Metallurgist

A Metallurgist is a scientist that studies the physical and chemical behaviour of metals, metallic compounds, and their mixtures, which are called alloys. They investigate and examine the performance of these metals and use them to produce a wide range of useful products. There are different areas of metallurgy, like physical (e.g. studying properties and forms of different metals) and chemical (e.g. looking at chemical properties and transformations of metals), but in practice these roles overlap.

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Engineering ( in certain areas).
Relevant degree subjects that could help with getting the job are chemical engineering, materials science and physics. Employers also look for qualities like:

• good communication and presentation skills;
• teamworking;
• business awareness;
• problem-solving;
• innovation;
• leadership;
• initiative, drive and enthusiasm;
• numeracy;
• attention to detail;
• ability to focus on results.

You can gain these qualifications in the University of Auckland and the course takes about three or four years to complete. Helpful subjects to take at school are physics and chemistry.