riding your bike, science makes it all possible. From the engineering that designed your bike to the chemistry behind fuel or the physics of how engines work, transport is basically applied science.

Even walking involves physics - balance, momentum, friction between your shoes and the ground...

If transport's your thing, how about becoming an aerospace engineer designing the next generation of electric aircraft, an aerodynamicist making F1 cars drive faster, chemical engineer developing sustainable fuels, or a smart urban planner who uses data science to make transport more efficient and sustainable?

Your digital life and comms

That phone you're probably reading this on? It's a pocket-sized miracle of science. The internet, social media apps, video calls with your grandparents are all made possible by computer science, electrical engineering, and materials science.

When you post a photo on Instagram, it's processed by algorithms, stored on servers, and transmitted through networks around the world in seconds. That's some serious science magic happening behind the scenes. Writing an old-fashioned letter? Even the pen and paper you’ll need are the results of science.

UX designers use psychology and data science to make apps more user-friendly. Cybersecurity specialists protect our digital lives from hackers. And social media data analysts use science to understand online trends and behaviour.

Science powers everything

Flick a light switch? Science. Charge your phone? Science. Keep your food cold in the fridge? You guessed it: science. The electricity powering our lives comes from scientific understanding of energy, whether it's from solar panels, wind turbines, wave energy, or traditional power plants.

Even renewable energy is constantly evolving as renewable energy engineers develop new ways to capture energy from waves, create hydrogen fuel, and store power more efficiently. Energy storage specialists work on better batteries for electric cars and homes while sustainability advisors help businesses reduce their carbon footprint through science-based strategies.

The science hiding in everyday stuff

That playground slide you loved as a kid? The angle and height were calculated using physics to make it safe and fun. When flying a kite, you're dealing with aerodynamics, wind patterns, and forces.

Every machine in your house - your alarm clock, coffee machine, washing machine - uses scientific principles to work. Your house itself was built using a mix of materials science, structural engineering, and environmental science to make sure it's safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient.

Industrial designers use science and creativity to make everyday objects better. Acoustic engineers design spaces with perfect sound (think concert halls or recording studios). And materials scientists develop new fabrics that regulate body temperature or clean themselves.

Science meets creativity

Think science and art don't mix? Think again. Musicians use acoustics and sound engineering to create the perfect track. Digital artists use computer graphics and colour theory. Game developers use physics engines to make video games realistic.

Architecture combines engineering, materials science, and environmental science with creative design - those Instagram-worthy buildings you see are masterpieces of both art and science.

Even traditional painters rely on chemistry, understanding how different pigments interact and how paint behaves, while conservators use chemistry and biology to preserve artwork and historical artefacts.

Maths is everywhere

Sorry, but it's true: whether you're splitting the bill at a restaurant, figuring out if you can afford those shoes you want, planning a road trip, or even just following a recipe, you're using maths. It's a practical life skill that helps you make smart decisions.

Data scientists use maths to find patterns in everything from sports performance to climate change. Computational biologists use advanced computer programming and mathematical modelling to analyse biological data. Actuaries use statistics to help insurance companies and governments plan for the future. And financial analysts use mathematical models to help people and businesses make smart money decisions.

Finding your science angle

Whether you're planning to be a teacher, start your own business, become a tradie, or work in the creative industries, science will likely be part of your job somehow. Teachers use educational psychology, business owners need to understand data and technology, tradies work with materials and safety science, and creative professionals increasingly use digital tools and scientific processes.

Some of the coolest careers of the future could combine science with other interests. Love fashion? Look into sustainable textiles or 3D-printed clothing. Into gaming? Check out virtual reality development or game psychology. Passionate about social justice? Environmental science or public health might be your calling.

Science isn't just for people in lab coats; it's for everyone who's curious about how the world works and wants to make it better. And that includes you.

This Science Week, try looking at your world through science-coloured glasses. What scientific processes make your favourite hobby possible? How does science contribute to the industry you're interested in? You might discover that STEM subjects are more relevant to your future than you thought.

How to become an Animator

Animators create videos, movies, and short animations using 2D and 3D mediums, including traditional pencil and paper, stop-motion, motion graphics, rotoscoping, pixel art, and much more. They might create advertisements for television, work on cartoons and TV shows, or produce professional content for a business.

If you're curious and creative, have a passion for the arts, and want to bring stories to life, becoming an animator could be perfect for you.

What skills do I need as an animator?

Creative and inquisitive
Great problem solver
Can work in teams and alone
Excellent time management skills
Great attention to detail
Good tech skills
Works well under pressure
Fantastic communicator

What does the job involve?

Consulting with clients to capture their vision
Creating preliminary sketches and diagrams
Planning storyboards and sequences
Designing characters, backgrounds, and models
Using software to create animations
Working with other creative professionals, including writers, voice actors, and producers
Keeping up to date with art trends and software developments

What industries do animators typically work in?

Arts and Recreation Services
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
Information Media and Telecommunications

What Career Cluster do animators belong to?

Animators are creative problem-solvers who design and develop visual content, so they make excellent Innovators.

What kind of lifestyle can I expect?

Most animators work indoors in studios or offices during regular business hours, though project deadlines may occasionally require longer hours. You might work in-house for a company or as a freelancer from your own workspace.

Animators can expect to earn an average salary throughout their careers, however this can vary depending on your skills and experience.

The job requires excellent attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines. You'll also need to stay current with rapidly evolving technology and art trends.

How to become an animator

There are typically no mandatory educational requirements to become an animator, but formal qualifications can boost your skills and employability. You'll need to build up a strong portfolio of work that showcases your abilities across different mediums and techniques.

You can start by completing secondary school with a focus on English and Arts subjects. Many animators then pursue relevant qualifications such as vocational certificates in screen and media, or undergraduate degrees in arts, design, or animation.

The most important step is starting as soon as possible - experiment with different animation techniques, learn industry-standard software, and begin building a professional portfolio and online presence to showcase your abilities.

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

If you're in high school and you'd like to find out if a career as an animator is right for you, here are a few things you could do right now:

Start flexing your creative muscles and choose a medium which interests you. Get out the pen and paper and draw, learn how to create 3D models, or discover the processes behind motion graphics.
See if you can find work experience in an arts or animation-based setting. This will help you see if you might enjoy the work, and can help you start building important contacts for the future.
Talk to an animator to see what a day in their life is like. If you don't know anyone, see if you can watch videos or documentaries about a career in animation.

Where can I find more information?

Similar careers to animator

Illustrator
Graphic Designer
Curator
Web Designer
Signwriter
Tattooist
Advertising Specialist

UX Designer

Psychology vs counselling: What’s the difference?

If you’ve ever been curious about how the mind works or felt drawn to helping people navigate their challenges, you might have thought about a career in psychology or counselling. But while there's some overlap in these fields, they're actually quite different. Think of it like this: all psychologists can do counselling, but not all counsellors are psychologists. Confused? Don't worry, we're about to break it all down.

What do psychologists actually do?

Psychologists study how people think, feel, and behave - but they approach it from a scientific angle. They're interested in the 'why' behind human behaviour, and use research, data, and evidence-based methods to understand mental processes.

A typical day for a psychologist might include conducting therapy sessions, but it could also involve designing research studies, analysing data, writing reports, or even testifying in court. Some psychologists spend their days in labs studying how memory works, while others might be helping companies understand consumer behaviour.

Examples of psychology careers

Clinical psychologist: diagnose and treat emotional, behavioural, and psychological problems through therapy and support.
Research psychologist: study how people think, feel, and behave, often working in universities or research centres to expand our understanding of the mind.
Forensic psychologist: apply psychology to the legal system, helping in criminal investigations, court cases, and rehabilitation.
Educational psychologist: support students, teachers, and families by identifying developmental, behavioural, and learning challenges, then creating strategies to help young people succeed at school.
Organisational psychologist: study workplaces and help businesses improve employee wellbeing, teamwork, and productivity.

So what about counsellors?

Counsellors are the people you turn to when life gets overwhelming. Their main focus is providing emotional support and practical strategies to help their clients work through personal challenges - they're there to listen, guide, and help find solutions.

A counsellor's day could be filled with one-on-one or group sessions helping people process emotions, develop coping strategies, and work towards personal goals. Or, they might specialise in specific areas like relationships, addiction, or grief. In any case, their primary role is always about providing direct support.

Examples of counselling careers

Mental health counsellor: offer emotional support and therapy to help clients manage stress, anxiety, and other personal challenges.
Genetic counsellor: help individuals and families understand genetic conditions, testing options, and the risks of inherited health issues.
Marriage and family counsellor: work with couples and families to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships.
Addiction counsellor: support people struggling with alcohol, drugs, or other addictions, helping them find healthy coping strategies.
School counsellor: create a safe space for students, offering help with academic pressures, friendships, and personal wellbeing at school.
Career counsellor: help people explore job options, plan career paths, and manage changes or challenges in their work life.

The education journey

Because they're unique careers, the study pathways aren’t the same. Both involve university study, but becoming a psychologist usually takes longer because there’s more research and specialist training involved, while the counselling route is generally shorter and more focused on practical skills.

Psychology pathway

Bachelor's degree in psychology (3-4 years)
Honours year or research experience
Master's degree in a psychology specialisation (1-2 years)
Often a PhD for clinical or research roles (3-4 years)
Supervised practice and registration requirements

Counselling pathway

Bachelor's degree (often in psychology, social work, or related field, 3-4 years)
Diploma or Master's degree in counselling (optional, 1-2 years)
Supervised practice hours
Professional registration or certification

Skills you'll need

Both counsellors and psychologists need great people skills, including active listening, empathy, and communication. But psychologists also rely heavily on research, data analysis, and assessment skills, while counsellors focus more on guiding conversations and offering day‑to‑day support.

Psychology skills

Strong analytical and research abilities
Critical thinking and problem-solving
Statistical analysis and data interpretation
Scientific writing and communication
Patience for long-term research projects

Counselling skills

Exceptional listening and empathy
Communication and interpersonal skills
Emotional resilience and self-awareness
Practical problem-solving
Ability to maintain professional boundaries

The licensing landscape

Both psychologists and counsellors usually need professional registration to practice, but the requirements can differ.

Psychologists typically need to complete supervised practice with a registered psychologist and pass competency assessments. Counsellors usually need to complete a certain number of supervised practice hours and maintain ongoing professional development.

The key difference is that psychologists can diagnose mental health conditions and are often recognised by other medical professionals and health insurance schemes, while counsellors focus on support and therapy without always requiring a formal diagnosis.

Day-to-day differences

Depending in which path you follow, you might find some common tasks between the two roles, but they could also be quite different.

Counsellors usually spend most of their day talking with clients, offering support and strategies for everyday challenges. Psychologists might also see clients, but they often split their time between assessments, writing reports, researching, and analysing data too.

Psychologist tasks

Conduct psychological assessments and write detailed reports
Provide evidence-based therapy using specific techniques
Collaborate with psychiatrists and other medical professionals
Keep up with the latest research in their field
Supervise other mental health professionals

Counsellor tasks

Run back-to-back therapy sessions with clients
Facilitate support groups
Develop personalised treatment plans
Liaise with other support services
Focus on practical coping strategies and emotional support

Which path suits you?

If you love research, enjoy diving deep into data, and want to understand the science behind human behaviour, psychology might be your calling. You'll need patience for a longer study period, but you'll have diverse career options to choose from, from research to clinical practice.

If you're passionate about directly helping people through difficult times and prefer hands-on support work, counselling could be perfect. The training is more focused and practical, getting you into the workforce sooner.

The bottom line

Remember, there's no wrong choice here. Both psychology and counselling are rewarding careers that make a real difference in people's lives. The key is understanding which approach resonates with your interests, strengths, and career goals.

As more people understand and talk openly about mental health, the need for support services continues to rise. So both fields have strong predicted job prospects, with high demand and expected growth for passionate, skilled professionals.

How to become a Social Worker

Social workers connect vulnerable individuals, families, and communities with appropriate support services in times of crisis. They can specialise in a wide range of areas, providing counselling and practical support, and advocating on behalf of clients who are experiencing discrimination.

If you’re passionate and empathetic and would like to help others, or if you’re interested in breaking down barriers that contribute to inequality, then social work could be a rewarding career to consider.

What skills do I need as a social worker?

Empathy and emotional maturity
Great interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently or in teams
Adaptability and problem-solving
Time management
Leadership skills
Patience and resilience
Ability to be objective

What does the job involve?

Assessing clients’ needs and finding appropriate support services
Writing letters of referral or reports for clients
Helping community groups plan and carry out programs
Monitoring the progress of clients
Advocating for clients who face barriers
Developing and refining support programs
Keeping thorough case records and reports
Lobbying to change social welfare policies and procedures

What industries do social workers typically work in?

Health Care and Social Assistance
Public Administration and Safety

What Career Cluster do social workers belong to?

Because their primary role involves liaising with clients and connecting them with important services, social workers usually belong to the Linker Cluster.

What kind of lifestyle can I expect?

Most social workers are employed full-time, but there are some part-time opportunities available. You will be doing work in a variety of environments, including private clinics, community facilities, hospitals, and home visits. Some reporting and assessment work can be done remotely, but many clients prefer face-to-face interactions.

Most social workers can expect to earn an average salary throughout their careers.

The work can sometimes be stressful as you’ll be dealing with vulnerable people in crisis situations, so you’ll need a high level of resilience.

How to become a social worker

To become a qualified social worker, you’ll typically need to complete an accredited undergraduate degree in social work. This usually takes 3 to 4 years of full-time study and involves a combination of classroom and practical work.

After graduation, you’ll need to register with your country’s professional social work body to practise. Many social workers also pursue postgraduate qualifications to specialise in a specific area, such as mental health, child protection, or community development.

You’ll also need to undertake continuing professional development throughout your career to maintain your registration and stay current with best practices.

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

If you’re in high school and you’d like to find out if becoming a social worker is right for you, here are a few things you could do right now:

Get out in your community and volunteer – it doesn’t necessarily need to be in social services. This is a great way to build important future skills.
Seek work experience with social service agencies, hospitals, or community centres.
Talk to a social worker and ask what a day in their life is like. If you don’t know anyone, watch videos or documentaries about a career in social services.

Where can I find out more?

Similar careers to social worker

Aged Care Worker
Youth Worker
Registered Nurse
Disability Support Worker
Doctor
Psychologist
Paramedic
Counsellor

How to become a Forensic Scientist

Forensic scientists apply scientific principles and techniques to analyse evidence from crime scenes. Their main job is to help law enforcement agencies solve crimes by examining and analysing everything from DNA samples to fingerprints, ballistics, and even digital evidence.

If you're fascinated by science, enjoy solving puzzles, and want to play a crucial role in the justice system, a career as a forensic scientist could be perfect for you.

What skills do I need as a forensic scientist?

Excellent attention to detail
Great problem solver
Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities
Excellent communicator
Observant and patient
Unbiased and fair
Strong sense of justice
Resilient with a strong stomach

What does the job involve?

Examining crime scenes and gathering evidence
Testing biological samples, chemicals, and materials
Profiling organic compounds and biological materials
Interpreting test results and drawing scientific conclusions
Thoroughly documenting findings and observations
Working with other professionals, including police officers and scientists
Presenting findings to legal practitioners and law enforcement
Testifying and presenting evidence in court

What industries do forensic scientists typically work in?

Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
Public Administration and Safety
Education and Training

What Career Cluster do forensic scientists belong to?

Forensic scientists are usually strong Informers, using their skills and expertise to solve problems - there is also some overlap with the Guardian Cluster.

What kind of lifestyle can I expect?

Most forensic scientists work full-time, typically during standard business hours in laboratory settings. However, you may occasionally be called to crime scenes at any time of the day or night. Remote work opportunities are limited, as most tasks require specialised laboratory equipment.

Forensic scientists typically earn above-average salaries, with pay varying depending on experience, specialisation, and location.

Working as a forensic scientist requires precision and can involve exposure to potentially hazardous materials or disturbing evidence.

How to become a forensic scientist

To become a forensic scientist, you'll typically need to complete a bachelor's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, physics, or a related scientific field. Many employers prefer candidates with postgraduate qualifications in forensic science or a relevant specialisation.

Many forensic scientists also pursue professional certifications and ongoing training to stay current with evolving technologies and techniques. Some specialisations may require additional qualifications, such as digital forensics or toxicology.

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

If you're in high school and you'd like to find out if a career as a forensic scientist is right for you, here are a few things you could do right now:

Focus on science and mathematics subjects at school, particularly chemistry and biology - these will be important for your future studies.
Look for work experience opportunities at universities, research institutions, or forensic laboratories. This will help you see if you might enjoy the work and start making important contacts for the future.
Join science clubs or participate in science competitions to deepen your knowledge and build important skills.

Where can I find more information?

Similar careers to forensic scientist

Police Officer
Lab Technician
Pathologist
Lawyer
Medical Technician
Computational Biologist
Chemist
Biologist

10 jobs for sporty people

Are you looking for a career that keeps you active and engaged in the world of sport? You're not just limited to being a professional athlete - there are loads of exciting careers out there that combine your passion with fulfilling work. From supporting performance to reporting from the sidelines, here are ten jobs perfect for people who love sport.

Personal trainer

If you've ever been to the gym for the first time and needed a little guidance, you know the importance of a personal trainer. Whether you're helping gym newbies figure out equipment and workout routines or boosting the performance of professional athletes, personal trainers play a crucial role in the world of sport.

You'll help clients achieve their fitness goals by designing personalised workout plans and providing advice on exercise techniques and nutrition. You might work in gyms, fitness centres, elite clinics, or even as an independent consultant.

To become a personal trainer, you'll typically need a recognised fitness qualification - it can also help to obtain certification from a reputable training organisation.

Sports coach

Always been the type to take on a leadership role and enjoy supporting others? You could have the makings of a perfect sports coach. They work with teams or individual athletes to develop their skills, strategy, and performance in their chosen sport.

Coaches often have backgrounds as athletes themselves and typically start by coaching at youth or amateur level before moving up to higher levels of competition. This pathway lets you stay involved in the sport you love while also helping others reach their potential.

While previous playing experience is valuable, you can also start by undertaking a coaching qualification specific to your sport. These are typically earned through national sporting organisations.

Physical education teacher

We all remember that one inspiring PE teacher at school - they gave us lessons to look forward to and made sure we stayed active while providing valuable education. If you want to be that motivating individual for someone else, you could consider becoming a physical education teacher.

As a PE teacher, you'll inspire students to stay active and teach them about the importance of physical fitness and health. You can work in schools or community education centres, organising and leading all kinds of sports and fitness activities.

To become a PE teacher, you'll need a teaching or education degree with a focus on physical education, plus obtain teacher registration in your location.

Exercise scientist

Are you someone who's into both science and sports? Exercise scientists study how the body responds to physical activity and use this knowledge to help people from all walks of life improve their health and performance.

Exercise scientists work in research, clinical settings, or with sports teams to analyse movement patterns, develop training programmes, and help prevent injuries. They might also conduct fitness assessments, design rehabilitation programmes, or research new training methods.

The most common pathway to becoming an exercise scientist involves studying a degree in exercise science, physiology, or another related field.

Sports nutritionist

If you're into sports, you probably already know that nutrition plays a massive role in athletic performance. Depending on their sport, athletes may need to maintain, gain, or lose weight, and as a sports nutritionist it would be your role to help them do this safely and effectively.

Sports nutritionists help athletes optimise their performance by designing nutrition plans tailored to their specific needs. You'll provide advice on diet, supplements, and hydration to ensure athletes are fuelling their bodies correctly.

A degree in nutrition or dietetics is typically required to enter this career, along with professional registration as a dietitian or nutritionist.

Sports journalist

Do you love reading about sports just as much as you like watching them? Want to engage with elite athletes and bring their stories to the public? If you love writing and have a passion for sport, consider a career as a sports journalist.

As a sports journalist, you'll cover sporting events, interview athletes, and write articles or create content for newspapers, magazines, websites, or broadcast media. Plus, you'll always be up to date on the latest sporting news and often find yourself on the sidelines so you never miss the action.

To become a sports journalist, a degree in journalism, communications, or media studies is usually required, along with strong writing skills and knowledge of sports.

Sports event manager

Are you the friend who's always organising activities? Do you love attending games and have excellent organisation skills? You could make the perfect sports event manager.

Sports event managers organise and oversee sporting events, from local tournaments to international competitions. You'll handle logistics, marketing, sponsorships, and ensure events run smoothly. When you're watching an awesome sporting event or even the Olympics, know that the sports event managers behind the scenes play a major role in making it all possible.

Obtaining a qualification in event management or business is helpful to start in this career - you'll also need experience in organising events and strong project management skills.

Sports psychologist

Interested in psychology but don't want to step away from the world of sport? Sports psychology combines the two in a way that's incredibly important for athletes.

Sports psychologists work with athletes to improve their mental game, helping them manage stress, enhance focus, and overcome mental barriers. You'll play a crucial role in ensuring athletes perform at their best, and the job can extend to various settings like helping young athletes or working in clinical environments.

You'll need to obtain a degree in psychology followed by further specialist postgraduate study in sports psychology, plus professional registration as a psychologist.

Fitness instructor

While the sound similar, fitness instructors are slightly different from personal trainers - instead of working one-on-one, they lead group exercise classes such as aerobics, spinning, yoga, or Pilates.

Your job is to create fun and engaging workouts that help participants stay motivated and reach their fitness goals. If you're outgoing, excellent in groups, and love fitness, you might be perfect for this role.

To become a fitness instructor, you'll usually need a qualification or certification specific to the types of classes you want to teach, plus lots of hands-on experience.

Sports marketing specialist

Do you think you'd be good at promoting your favourite team or encouraging people to attend games? If so, sports marketing might be right up your alley.

Sports marketing specialists promote teams, events, and products. You might create marketing campaigns, manage social media accounts, and work on sponsorship deals to increase visibility and engagement.

If you want to pursue this career, a degree in marketing or sports management are essential. Strong communication skills and understanding of digital marketing platforms are also must-haves.

How to become a Meteorologist

Meteorologists are weather specialists, using science and algorithms to predict weather patterns and events. They track local weather, measuring things such as rain levels and wind, as well as larger weather events, such as heat waves and cyclones. They also provide advice and forecasting before and during natural disasters.

If you have a passion for science and maths, are a great problem solver, and want a job that can be unpredictable and varied, becoming a meteorologist could be right for you.

What skills do I need as a meteorologist?

Excellent problem-solver
Strong mathematical skills
Analytical and critical thinker
Good technology skills
Adaptable and flexible
Outstanding communicator
Curious and inquisitive
Can work independently and in teams

What does the job involve?

Studying the physics and dynamics of the atmosphere
Tracking developing weather systems and events
Gathering data on weather conditions and making predictions
Providing weather forecasts to the media and public
Forecasting both short- and long-term weather patterns
Deploying technology, such as radars and satellites, to obtain data
Advising governments on disaster prevention and preparedness
Researching larger climate events, such as climate change

What industries do meteorologists typically work in?

Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
Education and Training
Public Administration and Safety

What Career Cluster do meteorologists belong to?

Because they use their specialised skills and knowledge to research and advise, most meteorologists are usually part of the Informer Cluster.

What kind of lifestyle can I expect?

Most meteorologists work full-time, with part-time opportunities being quite limited. You can expect to work some overtime, particularly during natural disasters when weather monitoring becomes critical regardless of the time of day.

You can expect to earn an average salary throughout your career as a meteorologist, which can vary depending on your skills and experience.

Meteorologists typically work indoors in offices using computers, with some opportunities for fieldwork. Most meteorologists work in government, though there may be some opportunities in independent science and research labs too.

How to become a meteorologist

To work as a meteorologist, you first need to complete an undergraduate degree meteorology or science, with a strong focus in physics and mathematics.

You'll likely start in a graduate or junior position, completing on-the-job training and potentially further education before progressing to senior roles. Eventually, you might move into research or specialised roles.

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

If you're in high school and want to explore whether a career as a meteorologist is right for you, here are some steps you can take:

Study Physics and Mathematics at school - you'll need this key knowledge for both your degree and future career.
Seek work experience in science or weather-related settings to see if you enjoy the work and start building contacts.
Talk to a meteorologist about their day-to-day life, or watch videos and documentaries about careers in science and weather.

Where can I find more information?

Similar careers to meteorologist

Climate Scientist
Environmentalist
Conservationist
Physicist
Computational Biologist
Geologist
Weather Reporter
Wildlife Biologist

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