Explore Pathways: life, learning, and work possibilities.

In a world that’s constantly changing, staying open and informed helps you discover what’s out there, what’s emerging, and what could be a great fit for you.

The Importance of Opportunity-Awareness

Developing opportunity-awareness involves expanding your career insights—knowledge about learning, training and work. It includes understanding industries, roles, qualifications, skills, work conditions, and the future of work. These insights are valuable when making career decisions.

People who are more opportunity-aware can recognise multiple career pathways that may suit them. They know where to look, what questions to ask, and how to evaluate options. When people combine opportunity-awareness with personal insight, they are better placed to identify which opportunities will be a good fit for them.

Why Exploring Career Options Matters 

Being opportunity-aware helps you identify study, training, and career pathways that are a good fit for you and your future. It can help you plan your next steps and answer important questions such as: 

• How do my strengths and interests line up with what the world needs? 

• Which careers and industries would I find most fulfilling? 

3 Easy Ways to Build Opportunity-Awareness 

You don’t need to have it all figured out. Focus on being curious and open to exploring possibilities. 

1. Explore What’s Out There

Most people only know a small slice of the jobs available.

Try this: Spend 10 minutes exploring different interest categories listed on the Tahatū career navigator website. Note roles that interest you and ask yourself what else you would like to know about them. 

Take it further: Sign up to job websites such as Seek or Trade Me jobs, or professional platforms like LinkedIn to gain greater exposure to real-world roles.

Bonus tip: Job titles featured on vacancy websites can sometimes be deceptive. Be sure to read the job descriptions to gain an accurate insight into the role.

2. Ask People About Their Careers

“What do you do?” is a common question, but what other questions can help you gain insight into career opportunities?

Try this: Practice with a family member, teacher, coach, or mentor. Here's an example of how to get started: “I’m exploring career ideas and curious about what you do. Can I ask a few questions?” Some interesting starter questions include:

• Is there anything you wish you’d known before choosing your career?

• What have you learnt about yourself while working in this field?

• Have you found the job to be a good fit for you?

• Do you and your work colleagues like/dislike different aspects of your jobs?

• Has anything surprised you about your job?

• How did you get into this line of work?

• What opportunities might this role lead to in the future?

Other questions: What can you tell me about your daily tasks you perform? What do you enjoy or find challenging? How has the role changed? What skills are most important in your job? What’s changing in your industry?

3. Integrate Your Personal Insight

Your personal insight helps you narrow down the list of career ideas.

Try this: Choose 2–3 careers that interest you. For each one, ask: What skills does this job require? What are the working conditions—for example: is it indoor or outdoor work, team-oriented, remote, and/or hands-on? Does it align with your values, strengths, or preferences?

Bonus tip: Income matters, but it’s just one part. Think about lifestyle, wellbeing, and long-term potential growth too!

What If It Feels Overwhelming? 

Feeling uncertain is normal. You don't need a perfect plan, only a willingness to take action, ask questions, and grow your experiences. 

Here’s what you can do:

• Choose one career area to explore more in-depth. 

• Look for patterns between what excites you and what the world needs.

• Complete the career choice readiness quiz at www.trajectories.nz. Take note of any challenging questions; these are clues that can help you identify steps to take to gain clarity.

• Connect with Trajectories to explore pathways.

In Summary: What’s important to remember? 

Opportunity-awareness helps you spot possibilities you might have missed. It’s about knowing where to look, what to ask, and how to evaluate what fits. Building opportunity-awareness improves career adaptability, confidence, and decision-making.