Finding the perfect work experience placement can feel overwhelming. With so many options out there, how do you know which one is right for you? Whether you’re dreaming of working with animals, designing video games, or anything in between, we have some tips to help you choose the right work experience placement for you.

Think creatively about your options

Sometimes your dream placement might not be available right away. Let’s say you want to work at a zoo – but there aren’t any zoos nearby, or their placements are all booked up. Don’t worry! There are usually lots of alternative options that can give you similar experience and skills.

For example, if you’re interested in working with animals, you could try:

• Local animal shelters
• Veterinary clinics
• Pet grooming services
• Wildlife rescue centres
• Council animal management teams

The skills you learn in these places could be just as valuable for your future career.

Choosing between in-person and virtual placements

These days, you can do work experience either in-person or virtually. Both options have their benefits, so ask yourself these questions to help decide:

In-person placements

• Can I reliably get to and from the workplace each day?
• Am I comfortable working face-to-face with new people?
• Would hands-on experience benefit me more in this field?

Virtual placements

• Do I have a reliable computer and internet connection?
• Am I good at working independently?
• Would this give me experience with digital tools used in the industry?

Do your homework before committing

Before saying yes to a placement, it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting into. Here’s what to check:

• What hours you’ll need to work
• What to wear (is there a dress code?)
• What you need to bring
• Who you’ll be working with
• What kinds of tasks you might be doing

Remember: as a work experience student, you should mainly be observing, asking questions, and working on practice tasks – not doing the work of paid employees.

Speak up if something doesn’t feel right

If you’re ever uncomfortable or concerned about your placement, you definitely don’t need to stay quiet. Talk to a supervisor or manager at your placement or your school’s work experience coordinator – your wellbeing and safety always come first!

Ready to start looking?

Remember, work experience is about learning and exploring – so don’t stress too much about choosing the “perfect” placement. At the end of the day, any experience can teach you valuable skills for your future career.

Want to explore work experience opportunities? You can find heaps more information on our website here.

Think you’re not great at making decisions? Think again! While you might stress about big choices like choosing your subjects or planning your future career, you’re probably already building solid decision-making skills through everyday activities. Here are three surprising signs that show you’re better at decision-making than you think.

You’re the go-to person for your friend group’s plans

If your friends often turn to you to finalise weekend plans or resolve group chat debates about where to meet up, congratulations – you’re flexing some serious decision-making muscles!

This kind of social planning requires balancing multiple factors: different people’s preferences, time constraints, budgets, and accessibility. When you successfully navigate these competing needs to land on a plan that (mostly) works for everyone, you’re demonstrating advanced decision-making skills like weighing options, considering consequences, and finding compromises.

Even better? If you’re the person who can confidently say “let’s do this” when everyone else is stuck in an endless loop of “I don’t mind, whatever you want to do,” you’re showing you can handle the pressure of making final calls – a crucial decision-making skill.

You’ve successfully managed your gaming or sports strategy

Whether you’re choosing your Pokémon team, making split-second decisions in Fortnite, or deciding when to pass the ball in football, you’re actually building sophisticated decision-making skills.

Gaming and sports require rapid assessment of situations, quick prioritisation, and strategic thinking about both immediate and long-term consequences. Every time you decide which weapon to pick up, which character to level up, or when to take a risk versus play it safe, you’re practicing the same decision-making processes that leaders use in high-stakes business situations.

The best part? Because you’re doing something you enjoy, you’re learning from both successes and failures in a low-pressure environment – exactly how the best decision-makers build their skills.

You can put together a decent outfit (even under pressure)

We’re serious – this is actually a complex decision-making process! When you’re choosing what to wear, you’re simultaneously considering multiple factors: the weather, your day’s activities, dress codes, comfort, style, and what’s clean and available.

If you can regularly pull together appropriate outfits without major drama, you’re demonstrating key decision-making skills like:

• Gathering relevant information (checking the weather, your schedule)
• Evaluating options against multiple criteria
• Making quick decisions under time pressure
• Adapting to constraints (what’s actually clean and available)
• Learning from experience (what worked or didn’t work in similar situations)

Where you’ll use this skill in the workplace

Decision-making skills are crucial in virtually every workplace role, but here are some specific ways you’ll use them:

Resource allocation

When managing budgets, time, or team members, you’ll need to decide how to best use limited resources to achieve maximum results – just like when you’re managing your study time or gaming strategy.

Crisis response

Whether it’s handling an urgent customer complaint or responding to a system failure, you’ll need to make quick, informed decisions under pressure – similar to those split-second gaming decisions.

Product development

Deciding which features to include, what to prioritise, and when to launch requires weighing multiple factors and making trade-offs – just like when you’re balancing different factors in social planning.

Team leadership

Leaders constantly make decisions about task delegation, conflict resolution, and project direction – skills you’re building when managing group activities or team sports.

Quality control

Determining whether something meets standards and deciding how to address issues requires confident decision-making – like when you decide if an outfit works for a specific occasion.

Event coordination

Coordinating events requires constant decision-making about timing, resources, and contingency plans – similar to organising social activities.

Building your decision-making skills

The best news? Decision-making is like a muscle – the more you use it, the stronger it gets. Every time you make a choice and observe its outcomes, you’re building better decision-making skills for the future.

Want to level up your decision-making even more? Start paying attention to how you make everyday decisions. What information do you consider? What factors influence your choices? The more aware you are of your decision-making process, the more you can refine and improve it.

Being good at making decisions doesn’t mean never making mistakes – it means being able to gather relevant information, weigh options, and move forward confidently with the best choice you can make with the information available. If you’re doing any of the things mentioned above, you’re already on your way to becoming a skilled decision-maker!

Find out more

Curious to know if you’ve mastered any other skills? You can read more blogs on important skills for work on our website here.

Veterinarians (also known as vets) are doctors of animal health. They prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases and other health issues in all kinds of animals. They can work in small clinics, emergency and specialist hospitals, zoos and aquariums, wildlife parks, universities, research facilities, pet food and drug manufacturing companies, and conservation and government organisations.

If you’re passionate about animals and their welfare, love science, and are driven by emotional rewards rather than financial ones, becoming a veterinarian could be perfect for you.

What skills do I need as a veterinarian?

• Excellent communication abilities
• Strong passion for animal health and welfare
• Empathy and emotional resilience
• Great organisational and time management skills
• Attention to detail and observation
• Technical skills with machinery and lab equipment
• Scientific aptitude and inquiring mind
• Surgical knowledge and capabilities

What does the job involve?

• Examining, diagnosing, and treating sick and injured animals
• Carrying out general check-ups
• Administering preventative treatments like vaccinations
• Prescribing and giving medications
• Taking cell and tissue samples
• Performing diagnostic tests
• Conducting surgery on animals
• Managing animal health records

What industries do veterinarians typically work in?

• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
• Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing

What Career Cluster do veterinarians belong to?

Veterinarians are primarily part of the Guardian Cluster because they focus on health, wellbeing and safety – in this case, for animals. They also use some skills similar to Informers (sharing knowledge with pet owners).

What kind of lifestyle can I expect?

Veterinarians usually work full-time, with limited part-time opportunities. Full-time vets often work more than standard hours each week, as the role can require after-hours emergency care and weekend work. You’ll work in various environments, both indoors and outdoors. The job can be emotionally demanding as you may encounter difficult situations.

While starting salaries vary by country and region, most veterinarians can expect to earn an average to above-average income throughout their career. The demand for veterinarians is growing in many countries, with particular need in rural and regional areas.

How to become a veterinarian

To practice as a vet, you’ll typically need to:

• Complete high school with a strong focus on science subjects
• Graduate from an accredited veterinary medicine program at university/college
• Obtain necessary licensing or registration in your country/region
• Complete any required practical experience
• Begin working as a qualified veterinarian

The exact requirements and length of study will vary depending on your location, but most veterinary programs take 5-6 years to complete.

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

If you’re in high school and interested in becoming a vet, here are some steps you can take:

• Volunteer with animals at local shelters or rescue organisations, or look for work experience opportunities at vet clinics or animal hospitals
• Talk to practicing veterinarians about their experiences. If you don’t know anyone, see if you can watch videos or documentaries about a career as a vet.
• Focus on English, Mathematics, and science subjects at school, and research your future study options

Where can I find more information?

• Australian Veterinary Association
• New Zealand Veterinary Association
• British Veterinary Association
• Veterinary Council of Ireland
• American Veterinary Medical Association
• Canadian Veterinary Medical Association

Similar careers to veterinarian

• Animal Trainer
• Farmer
• Marine Biologist
• Veterinary Nurse
• Agronomist
• Pet Groomer
• Wildlife Conservationist

Find out more about alternative careers on our Job Spotlights page.

Think social awareness is just about being nice to people? There’s way more to it – and you’re probably already crushing it. If you can navigate different social media platforms, manage various friend groups, or keep the peace in group projects, you’re showing some serious social awareness skills that employers love. Let’s look at some ways you might already be a social awareness expert.

You’re a pro at reading different social situations

If you can:

• Switch between different communication styles with teachers, friends, and family
• Know when to use memes versus when to be more formal
• Understand the unwritten rules of different social media platforms
• Adjust your behavior between different friend groups
• Pick up on when someone’s having a rough day

You’re demonstrating advanced social awareness. The ability to “read the room” and adjust your approach accordingly is a crucial professional skill.

What makes this impressive isn’t just knowing the rules – it’s understanding why they matter and how they help groups function better. This kind of social intelligence is invaluable in workplace settings.

You notice when group dynamics are off

Maybe you’re the one who:

• Spots when someone’s feeling left out of the group chat
• Notices tension in team projects before it becomes drama
• Recognises when a joke has gone too far
• Picks up on changes in friends’ moods
• Understands when to lighten the mood or when to be serious

This ability to sense and respond to group dynamics shows sophisticated social awareness. It’s the same skill that helps leaders manage team morale and maintain productive work environments.

You’re good at including different perspectives

Whether you:

• Make sure quieter friends get heard in group decisions
• Consider how plans might affect different people
• Think about accessibility when organising events
• Recognise and respect cultural differences
• Help bridge gaps between different friend groups

You’re showing valuable social awareness skills. This ability to consider and include diverse perspectives is increasingly important in today’s workplace.

You know how to navigate online communities

If you can:

• Understand different community vibes and expectations
• Pick up on unwritten rules in online spaces
• Recognise when discussions might get heated
• Adapt your communication style to different platforms
• Help new members feel welcome

You’re demonstrating modern social awareness skills. The ability to navigate online social spaces effectively is becoming crucial in professional settings.

You’re aware of how your actions affect others

When you:

• Think about how your posts might impact different audiences
• Consider timing when sending messages or making requests
• Recognise when your mood might affect group dynamics
• Understand how your choices influence group decisions
• Take responsibility for your impact on others

You’re showing mature social awareness. This understanding of your social impact is essential for workplace collaboration.

Where you’ll use this skill in the workplace

Social awareness is crucial in modern workplaces. Here’s where you’ll use it:

Team leadership

Just like managing group dynamics in social settings, you’ll need to understand and support team morale and collaboration.

Customer service

Similar to adapting your communication style for different people, you’ll need to read and respond to customer needs effectively.

Cross-cultural communication

Like navigating different online communities, you’ll work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Conflict resolution

Your experience in spotting and addressing social tension will help you manage workplace disagreements constructively.

Change management

Understanding how changes affect different people will help you support teams through transitions.

Community management

Your skills in nurturing online communities translate directly to building professional networks and communities.

Stakeholder management

Like considering different friends’ needs when making plans, you’ll need to balance various stakeholder interests.

Building your social awareness skills

Social awareness isn’t about being perfect in every situation – it’s about being mindful of others and adapting your approach accordingly. If you’re doing any of the things mentioned above, you’re already developing this essential skill!

Want to strengthen your social awareness even more? Try:

• Paying attention to how different people communicate
• Practicing seeing situations from others’ perspectives
• Noticing patterns in group dynamics
• Learning about different cultures and viewpoints
• Reflecting on how your actions impact others

The best socially aware people aren’t just naturally “good with people” – they’re observant, adaptable, and genuinely interested in understanding others. Sound like you? You’re already more socially aware than you thought!

Tip: your experience navigating both online and offline social spaces gives you an advantage in today’s workplace. The future of work is hybrid, and employers value people who can build connections and read social cues in both physical and digital environments.

Learn more

Already a social awareness expert but want to learn how to build other valuable skills? Take a look at some of the other resources on our website.

Landing your first job is exciting, but the application process can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re applying for a part-time role while studying or looking for your first full-time position, we’ve put together this guide to help you craft a job application that will catch an employer’s eye.

Before you start

Take some time to check if the job is right for you. Ask yourself:

• Can you commit to the hours they’re asking for?
• Do you have most of the skills they’re looking for?
• Is the location somewhere you can get to easily?
• Does the role interest you?

If you’ve answered yes to these questions, then it’s time to get started on your application.

Steps to craft the perfect job application

Once you’ve found the right job, it’s time to submit an application. Here are some tips that can help you land that all-important interview.

Read everything carefully

The number one rule of job applications? Read the instructions thoroughly! Pay attention to:

• The closing date and time
• What documents they need from you
• How they want you to submit your application
• Any specific requirements they mention

Missing even small details could mean your application gets overlooked, so take your time with this step.

Research the company

Employers love candidates who show genuine interest in their organisation. Here’s what to look for:

• What does the company do?
• What are their values?
• What makes them different from similar companies?
• What’s their work environment like?

Pro tip: Use the company’s official website and their social media accounts to find the most up-to-date information.

Create a standout resume

Your resume is often your first impression, so make it count:

• Keep it truthful – never lie about your experience or skills
• Use keywords from the job description
• Highlight relevant experience, even if it’s from school or volunteering
• Keep it neat and easy to read
• Check for spelling mistakes and typos

Need help with your resume? Check out our guide to resume basics to get started.

Get your documents ready

Many jobs ask for supporting documents. Common ones include:

• Proof of identity (like your birth certificate or passport)
• Qualifications or certificates
• References from teachers or previous employers
• Working with children checks (if required)

Keep these documents organised in a folder on your computer so you can find them easily.

Clean up your online presence

This step is often overlooked, but before you apply, do a quick social media audit:

• Set your personal accounts to private
• Remove any inappropriate content
• Create a professional email address (firstname.lastname@email.com looks much better than coolkid123@email.com)
• If you have a LinkedIn profile, make sure it’s up to date

Final checks

Before you hit submit, run through this checklist:

• Have you followed all the application guidelines?
• Are all required documents attached?
• Have you checked for spelling and grammar mistakes?
• Are your contact details correct?
• Is everything saved in the right format?

Take your time with these checks – it’s better to take a bit of extra time to submit a polished application than a rushed one with mistakes.

After you apply

Once you’ve submitted your application:

• Save a copy for your records
• Keep track of where and when you applied
• Look out for confirmation emails
• Check your spam folder regularly
• Be patient – it can take time to hear back

Want more help?

Remember, practice makes perfect. Each application you submit helps you get better at the process, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t succeed right away. Keep trying, and you’ll land that job before you know it!

Looking for more tips on landing your dream job? Check out our other career resources here.

Train drivers are responsible for operating and driving various types of trains, including passenger trains, freight trains, trams, and locomotives. They ensure the safe and efficient transport of passengers and goods while following strict safety protocols and schedules.

If you’re reliable, good under pressure, and interested in transport and logistics, becoming a train driver could be perfect for you.

What skills do I need as a train driver?

• Excellent attention to detail and observation
• Strong safety awareness and responsibility
• Quick thinking and good reflexes
• Calm and focused under pressure
• Great communication abilities
• Problem-solving skills
• Reliability and punctuality
• Flexibility with working hours

What does the job involve?

• Inspecting trains before departure for safety
• Operating trains according to schedules and regulations
• Monitoring safety systems and gauges
• Making passenger announcements
• Coordinating with station staff and controllers
• Responding to emergency situations
• Performing basic maintenance checks
• Completing operational documentation

What industries do train drivers typically work in?

• Transport, Postal and Warehousing
• Mining
• Manufacturing

What Career Cluster do train drivers belong to?

Train Drivers are primarily part of the Maker Cluster because their job mainly involves operating and maintaining complex machinery. They also use some skills similar to Guardians (ensuring passenger safety) and Coordinators (managing schedules and logistics).

What kind of lifestyle can I expect?

Train drivers often work irregular hours, including weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts. Most positions are full-time, and part-time opportunities are limited. You’ll need to be flexible with your schedule as you might work early mornings, late nights, or even overnight shifts.

Salaries vary depending on your location, experience, and the type of trains you operate, but train drivers generally earn above-average wages. The demand for train drivers remains stable as railways continue to be an essential part of transportation infrastructure.

How to become a train driver

While specific requirements can vary by country, the typical pathway to becoming a train driver includes:

• Completing high school with good results in Maths and English
• Obtaining a driver’s license
• Completing relevant training programs or qualifications in train operations
• Passing medical examinations and safety checks
• Completing on-the-job training with your employer

Many railway companies offer apprentice or trainee programs that combine work and study, allowing you to earn while you learn. The length and type of training required will depend on your location and the company you work for.

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

If you’re in high school and interested in becoming a train driver, here are some steps you can take:

• See if you can find work experience in a transport or logistics-based setting. This will help you see if you might enjoy the work, and can help you start building important contacts for the future.
• Focus on subjects like Mathematics, English, and any available technical subjects while at school, and research the specific job requirements in your country.
• Talk to a train driver to see what a day in their life is like. If you don’t know anyone, watch videos or documentaries about a career in transport instead.

Where can I find more information?

• Australasian Railway Association
• Railway Industry Association (UK)
• Association of American Railroads
• Railway Association of Canada

Similar careers to train driver

• Logistics Manager
• Pilot
• Truck Driver
• Drone Operator
• Delivery Driver
• Engineer
• Bus Driver

Find out more about alternative careers on our Job Spotlights page.

Think self-management is all about having a perfectly organised calendar and never procrastinating? Think again – you’re probably already crushing it at self-management in ways that matter more. Here are four surprising signs that you’re better at managing yourself than you realise.

You can balance multiple interests without dropping the ball

Whether you’re:

• Juggling school work with sports or hobbies
• Managing a part-time job alongside studies
• Keeping up with different friend groups
• Maintaining various social media accounts
• Participating in multiple online communities

You’re demonstrating advanced self-management skills. The ability to switch between different roles and responsibilities while keeping everything moving forward is incredibly valuable in the workplace.

What makes this impressive isn’t doing everything perfectly – it’s being able to:

• Know what needs your attention when
• Shift priorities when necessary
• Recover quickly when things slip
• Learn from experience about what works
• Adjust your approach based on energy levels

You have your own “systems” that work for you

Maybe your desk looks chaotic to others, but you know exactly where everything is. Perhaps your study method seems weird, but it gets results. If you’ve developed your own ways to:

• Remember important stuff
• Track assignments and deadlines
• Organise your digital files
• Manage your energy throughout the day
• Keep track of commitments

You’re showing excellent self-management skills. Creating personal systems that work for you (rather than following someone else’s “perfect” system) shows you understand your own needs and can adapt accordingly.

You know how to reset when things get overwhelming

If you can:

• Recognise when you’re getting stressed
• Take breaks before burnout hits
• Find ways to motivate yourself
• Get back on track after setbacks
• Ask for help when you need it

You’re demonstrating crucial self-management skills. The ability to monitor your own state and take action to maintain your effectiveness is incredibly valuable in any setting.

You’re getting better at managing your online time

Whether you:

• Set limits on your social media use
• Use app features to stay focused
• Take breaks from your phone when needed
• Prioritise important messages over casual scrolling
• Balance online and offline activities

You’re showing sophisticated self-management skills. In a world of constant digital distractions, the ability to manage your online presence and attention is increasingly important.

Where you’ll use this skill in the workplace

Self-management skills are essential in every job. Here’s where you’ll use them:

Project management

Just like balancing different subjects and assignments, you’ll need to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in the workplace.

Remote work

Similar to managing your study time, you’ll need to structure your workday and stay productive without constant supervision.

Stress management

Your experience in recognising and managing stress will help you maintain productivity under pressure.

Time management

Like balancing social media and other activities, you’ll need to manage your time and attention effectively at work.

Professional development

Just as you’ve created systems for learning and improving in your interests, you’ll need to manage your career growth and skill development.

Workload prioritisation

Similar to deciding what needs attention first in your busy schedule, you’ll need to prioritise work tasks effectively.

Energy management

Like knowing when to take breaks from social media, you’ll need to manage your energy to maintain consistent performance at work.

Building your self-management skills

Good self-management isn’t about being perfect – it’s about knowing yourself and finding ways to get things done that work for you. If you’re doing any of the things mentioned above, you’re already developing this essential skill!

Want to level up your self-management even more? Try:

• Paying attention to when you’re most productive
• Experimenting with different ways to organise tasks
• Noticing what helps you bounce back from setbacks
• Learning from how others manage similar challenges
• Building regular reflection time into your routine

The best self-managers aren’t necessarily the most organised people – they’re the ones who understand their own patterns and create systems that work for their style. Sound like you? You’re already on your way to becoming a self-management pro!

Tip: next time someone comments on your “messy” desk or “weird” study habits, remind them that if your system works for you and helps you achieve your goals, that’s what matters. The most effective self-management strategy is the one you’ll actually stick with.

Find out more

We have heaps of other blogs on building important skills – check them out on our website here.

Ever wondered who helps organise those magical Christmas markets in Europe, or who designs the spectacular holiday light displays in Singapore? The festive season creates exciting job opportunities all around the world, and some people make an entire career out of spreading Christmas cheer globally. Let’s explore some fascinating global careers that combine work with holiday magic.

Event management: Creating Christmas magic worldwide

If you love organising events and have a passion for different cultures, international event management could be perfect for you. Christmas event managers are the people responsible for:

• Planning and coordinate festive markets
• Organising holiday light festivals
• Arranging Santa’s workshops in shopping centers
• Managing New Year’s Eve celebrations

These roles combine creativity, organisation, and cultural awareness. You might find yourself setting up a traditional German Christmas market one year and coordinating a tropical holiday celebration in Australia the next.

Tourism and hospitality: Making holiday dreams come true

Christmas is one of the busiest times for tourism, with people traveling all over the world to experience different festive traditions. Tourism workers help create unforgettable holiday experiences for families and travelers. such as:

• Leading tour groups through snowy Lapland
• Running Christmas activities at holiday resorts
• Planning festive events at hotels
• Booking dream Christmas vacations for families
• Managing winter ski seasons at mountain resorts

You’ll need excellent people skills and an understanding of various cultural celebrations, and being able to speak multiple languages is always advantage too.

Cultural advisory: Helping brands spread holiday cheer

When international brands want to spread Christmas cheer, they need experts who understand how different cultures celebrate. Cultural advisors are the people who help companies connect with local traditions – you might be:

• Sharing insights about holiday traditions around the world
• Guiding companies on culturally appropriate Christmas campaigns
• Making sure festivities honor local customs
• Teaching businesses about regional celebration styles
• Helping adapt holiday marketing for different countries

To succeed as a cultural advisor, you’ll need to be a strong communicator, pay close attention to detail, enjoy learning about different traditions, and be great at helping different groups of people understand each other.

How to get started

Interested in pursuing a global Christmas career? Here are some steps you can take now:

• Study languages at school – the more languages you know, the more doors will open
• Learn about different cultures and their holiday traditions
• Look for work experience in local tourism or retail during the Christmas season
• Consider studying international business, tourism, or event management
• Build your communication skills through volunteering or part-time work

Fun facts about Christmas careers

If you think Christmas jobs are only available around December, think again – here are some interesting facts that might inspire you to bring the festive cheer all year round:

• Professional Christmas decorators in New York start planning their displays in January
• Lapland tourism operators train their staff for months before the Christmas season
• Major department stores in London hire their Christmas team leaders up to a year in advance

Want to know more?

If these Christmas-themed careers aren’t quite right for you, you can explore more ideas and information about all kinds of different jobs on our website here.

Sonographers are healthcare professionals who use ultrasound technology to capture and interpret images of the body’s internal structures. They play a vital role in helping doctors diagnose medical conditions and monitor patient health.

If you’re interested in healthcare, have strong technical abilities, and want to make a difference in people’s lives, becoming a sonographer could be an excellent career choice.

What skills do I need as a sonographer?

• Excellent communication & patient care skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to remain calm under pressure
• Physical stamina for extended periods of standing
• Technical & computer skills
• Understanding of anatomy & medical terminology
• Professional & ethical conduct
• Good hand-eye coordination

What does the job involve?

• Operating ultrasound equipment
• Explaining procedures to patients
• Capturing diagnostic images
• Writing detailed reports
• Collaborating with healthcare professionals
• Ensuring patient comfort and safety
• Maintaining medical equipment
• Participating in ongoing professional development

What industries do sonographers typically work in?

• Healthcare & Social Assistance

What Career Cluster do sonographers belong to?

Sonographers are primarily part of the Guardian Cluster because they help protect people’s health and wellbeing. They also use skills similar to Makers (operating specialised equipment) and Informers (sharing medical knowledge with patients and healthcare teams).

What kind of lifestyle can I expect?

Most sonographers work full-time, averaging about 40 hours per week, though part-time opportunities are available. While most work occurs during regular business hours, some positions may require emergency calls or weekend shifts depending on the workplace.

Sonographers receive competitive salaries, with most earning an above average salary throughout their career. The career outlook is strong, with high demand for qualified professionals, particularly in rural and regional areas.

How to become a sonographer

The path to becoming a sonographer varies between countries, but most require post-secondary education and specialised training. Here’s a general overview of what you’ll need:

Step 1 – Complete your high school education. Focus on subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics, as these will give you a strong foundation for further study.

Step 2 – Choose your education pathway. Depending on your location, you’ll need to complete either:

• A bachelor’s degree in sonography or medical imaging (3-4 years), or
• A bachelor’s degree in a related health field followed by a postgraduate qualification in sonography (4-5 years total)

Step 3 – Get certified or registered. Most countries require sonographers to be certified or registered before they can practice. This usually involves:

• Completing an accredited education program
• Passing qualifying examinations
• Registering with the relevant professional body in your country

Step 4 – Maintain your certification. You’ll need to participate in ongoing professional development throughout your career to keep your skills current and maintain your registration.

Step 5 – Consider specialising. Once you’re established, you might choose to specialise in areas such as:

• Obstetric and gynecological sonography
• Cardiac sonography
• Vascular sonography
• Pediatric sonography
• Breast sonography

Note: Requirements can vary significantly between countries and employers. It’s best to check with professional sonography organisations in your location for specific requirements and pathways.

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

If you’re in high school and interested in becoming a sonographer, here are some steps you can take:

• See if you can find work experience in a health-related setting, such as in a hospital or local clinic. This can help you decide whether or not the career is right for you and can help you start building connections.
• Browse the courses available and make sure you know the requirements for entry. Make sure the course you’re looking at will qualify you for certification or registration as a sonographer.
• Try volunteering in your local community. This is a great way to build some essential skills such as communication, empathy, and independence, as well as looking great on your applications.

Where can I find more information?

• Australasian Sonographers Association
• British Medical Ultrasound Society
• Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (US)
• Sonography Canada

Similar careers to sonographer

• Radiographer
• Medical Imaging Technologist
• Medical Doctor
• Registered Nurse
• Dentist
• Surgeon
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Think innovation is all about inventing the next iPhone? You might be surprised to hear it’s actually not that hard. If you’ve ever found a clever way to fix something broken, or created content that got your friends talking, you’re already showing innovation skills that employers love. Here are five surprising signs that you’re a natural innovator.

You’re the DIY problem-solver in your friend group

Ever whipped up a DIY phone stand for watching videos? Created a makeshift speaker by putting your phone in a cup? Made study cards using what you had lying around? That’s innovation in action!

When you:

• Find creative solutions using available resources
• Adapt existing items for new purposes
• Fix things in unexpected ways
• Share your clever solutions with others
• Improve on basic ideas to make them work better

You’re demonstrating the same kind of resourceful innovation that businesses value. This ability to see new possibilities in existing resources is a cornerstone of innovation.

You customise your digital space like a pro

Whether it’s:

• Creating unique playlist combinations
• Personalising your game character in unexpected ways
• Setting up your study apps to work better together
• Making your phone or desktop setup more efficient
• Finding better ways to organise your digital life

You’re showing innovation through customisation and optimisation. This ability to envision and create better ways of doing things is exactly what drives workplace innovation.

You create content that gets attention

If you’ve ever:

• Started a trend among your friends
• Created memes that actually got shared
• Made videos that got people talking
• Found a new way to present information
• Combined different ideas into something fresh

You’re practising creative innovation. The ability to generate ideas that resonate with others and present familiar things in new ways is a valuable innovation skill.

You’re great at finding better ways to do things

Maybe you’ve:

• Discovered shortcuts in your school commute
• Found more efficient ways to complete tasks
• Created systems that make studying easier
• Developed better ways to organise your time
• Come up with tricks to remember things

This kind of process innovation – finding better ways to do everyday things – is exactly what businesses need to improve their operations.

You can reimagine and remix ideas

Whether you’re:

• Combining different game strategies in new ways
• Mixing up recipes to create something different
• Putting your own spin on trending content
• Adapting others’ ideas to work better for you
• Finding unexpected connections between different concepts

You’re showing the kind of innovative thinking that leads to breakthroughs in any field.

Where you’ll use this skill in the workplace

Innovation skills are increasingly valuable in every industry. Here’s where you’ll use them:

Process improvement

Just like finding better ways to study or organise your time, you’ll help identify and implement more efficient ways of working, saving your boss (and you) time and money.

Product development

Similar to customising your digital space, you’ll help create and improve products and services to better meet user needs.

Content creation

Your experience creating engaging content will help you develop innovative ways to communicate ideas and information.

Problem solving

Like your DIY solutions, you’ll find creative ways to overcome workplace challenges with available resources.

Customer experience

Just as you adapt systems to work better for you, you’ll innovate ways to improve customer interactions and satisfaction.

Digital transformation

Your ability to optimise digital tools will help organisations adapt and improve their technology use.

Strategy development

Like remixing ideas in creative ways, you’ll help organisations find new approaches and opportunities.

Building your innovation skills

Innovation isn’t always about massive breakthroughs – it’s often about finding slightly better ways to do things or combining existing ideas in new ways. If you’re doing any of the activities mentioned above, you’re already developing this crucial skill.

Want to boost your innovation skills even more? Try:

• Looking for problems that need solving in your daily life
• Questioning “the way things have always been done”
• Combining ideas from different areas
• Sharing your creative solutions with others
• Experimenting with new approaches to familiar tasks

The best innovators aren’t just inventors – they’re people who see possibilities where others see problems, and who aren’t afraid to try new approaches. Sound like you? You’re already more innovative than you thought!

Learn more

Already mastered the art of innovation? See some of the other important workplace skills to work on next by reading more on our website.