Job Prospects... At a glance
In general, job prospects for analysts are good. Employment numbers have been growing and are projected to keep growing, especially for analysts working with ICT.
In contrast, job opportunities for policy analysts are more constrained although still positive. The Government funding cap on total public service employment has lowered overall demand for policy analysts, but the moderate turnover for policy analysts means there is still a good number of vacancies.
Analysts gather and analyse information to assist and guide the development, implementation (putting into action) and evaluation of an organisation’s strategy, operations and policies. Analysts work in a wide range of specific positions, for example, as a financial analyst, IT systems analyst or policy analyst. The specific duties and required knowledge varies between the different roles.
The qualifications needed to become an analyst depend on the specific job. Usually, analysts require a degree with a significant quantitative component, such as economics or statistics, or a degree that gives specialist knowledge in the object of analysis. In recent years, having a good mix of quantitative and qualitative skills is becoming more and more sought after by employers of some types of analysts.
For example, most policy analyst roles require at least a bachelor’s degree in a subject such as public policy, political science, social science research, history, economics, resource management, or law. ICT analysts usually need a degree in computer science or related subjects. Employers often prefer candidates to have completed a postgraduate qualification, such as honours or a master’s degree.
| Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy | Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science |
|---|---|
| $19,500 over three years | $20,500 over three years |
Average costs in 2018 for a domestic student. Costs vary between institutions. First time students may be eligible for fees-free
tertiary education for their first year of study, which will reduce the total cost. For more information about fees-free eligibility, go to feesfree.govt.nz. Some polytechnics may have a zero-fees scheme. Further costs include materials, textbooks, and accommodation.
Rents vary from place to place. Estimated market rents by region, city and suburb are available on the MBIE Tenancy Services website.
The StudyLink website provides general budget advice for students, and the Sorted website provides help with detailed budget planning.
Tenancy Services: www.tenancy.govt.nz/rent-bond-and-bills
StudyLink: www.studylink.govt.nz
Sorted: www.sorted.org.nz/calculators/money-planner
All New Zealand universities have relevant degrees that can lead to employment as an analyst.
Many analysts have degrees in business and management, computer science, or information systems. The number of graduates with a bachelor’s degree in these subjects has increased over the last few years, leading to a bigger pool of potential new analysts.
Qualification completions chart
Source: Ministry of Education.
In 2017, the average income for analysts was estimated to be around $88,800.
| Estimated Average Income |
|---|
| $88,800 |
Source: MBIE estimates based on Statistics NZ Census and Labour Cost Index
Analysts’ employment
| Historic | Projected Growth | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 2013 | 2021 | 2026 |
| 12,369 | 16,002 | 19,123 | 21,126 |
| 3.7% | 3.0% | 2.0% | |
Source: Statistics NZ Census and MBIE projections. Percentages are compound annual growth rates.
*Growth projections are for the broader category “Information and Organisation Professionals”.
The number of analysts has increased quickly over the last few years, and employment is expected to keep growing quickly onwards past 2020 to 2025. Note: employment has grown especially quickly for analysts in IT-related fields, and the projections are based in this subset of analysts.
Employment chart
Source: Statistics NZ Census and MBIE projections
| Overseas | In further study | Receiving a benefit | In employment | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25% | 8% | 1% | 63% | $49,000 |
Source: Tertiary Education Commission.
*Three years after completion of Bachelor Degree - Computer Science.
Three years after completing a bachelor’s degree in computer science, most graduates are in employment or overseas, and relatively small numbers were in further study. The median salary was $49,000 three years after qualification completion.
ICT business analysts and systems analysts are on Immigration New Zealand’s long-term skill shortage list. This means that the government is actively encouraging skilled people in these occupations to come and work in New Zealand. When there is a shortage, it usually means that job prospects for New Zealand graduates are good. A full list is available on the Immigration New Zealand website.
Immigration NZ, skill shortage list: skillshortages.immigration.govt.nz
Since 2011, the number of online vacancies for policy analysts has grown at a similar rate to the average for all online job vacancies.
Jobs advertised chart
Source: Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
Analyst vacancies are advertised through websites such as Trade Me Jobs and Seek and, increasingly, through social media like LinkedIn.
Trade Me Jobs: www.trademe.co.nz/jobs
Seek: www.seek.co.nz
LinkedIn: nz.linkedin.com
In general, job openings for policy analysts are average. On the plus side, moderate job turnover equates to a reasonable number of vacancies. On the other hand, the Government cap on total public sector employment means that the total number of policy analysts in employment in the public sector is relatively stable.
Many policy analysts are employed by central government. Other employers include local authorities, private organisations, unions, business or interest groups.
Marketing analysts typically work for large businesses or marketing or consulting companies.
ICT analysts work in a range of organisations such as large corporations, for the government and in specialist consulting firms.
Analysts can generally progress to become senior analysts, team leaders or managers in their organisations.
The following occupations are related roles or alternative titles. Some of the roles may require a higher level of skill than entry-level analysts.
More information on analysts is available on the Careers New Zealand website and through the "Just the Job" video. More information specifically on policy analysts is available through the Public Servants Association and Aotearoa New Zealand Evaluation Association.
Careers New Zealand: www.careers.govt.nz
Public Servants Association: www.psa.org.nz
Aotearoa New Zealand Evaluation Association: www.anzea.org.nz
Just the Job video clip: Careers in The State Sector
The Australian New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) is the official classification of occupations in New Zealand.
The occupation of analysts has been coded to the following ANZSCO codes for the purpose of this report:
2244 – Intelligence and Policy Analysts
225112 – Market Research Analyst
232214 – Other Spatial Scientist
2611 – ICT Business and Systems Analysts