Career Focus Information


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


In this Issue:

 

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


Planning for a future in medicine

Some of the most popular and visible careers throughout our childhood tend to be in health related fields. We've all visited the doctor and dentist at some point - some of us may have even spent time in hospital, either as a patient or a visitor. And lots of people have relatives and friends who work as health professionals. So it's understandable why for many students, one of the most appealing and impactful fields to explore is medicine. The prospect of improving people’s lives through healthcare is both inspiring and rewarding. However, the path to a career in medicine can be competitive and complex, requiring some careful planning and foresight.

 

Embracing the competitive nature of medicine 

Universities and medical schools around the world have rigorous selection processes, with limited spots available each year. Admission requirements typically include excellent academic performance, especially in science subjects, a passion for helping others, and extracurricular activities that demonstrate your dedication, leadership, and ability to work in a team.

In many countries, such as the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia, prospective medical students are often required to take entrance exams like the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) or UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test), in addition to maintaining a high GPA. Furthermore, medical schools often look for students with clinical experience, volunteer work, or research projects that show your commitment to the field.

Sounds tough, right? And it can be. But with some hard work and commitment to your dream, it's definitely achievable.

 

How to start preparing in high school 

University might still seem like it's ages away, but having a solid foundation of skills and experiences early can be incredibly helpful. Here are some things you can do right now to start planning for a future in medicine:

 

Focus on your grades 

The foundation of your application will be your academic performance. High school subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics are crucial for pursuing a career in medicine. Aim to push yourself in these areas and seek extra help if you need it, as they will not only help you meet prerequisites, but also prepare you for the rigorous coursework in medical school.

 

Get involved in extracurricular activities 

Medical schools look for well-rounded students, not just those with book smarts. So in addition to your academics, it's essential to get involved in extracurricular activities that can set you apart from other applicants. Consider volunteering at hospitals, clinics, or local health organisations. These experiences will give you valuable insight into the medical field and help you develop the communication and interpersonal skills that are vital for a career in medicine.

 

Prepare for the additional testing and interviews 

Many universities require standardised entrance exams or testing for medical school applicants, so start familiarising yourself with these exams early. Take practice tests, review study materials, and consider enrolling in prep courses to help you build the skills necessary to succeed. You could also start practicing for the interviews that are often part of the application process. By planning ahead, you can reduce stress and give yourself ample time to improve in areas where you may be weaker.

 

Build strong relationships with mentors 

Throughout your high school years, it’s important to build relationships with your careers advisors, counsellors, teachers, and (if possible) professionals in the medical field who can guide you in your journey. Their advice and insight could be invaluable in helping you through the admissions process, and may also be useful when it comes time to request letters of recommendation.

 

Stay informed 

The medical field is always evolving, so it's important to stay informed about new developments, breakthroughs, and trends. Read books, journals, and news articles related to medicine, and try to attend events like health fairs or medical conferences to deepen your knowledge and network with professionals.

 

Have a back-up plan 

Because of the competitive nature of the field, there's always a possibility that you may not immediately gain acceptance into medical school. That's why it’s important to have a back-up plan in place if you miss out on your first application, to ensure you stay motivated and have alternative pathways to a fulfilling career. Here are some options to consider:

 

Alternative entry routes to medicine 

Some medical schools offer alternative entry programs for students who may not meet all of the standard requirements but show potential in other ways. These can include pathways like foundation years or preparatory courses. Research these options to see if they might give you a second chance to fulfil your dream of becoming a doctor or dentist.

 

Other careers in healthcare 

Medicine isn't the only career in the healthcare field to consider. There are a multitude of other professions within the healthcare system that require similar skills and passion for helping others. Consider becoming a pharmacist, nurse, aged care worker, public health specialist, or medical researcher. All of these roles are crucial in healthcare, and some may even have different or more flexible entry routes. Then after a few years of experience, you could always apply for medicine with more experience and qualifications under your belt.

 

Graduate programs 

If you don’t gain admission into medical school right away, consider pursuing a related undergraduate degree (such as biomedical science or health science) and applying to medical school as a graduate. Many universities have graduate-entry programs that are only open to students who already have a bachelor’s degree. The good news is there's no age limit on these degrees, so there's always going to be an opportunity if you change your mind later in life.

 

Explore other career paths 

After careful consideration and research, you might realise that healthcare may not be the right fit for you, so it's a good idea to have a secondary career path in mind. You could explore areas like psychology, social work, sport and fitness, or medical technology. These careers also offer opportunities to contribute meaningfully to your community.

 

Balancing your ambition 

Pursuing a career in medicine is a long, demanding journey that requires resilience, dedication, and a genuine passion for the field. While applications for medicine are competitive, it's also a field that rewards those who are willing to put in the planning and determination needed to succeed. Yes, the hard work begins now, but remember not to let it consume you and keep some balance in your life to enjoy your other interests and hobbies, and nurture your relationships and mental health.

 


Discover career pathways in Immigration

Immigration is about how people move between different countries to live, work, or study. It covers everything from helping people get visas and citizenship, to making sure countries have fair rules about who can enter and stay.

This pathway might be right for you if you’re interested in understanding how immigration policies impact individuals and communities, or if you enjoy advocating for the rights and wellbeing of others.

 

What do careers in this pathway involve? 

People in this field need to understand different countries' laws and requirements, while also considering how immigration affects communities, jobs, and culture. They might work for government departments, law firms, or organisations that support people settling into new countries.

With more people than ever moving around the world for opportunities, immigration professionals play an important role in helping make this process fair and organised.

 

What are some important human skills for this pathway? 

  • Social awareness
  • Communication
  • Decision-making
  • Adaptability
  • Collaboration

What are some of the tasks involved? 

  • Prepare and file documents
  • Provide advice to clients
  • Review and evaluate paperwork
  • Conduct interviews
  • Coordinate with service providers
  • Advocate for clients
  • Monitor compliance with regulations
  • Research and analyse policy data
  • Prepare policy proposals

What kind of work environment and conditions can I expect? 

Many careers in this pathway involve working indoors, usually in an office environment. This means there is plenty of opportunity for flexible or working from home arrangements. There are a few roles that may involve some work out in the field for those who prefer to get hands-on.

Most workers in this field work either full-time or part-time, with some casual roles available too. Self-employment is relatively uncommon outside of advisory roles.

 

The Clusters in immigration 

Find out more about the kind of work people in each Career Cluster might do in this pathway.

 

Guardians 

Guardians are vital in this pathway to ensure the ethical and legal processing of immigration applications.

 

Linkers 

As a Linker in this pathway, you might be connecting immigrants with legal services, community resources, and support.

 

Coordinators 

Coordinators are very common in this pathway, responsible for managing all kinds of immigration procedures, from application to settlement.

 

Informers 

Another common Cluster, Informers in this pathway educate immigrants on legal requirements, cultural norms, and opportunities.

 

Makers 

Makers in this pathway handle the administrative tasks that support immigration processes.

 

Innovators 

Innovators are uncommon in this pathway, but can help to develop new immigration policies and support services for improved integration.

 

Where can an immigration pathway take me? 

Interested in a career in immigration? There are many roles you might like to consider – here are just a few.

 

Entry level roles 

These jobs can be started with little or no training or experience, and are great as a stepping stone towards more senior roles in the pathway.

 

Social Security Assessor 

Evaluate applications for government benefits and support payments, determining eligibility by reviewing financial information, medical documentation, and personal circumstances.

 

Border Enforcement Officer 

Monitor and control the movement of people and goods at international borders, airports and seaports to prevent illegal immigration, smuggling, and other border security threats.

 

Document Assessor 

Examine and verify the authenticity of passports, visas, identity documents, and supporting paperwork submitted with immigration applications.

 

Mid-level roles 

Once you have some further study or experience under your belt, you might like to consider moving into one of these roles.

 

Customs Broker 

Help businesses navigate international trade by managing the paperwork, duties, and regulations involved in moving goods and employees across borders.

 

Visa and Citizenship Processing Officer 

Review and assess applications for visas and citizenship, ensuring all documentation meets legal requirements and deciding on whether to grant or deny applications based on immigration laws and policies.

 

Migration Agent 

Provide advice and assistance to people seeking to migrate or obtain visas, helping them understand their options, prepare applications, and navigate complex immigration laws and procedures.

 

Senior level roles 

These jobs will require extensive further education or many years of experience, but are also highly rewarding.

 

Policy Analyst 

Research, analyse, and develop government policies and programs by gathering data, consulting with stakeholders, evaluating outcomes, and making recommendations for improvements or new initiatives.

 

Regional Biosecurity Manager 

Oversee biosecurity operations across a designated geographical area, managing teams of inspectors and officers and ensuring compliance with biosecurity regulations.

 

Chief Migration Officer 

Lead strategic planning and policy development for government immigration departments or large organisations.

 

Similar pathways 

If these careers aren’t quite right for you, you might like to explore some other similar pathways instead.

 

Government 

Manage policies, enforce regulations, provide public services, and promote citizen welfare.

 

Social Work 

Support individuals and communities to improve their well-being and overcome challenges.

 

Tourism and Travel 

Explore new destinations, plan itineraries, provide exceptional customer service, and promote cultural exchange.

 

How can I build experience in this pathway? 

If you’re still in high school and want to find out if a career in immigration is right for you, here are some activities you can do:

  • Study immigration laws to understand visa processes
  • Research case studies to understand immigration issues
  • Take a virtual tour of an immigration office

We recommend studying these subjects in high school:

  • English
  • Legal Studies
  • Geography
  • Civics

Here are some suggestions of places you might like to try and find work experience:

  • Non-profit organisations that provide legal aid to immigrants
  • International human rights organisations
  • Government agencies responsible for immigration and customs enforcement
  • Language schools or community centres that offer classes for immigrants
  • Research institutes or think tanks specialising in immigration policies and studies

 


Discover career pathways in Telecommunications

Telecommunications is a dynamic pathway that focuses on the transmission of information through various channels, such as telephone lines, radio waves, and computer networks. It includes a wide range of technologies and services that enable us to communicate and connect with others regardless of distance, from mobile phones to fibre-optic cables.

This pathway might be right for you if you enjoy exploring the latest advancements in technology and communication systems.

 

What do careers in this pathway involve? 

Telecommunications is all about keeping people connected. Whether you're working hands-on as a technician installing internet and phone services, designing networks that connect entire cities, or troubleshooting connection issues, your main focus will be on making sure everyone can communicate effectively.

This field offers lots of different career options – from practical, hands-on roles to technical design positions – and since technology is constantly advancing, there's always something new to learn.

 

What are some important human skills for this pathway? 

  • Digital literacy
  • Critical thinking
  • Innovation
  • Making decisions
  • Adaptability

What are some of the tasks involved? 

  • Inspect, test, and maintain systems
  • Install new equipment
  • Troubleshoot technical issues
  • Monitor network performance
  • Design new systems
  • Plan project budgets and timelines
  • Lead teams of workers
  • Monitor regulatory compliance
  • Stay up to date with industry changes

What kind of work environment and conditions can I expect? 

This pathway includes roles in all kinds of environments, from desk work to field work. Some office jobs may allow for remote working, but hands-on roles will require you to be on-site.

Most workers in this field work either full-time or part-time, with some casual roles and contract work available too. Self-employment is relatively uncommon.

 

The Clusters in telecommunications 

Find out more about the kind of work people in each Career Cluster might do in this pathway.

 

Guardians 

Guardians in this pathway help to ensure the security and reliability of telecommunication services.

 

Linkers 

There aren’t a lot of Linkers in this pathway, but you might connect telecommunications providers with consumers, regulators, and partners.

 

Coordinators 

Coordinators are vital in this pathway to manage telecommunications networks, from infrastructure to customer service.

 

Informers 

Informers in this pathway are responsible for educating users on telecommunications services, features, and security.

 

Makers 

Makers are the backbone of this pathway, operating and maintaining telecommunications equipment and networks.

 

Innovators 

Innovators in this pathway use their skills to develop new telecommunications technologies and service offerings.

 

Where can a telecommunications pathway take me? 

Interested in a career in telecommunications? There are many roles you might like to consider – here are just a few.

 

Entry level roles 

These jobs can be started with little or no training or experience, and are great as a stepping stone towards more senior roles in the pathway.

 

Cable Technician 

Install and repair cable services (like TV, internet, and phone) in homes and businesses, running cables, setting up equipment, and troubleshooting connection issues.

 

Telecommunications Lines worker 

Construct and maintain the physical network of telephone and internet lines, working on poles and underground systems to install, repair, and connect telecommunications infrastructure.

 

Telecommunications Technician 

Install, maintain, and repair telecommunications equipment like routers, switches, and fibre optic systems in both residential and commercial settings.

 

Mid-level roles 

Once you have some further study or experience under your belt, you might like to consider moving into one of these roles.

 

Network Designer 

Plan and create the layout of telecommunications networks, deciding where to place equipment and how to connect different parts to provide the best coverage.

 

Systems Engineer 

Manage the overall telecommunications infrastructure, making sure all the different parts work together properly and fixing any technical issues that come up.

 

Telecommunications Engineer 

Design and oversee telecommunications systems (like mobile networks and internet infrastructure), making sure they work efficiently and can handle lots of users at once.

 

Senior level roles 

These jobs will require extensive further education or many years of experience, but are also highly rewarding.

 

Technical Director 

Lead teams of engineers and technicians, making sure everyone works together effectively and keeping up with new technology trends.

 

Chief Technology Officer 

Make decisions about what technology the company should use and invest in, working closely with other company leaders to shape the future of the business.

 

Project Manager 

Coordinate teams of engineers, technicians, and other professionals to get big projects done on time and within budget.

 

Similar pathways 

If these careers aren’t quite right for you, you might like to explore some other similar pathways instead.

 

Utilities 

Manage, maintain, and distribute essential services such as electricity, water, and gas.

 

Electrical Engineering 

Design, analyse, and develop electrical systems for various industries and applications.

 

Network Administration 

Manage and maintain computer networks, troubleshoot issues, and ensure smooth operations.

 

How can I build experience in this pathway? 

If you’re still in high school and want to find out if a career in telecommunications is right for you, here are some activities you can do:

  • Study basic networking to understand data transmission
  • Research telecommunications standards like 5G
  • Take a virtual tour of a telecommunications centre

We recommend studying these subjects in high school:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Technology
  • Engineering

Here are some suggestions of places you might like to try and find work experience:

  • Telecommunications companies
  • Tech start-ups specialising in telecommunications solutions
  • Electrical businesses
  • Data centres
  • Mobile phone providers

How to become an Event Planner

Event planners are responsible for planning, organising, and overseeing a variety of events. This can include functions, conferences, parties, meetings, weddings, and much more. They usually work with clients to tailor events exactly to their vision and requirements.

If you're outgoing and friendly, organised with excellent time management skills, and love to entertain and make people happy, a career as an event planner could be perfect for you.

 

What skills do I need as an event planner? 

  • Excellent communication and organisation abilities
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Creative problem-solving skills
  • Budget management expertise
  • Leadership and team coordination
  • Time management and multitasking
  • Design and aesthetic awareness
  • Customer service focus

What does the job involve? 

  • Meeting with clients to discuss their vision and requirements
  • Planning event details like dates, locations, and themes
  • Coordinating with vendors for catering, decor, and entertainment
  • Inspecting venues for suitability
  • Managing budgets and creating cost estimates
  • Preparing contracts and handling payments
  • Overseeing event setup and execution
  • Solving last-minute problems during events
  • Maintaining relationships with suppliers and venues

What industries do event planners typically work in? 

  • Administrative and Support Services
  • Arts and Recreation Services
  • Accommodation and Food Services

What Career Cluster do event planners belong to? 

Event planners are primarily part of the Coordinator Cluster because they organise and manage complex events while working with multiple stakeholders. They also use some skills similar to Linkers (connecting with clients and vendors) and Innovators (creating unique event experiences).

What kind of lifestyle can I expect? 

Event planning often involves irregular hours, including evenings and weekends when most events take place. While some part-time opportunities exist, most event planners work full-time. The work can be demanding with tight deadlines, but also very rewarding when events run smoothly.

Salaries vary depending on experience, location, and whether you work for yourself or an organisation, but most even planners can expect to earn an average salary throughout their career. Future growth looks strong as demand for both in-person and virtual events continues to increase.

How to become an event planner 

While formal qualifications aren't always required, many event planners start with relevant education and build experience through internships or entry-level positions. Common pathways include:

  • Completing high school with focus on business and communication subjects
  • Pursuing relevant qualifications in event management, hospitality, or business
  • Gaining experience through internships or assistant positions
  • Building a portfolio of successfully managed events
  • Developing industry connections and networking
  • Considering specialised certifications in event planning
  • Starting your own business once you have experience

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

If you're in high school and interested in becoming an event planner, here are some steps you can take:

  • Volunteer to help organise community events or functions, whether you’re working front-and-centre or behind the scenes.
  • Look for work experience with event planning companies or venues, and start building important contacts for the future.
  • Join school committees that plan events, or practice organising small events for family and friends.

Where can I find more information? 

Similar careers to event planner 

  • Public Relations Officer
  • Chef
  • Hotel Manager
  • Tour Guide
  • Financial Manager
  • Curator
  • Photographer
  • Social Media Manager

Business Pathway Spotlight

Business is all about creating and delivering products or services that meet people's needs. Whether it's a small local café or a major tech company, businesses need to understand what their customers want and how to provide it.

This pathway might be right for you if you are interested in the dynamics of the corporate world and enjoy strategising and problem-solving to drive success.

 

What do careers in this pathway involve? 

Success in business requires strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. You might find yourself launching new products, developing marketing strategies, or even starting your own company one day.

Since markets and technology are always evolving, business careers offer plenty of opportunities to learn and grow professionally.

 

What are some important human skills for this pathway? 

  • Innovation
  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Decision-making
  • Social awareness

What are some of the tasks involved? 

  • Provide customer service
  • Manage staff and operations
  • Undertake sales and marketing activities
  • Distribute, write, and edit documents
  • Maintain records and files
  • Procure supplies and stock
  • Present information to others
  • Perform administrative tasks
  • Collaborate with clients and stakeholders

What kind of work environment and conditions can I expect? 

Many careers in this pathway involve working indoors, usually in an office or retail environment. Depending on your role, you may have the chance to travel to meet with clients and stakeholders. Opportunities to work remotely or from home are also common.

Lots of roles in this pathway are highly flexible, with opportunities for casual, part-time, and full-time work. Self-employment is also a viable option.

 

The Clusters in business 

Find out more about the kind of work people in each Career Cluster might do in this pathway.

 

Guardians 

There aren’t many jobs for Guardians in this pathway, but it could be suitable for people who help businesses comply with legal, ethical, and safety standards.

 

Linkers 

Linkers in this pathway are vital to building and maintaining relationships with clients, suppliers, and stakeholders.

 

Coordinators 

The most common Cluster found in this pathway. These workers manage all kinds of business operations, from human resources to financial planning.

 

Informers 

Informers in this pathway might be responsible for educating employees and clients on market trends and business strategies.

 

Makers 

While uncommon, Makers in this pathway are still needed to handle some of the day-to-day tasks that keep a business running smoothly.

 

Innovators 

As an Innovator in this pathway, you might be developing new business models, strategies, and technologies for competitive advantage.

 

Where can a business pathway take me? 

Interested in a career in business? There are many roles you might like to consider – here are just a few.

 

Entry level roles 

These jobs can be started with little or no training or experience, and are great as a stepping stone towards more senior roles in the pathway.

 

Company Secretary 

Manage the administrative requirements of an organisation, making sure the company runs smoothly and meets important deadlines while also supporting senior staff with their duties.

 

Contract Administrator 

Write up and file contracts between businesses and their clients or suppliers, making sure all the paperwork is correct, deadlines are met, and both parties fulfill their agreements.

 

Rostering Officer 

Create and manage staff work schedules, ensuring there are enough people working at the right times while considering factors like employee availability and budget constraints.

 

Wholesaler 

Buy products in bulk from manufacturers and sell them to retail stores or other businesses, acting as a middleperson between the people who make products and the stores that sell them to customers.

 

Importer or Exporter 

Manage the buying and selling of goods between different countries, handling everything from finding international business partners to organising shipping and making sure all customs requirements are met.

 

Mid-level roles 

Once you have some further study or experience under your belt, you might like to consider moving into one of these roles.

 

Accountant 

Help individuals or businesses manage their money by tracking income and expenses, preparing financial reports, handling tax matters, and giving advice on financial decisions.

 

Advertising Specialist 

Create advertising campaigns to promote products or services, coming up with creative ways to reach customers through different media like social media, TV, or billboards.

 

Human Resources Advisor 

Support other employees in a business with workplace concerns, career development, and training opportunities, as well as making sure everyone is treated fairly.

 

ICT Business Analyst 

Work with businesses to understand their technology needs, then recommend and help implement computer systems and software that will help the business work better.

 

Business Broker 

Help people buy and sell businesses, kind of like a real estate agent but for entire companies - find potential buyers, determine fair prices, and help with all the paperwork involved in the sale.

 

Marketing Specialist 

Develop strategies to promote products or services, studying what customers want and finding the best ways to reach them, whether through social media, events, emails, or other channels.

 

Senior level roles 

These jobs will require extensive further education or many years of experience, but are also highly rewarding.

 

Corporate Services Manager 

Oversee all the support services that help a business run smoothly, like office management, IT systems, and facilities, making sure everything works together efficiently.

 

Finance Manager 

Lead the financial operations of a business, making important decisions about budgets, investments, and spending while ensuring the company stays financially healthy.

 

Human Resources Manager 

Lead the HR team and all things people-related in an organisation, from creating workplace policies and managing recruitment to overseeing staff training and development programs.

 

Advertising Manager 

Make decisions about advertising campaigns and strategies while managing relationships with clients and creative teams to promote products or services effectively.

 

Business Development Manager 

Find ways to help a company grow by identifying new business opportunities, building relationships with potential clients, and developing strategies to increase sales and revenue.

 

Chief Executive or Managing Director 

The highest-ranking person in a company, making the big decisions about the organisation's future, setting overall goals, and leading the senior management team.

 

Corporate General Manager 

Manage the daily operations of a specific division or branch of a large company, ensuring they meet their goals while working with other managers across the organisation.

 

Similar pathways 

If these business pathways aren’t quite right for you, you might like to explore some other similar pathways instead.

 

Finance 

Analyse, strategise, and manage financial resources for individuals and organisations.

 

Management 

Organise, lead, and coordinate teams to achieve organisational goals.

 

Advertising 

Create persuasive campaigns, analyse market trends, and design visually appealing advertisements.

 

How can I build experience in this pathway? 

If you’re still in high school and want to find out if a career in business is right for you, here are some activities you can do:

  • Conduct a market research survey to understand consumer needs
  • Draft a simple business plan to learn business strategy
  • Take a virtual corporate tour to see different business departments

We recommend studying these subjects in high school:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Business
  • Legal Studies

Here are some suggestions of places you might like to try and find work experience:

  • Start-ups or small businesses in various industries
  • Non-profit organisations or NGOs
  • Government agencies or departments
  • Trade associations or professional organisations

Jobs for people who love puzzles

From jigsaw puzzles and video games to crosswords and sudoku, puzzles can be both entertaining and educational. But there's more to puzzling than just fun - it can help you develop valuable skills and even lead to exciting career opportunities. Let's take a look at some skills you can build and jobs you might like to consider if you love puzzles.

 

Skills you could gain from puzzling 

From early childhood onwards, puzzles are used as tools to help us to develop skills, from finger strength and dexterity to spatial awareness and logic. But there are a heap of other great skills that you can learn through puzzles too - skills that are useful in a variety of jobs and other aspects of your life. Here are just some of them:

 

Problem-solving 

When you work on puzzles, you're constantly developing your ability to break down complex problems into manageable parts. This skill is crucial in nearly every career, from engineering to sales, where you need to analyse situations and find effective solutions.

 

Critical thinking 

Puzzles force you to examine information carefully and make logical connections. You'll learn to question assumptions and evaluate different possibilities - skills that are essential in fields like scientific research, law enforcement, and business analysis.

 

Pattern recognition 

Through puzzling, you'll get better at spotting patterns and understanding how different elements relate to each other. This skill is particularly valuable in careers involving data analysis, computer programming, or financial forecasting.

 

Attention to detail 

Working on puzzles helps sharpen your ability to notice small details that others might miss. This skill is important in careers like forensic science, quality control, or cybersecurity where overlooking minor details could have major consequences.

 

Resilience 

Puzzles teach you to keep trying different approaches even when faced with challenges. Perseverance is crucial in any career path, especially in fields like scientific research or entrepreneurship where setbacks are common - and it's a great life skill to have too.

Taking part in competitions, joining clubs, and working on real world puzzles (or problems) could help you to build on these skills, gain new ones, and help to illustrate to others that you have these skills already. So don't forget to add them to your resume and use examples in your interviews.

 

Jobs for people who love puzzles 

If you're looking to incorporate puzzles into your career, we have a few examples of jobs where you can do just that.

 

Cryptographer 

Cryptography is the ultimate number puzzle job - you'll work on creating and breaking codes to protect sensitive information, combining mathematics and computer science to solve real-world security challenges.

 

Forensic scientist 

As a forensic scientist, you'll piece together evidence from crime scenes like a complex puzzle. You'll analyse physical evidence, conduct laboratory tests, and help solve criminal cases using scientific methods.

 

Software developer 

Software development is essentially solving puzzles with code. You'll break down complex problems into smaller parts and create solutions through programming.

 

Data analyst 

If you enjoy finding patterns and solving numerical puzzles, consider becoming a data analyst. You'll work with large sets of data to uncover trends and insights that can help businesses make better decisions.

 

UX designer 

User experience (UX) designers solve the puzzle of how to make digital products more user-friendly. You'll need to understand human behaviour and design thinking to create intuitive interfaces and smooth user experiences.

 

Teacher 

Believe it or not, teachers solve puzzles every day as they find creative ways to help students learn. You'll need to understand different learning styles, adapt your teaching methods, and develop engaging lessons that make complex concepts clear and interesting for your students.

 

Archaeologist 

As an archaeologist, you'll piece together clues from the past to solve historical mysteries. You'll examine artifacts, analyse ancient sites, and use scientific methods to understand how people lived in different time periods.

 

Architect 

Architects solve complex spatial puzzles, balancing aesthetics with functionality. You'll need to consider multiple factors like structure, safety, and design while creating building plans.

 

Game designer 

Rather than solving puzzles yourself, as a game designer you'll be creating puzzles for others to solve. This career combines creativity with logical thinking as you develop engaging challenges and game mechanics.

 

Research scientist 

Research scientists solve some of the biggest puzzles in their fields, whether it's developing new medicines or understanding climate change. You'll need strong analytical skills and persistence to tackle complex scientific questions.

 

Curious about other careers? 

The skills you develop through solving puzzles can be valuable in many different careers - these are just some examples where puzzle-solving abilities are particularly useful.