Career Focus Information

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

In this Issue:

Discover career pathways in Sport

Discover career pathways in Writing and Editing

Discover career pathways in Communications

Discover career pathways in Network Administration

How to become an Electoral Worker

Discover career pathways in Disaster Management

Discover career pathways in Libraries and Archives

11 careers you may never have heard of

At the bottom of this page is a list of careers listed in previous issues.

Interested in sport? Consider these careers

If you eat, sleep, and breathe sports, then you might be considering a career in your favourite field. Right off the bat, most people think, "Great - I'm going to be a professional golfer or a football star." And while those professions are undoubtedly exciting, they can be difficult to attain.

Luckily, they aren't the only options out there. In fact, careers in sport are just as diverse as the games themselves, with options that include administration, sports science, journalism, and more. So let's explore some exciting sports-related career paths you might like to consider.

Sports Journalist

If you have a passion for both sports and writing, sports journalism might be right up your alley. As a sports journalist, you could cover everything from local competitions to professional sports. Plus, you can choose from many different mediums, including print, television, radio, or digital platforms.

Sports Agent

If you’re a savvy negotiator and enjoy managing relationships, consider becoming a sports agent. An agent’s role is to represent the interests of athletes, assist with contract negotiations, and offer career advice.

Sports Psychologist

If you love understanding the human mind and how it affects performance, a career in sports psychology could be for you. In this field, you’ll work on improving athletes' mental health and helping them hone their focus, dealing with performance anxiety, and even overseeing their recovery from injury.

Coach

Do you have a deep understanding of your sport and enjoy teaching others? Coaching is a fantastic route. As a coach, you could work with athletes of all ages. Your responsibilities would extend far beyond the playing field, to mentoring and guiding athletes toward their goals, both on and off the field.

Fitness and Nutrition Advisor

With an interest in sports, you’re likely familiar with the importance of proper diet and exercise for optimal performance. As a fitness and nutrition advisor, you’d have the opportunity to guide and instruct athletes on how to maintain a balanced diet and perform exercises that would cater to their specific sports.

Sports Physician or Physiotherapist

Do you have an interest in medicine? Combining that with a love for sports could lead down a rewarding path. Sports physicians and physiotherapists work to treat and prevent injuries in athletes and assist them in their recovery process.

Sports Event Planner

Behind every major sports event lies a team of experts ensuring the program runs smoothly. As a sports event planner, you would coordinate the logistics and manage event operations - a great choice for those with strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

Discover career pathways in Writing and Editing

The field of writing and editing involves the creation and refinement of written content. It encompasses a wide range of mediums, including articles, books, blogs, reports, and more. Writers and editors work diligently to ensure that their content is clear, concise, and engaging for the intended audience.

This pathway might be right for you if you enjoy crafting compelling stories, have a keen eye for detail, and are interested in perfecting the written word.

What do careers in this pathway involve?

People in this pathway need to have a keen eye for grammar, punctuation, and style, and are skilled at crafting compelling narratives. Whether it's polishing an existing piece or starting from scratch, you will need to be dedicated to delivering high-quality written materials.

The growing gig economy has created more opportunities for contract and project-based work, offering variety but sometimes less job security than traditional employment.

What are some important human skills for this pathway?

Communication
Innovation
Digital Literacy
Self-Management
Adaptability

What are some of the tasks involved?

Conduct thorough research
Create written content
Edit content for publication
Organise distribution of content
Compile series of works
Provide feedback on others’ work
Promote content to consumers
Ensure content is accurate
Develop content strategies

What kind of work environment and conditions can I expect?

Most people in this pathway work indoors in an office or studio environment. Many roles can be done remotely, provided you have access to a device and reliable internet.

Working hours can vary widely depending on your role; traditional publishing houses and news organisations often follow standard business hours, while freelancers can set their own schedules.

The Clusters in writing and editing

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

Guardians

Guardians in this pathway are rare, but still necessary to ensure the ethical and quality standards of written content.

Linkers

Linkers in this pathway are needed to connect writers with publishers, audiences, and writing resources.

Coordinators

Coordinators in this pathway help manage writing projects, from concept to publication and distribution.

Informers

Informers are the backbone of this pathway, responsible for researching, writing, and editing all kinds of content.

Makers

Makers aren’t very common in this pathway, but can be found operating printing machinery or proof-reading works.

Innovators

Innovators in this pathway might develop new writing styles, publishing platforms, and content strategies.

Where can a writing and editing pathway take me?

Interested in a career in writing and editing? 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 can be great as a stepping stone towards more senior roles in the pathway.

Content Creator

Develop engaging written material for various platforms including social media, blogs, and websites.

Printer

Operate and maintain printing equipment to produce physical copies of documents, books, and other publications.

Editorial Assistant

Help other writers and editors with proofreading, fact-checking, and administrative tasks.

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.

Journalist

Research, write, and report news stories and current events for newspapers, television, radio, or online media outlets.

Editor

Review, correct, and improve written content to ensure it's clear, accurate, engaging, and meets publication standards.

Author

Write and develop original books, novels, short stories, or other literary works for publication.

Senior level roles

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

Publisher

Oversee the production and distribution of a variety of written content, both physical and digital.

Technical Writer

Translate complex information into clear, user-friendly documentation such as instruction manuals and help guides.

Content Director

Develop content strategies for publications, ensuring they meet business and performance goals.

Similar pathways

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

Creative Arts

Create, design, and craft visual, performance, and literary masterpieces.

Film and Media

Create and produce films, documentaries, TV shows, and digital media content.

Entertainment

Create, entertain, perform, produce, direct, write, design, and promote in the entertainment industry.

How can I build experience in this pathway?

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

Write a short story or article to practice writing skills
Study editing techniques to understand content refinement
Take writing courses and workshops and start building a portfolio

We recommend studying these subjects in high school:

Advanced English
Mathematics
Society and Culture
Languages
Arts

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

Community publishing groups
Publishing houses
Media companies
Marketing agencies
Educational institutions

Discover career pathways in Communications

The field of communications encompasses the study and practice of effectively conveying information and ideas to a target audience. It involves various mediums such as writing, speaking, and visual communication, and focuses on developing clear and concise messages that resonate with the intended recipients.

This pathway might be right for you if you are interested in effectively conveying messages and building connections through various forms of communication.

What do careers in this pathway involve?

Professionals in this field employ strategies and techniques to ensure effective communication within organisations, communities, and across various platforms. They play a vital role in fostering understanding, collaboration, and positive relationships.

The communications field is has experienced significant changes thanks to digital technology, creating new roles and expanding traditional ones.

What are some important human skills for this pathway?

Communication
Social Awareness
Collaboration
Innovation
Digital Literacy

What are some of the tasks involved?

Write and edit content
Monitor media coverage
Develop communications strategies
Answer inquiries and questions
Measure public engagement
Present information to the public
Arrange interviews and media appearances
Manage social media accounts
Stay current on industry trends

What kind of work environment and conditions can I expect?

Most communications professionals work in indoors and office settings, though remote work has become increasingly common.

The work schedule typically follows standard business hours, but events or crisis situations may require evening or weekend work. Digital communications roles often allow for more flexibility as long as deadlines are met.

The Clusters in communications

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

Guardians

Guardians in this pathway aren’t very common, but might safeguard communication channels and messages.

Linkers

Linkers make up a majority of people in this pathway, building and maintaining relationships with media outlets, clients, and stakeholders.

Coordinators

Coordinators in this pathway organise communication strategies, campaigns, and team activities.

Informers

Informers in this pathway advise clients and the public on relevant issues or industry trends.

Makers

Makers in this pathway are needed to handle the technical aspects of communication, like equipment setup.

Innovators

Innovators in this pathway are uncommon, but might develop new communication mediums and messaging techniques.

Where can a communications pathway take me?

Interested in a career in communications? 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 can be great as a stepping stone towards more senior roles in the pathway.

Call Centre Agent

Handle incoming calls, chats, or emails to assist customers with inquiries and resolve issues.

Production Assistant

Support radio, TV, or video teams with tasks like research, scheduling, and equipment setup.

Junior Copywriter

Write basic promotional copy for advertisements, website content, and marketing materials.

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.

Public Relations Manager

Support an organisation's public image by building positive relationships with media outlets and the community.

Advertising Specialist

Develop advertising campaigns to promote products or services through various media channels.

Crisis Communications Specialist

Manage communications during crises and emergencies to protect a company's reputation.

Senior level roles

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

Corporate Communications Manager

Handle internal and external communications for businesses to ensure consistent messaging.

Client Services Director

Manage relationships with major clients and ensure delivery of high-quality communications services.

Chief Marketing Officer

Oversee marketing and communications strategies to build a brand and drive business goals.

Similar pathways

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

Event Management

Organise, plan, coordinate, and execute various types of events and gatherings.

Sales

Persuade, negotiate, and close deals to generate revenue and drive business growth.

Public Relations

Promote, manage, and maintain positive relationships between organisations and the public.

How can I build experience in this pathway?

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

Write a mock press release to understand media relations
Analyse effective speeches to learn public speaking techniques
Create a mock podcast to practise verbal communication

We recommend studying these subjects in high school:

English
Mathematics
IT
Business
Society and Culture

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

Marketing agencies
Government agencies
Start-up companies
Event planning companies
Public relations firms

Discover career pathways in Network Administration

Network administration involves managing and maintaining computer networks within an organisation. Professionals in this field are responsible for ensuring the smooth running of network systems, troubleshooting any issues that may arise, and implementing security measures to protect against cyber threats.

This pathway might be right for you if you are interested in managing computer networks and enjoy troubleshooting technical issues.

What do careers in this pathway involve?

With their expertise in configuring routers, switches, and firewalls, people in network administration play a vital role in optimising network performance and ensuring efficient communication and connectivity for users.

As more businesses and organisations rely on networks for day-to-day activities, roles in this pathway are expected to grow.

What are some important human skills for this pathway?

Digital Literacy
Adaptability
Innovation
Collaboration
Critical Thinking

What are some of the tasks involved?

Install systems & software
Maintain network security
Perform system tests
Diagnose & repair issues
Improve network performance
Provide user support
Update & maintain databases
Develop new network systems
Keep up with tech developments

What kind of work environment and conditions can I expect?

Most people in network administration work indoors. Depending on your role, you may need to travel to different locations to do your work. There are also a mix of remote and on-site roles available.

People in this field typically work standard business hours, but might be needed on nights, weekends, or holidays to fix critical network issues.

The Clusters in network administration

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 safeguard network security and data integrity.

Linkers

Linkers aren’t very common in this pathway, but might connect network users with appropriate resources and support.

Coordinators

Coordinators in this pathway manage network operations, from setup to maintenance and troubleshooting.

Informers

Informers in this pathway educate users on network security, best practices, and troubleshooting.

Makers

Makers in this pathway handle the hands-on tasks of network installation, configuration, and maintenance.

Innovators

Innovators in this pathway develop new networking technologies and security protocols.

Where can a network administration pathway take me?

Interested in a career in network administration? 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 can be great as a stepping stone towards more senior roles in the pathway.

Web Administrator

Maintain websites by updating content, monitoring performance, and implementing basic security measures.

IT Sales Assistant

Help customers find and purchase appropriate products while providing basic technical advice.

Hardware Technician

Install, repair, and maintain network hardware and equipment to keep systems running smoothly.

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 Administrator

Maintain and configure network systems, servers, and associated infrastructure.

Systems Analyst

Audit existing network systems and suggest improvements to increase efficiency and effectiveness.

Database Administrator

Manage, secure, and ensure the performance and integrity of an organisation's databases.

Senior level roles

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

Cloud Architect

Develop and oversee cloud computing strategies, designs, and migration plans for an organisation.

Chief Information Officer

Lead all aspects of an organisation's IT strategy and operations at the executive level.

IT Operations Manager

Oversee the day-to-day operations of an organisation's network infrastructure and support services.

Similar pathways

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

Software Development

Design, code, test, and maintain software applications for various industries and purposes.

Cyber Security

Protect digital systems and data from unauthorised access or cyber threats.

Telecommunications

Develop, maintain, and improve communication networks and systems for efficient connectivity.

How can I build experience in this pathway?

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

Set up a mock network to understand connectivity
Study network security protocols to understand data protection
Builds skills focused on computer systems, software, routing, switching, and cloud computing

We recommend studying these subjects in high school:

English
Mathematics
IT
Engineering
Physics

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

Technology start-ups
Non-profit organisations
Educational institutions
Government agencies
Healthcare facilities

How to become an Electoral Worker

Electoral workers are responsible for organising and supervising local, state, and federal elections. They might help people vote on the day, count ballots, answer phones, and do all sorts of behind-the-scenes work to make sure election day runs smoothly.

If you have an interest in politics, are hands-on and friendly, and are looking for work to do between your day-to-day job, you might like to consider becoming an electoral worker.

What skills do I need as an electoral worker?

Excellent communicator
Friendly & inviting
Willing to work on your feet
Patient & calm
Can work in teams & alone
Good with technology
Strong attention to detail
Unbiased & impartial

What does the job involve?

Setting up voting centres with tables, signs, etc.
Checking voter eligibility & registration
Answering questions voters might have
Assisting people with special needs to vote
Storing, sorting & transporting ballots
Ensuring ballot secrecy & security
Counting ballots at the end of the day
Maintaining election records & documents

What industries do electoral workers typically work in?

Public Administration & Safety

What Career Cluster do electoral workers belong to?

Electoral workers are primarily part of the Coordinator Cluster, using their skills to manage voting stations, organise staff, and ensure smooth operations on election day.

The job is also suitable for Linkers who excel at providing important information to voters and answering questions.

What kind of lifestyle can I expect?

This work is highly seasonal and is usually only available around election time, so it probably won’t be your full-time job - you’ll need to keep an eye out to see when upcoming jobs are available.

Expect to work long hours on election day as well as the days and weeks leading up to it. Most of your work will need to be done in-person.

Your pay will also vary greatly depending on how many hours you work and your specific responsibilities.

How to become an electoral worker

You don’t need any specific qualifications to be an electoral worker. You will receive training close to or on election day on how to perform specific duties and tasks.

In most cases you will need to be of voting age, but there might be some roles available for younger people too.

Finish high school with a focus on English.
Get experience volunteering in your community.
Register your interest around election time for upcoming jobs.
Complete any required on-the-job training.
Try out a variety of electoral work roles.

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

If you’re in high school and you’d like to find out if electoral work is right for you, here are a few things you could do right now:

Get lots of experience volunteering in your community – this will help you build up valuable skills and look great on your resume.
Start learning about politics and the electoral process. If you’re interested in a future career in politics, electoral work is a great way to get started.
Talk to an electoral worker to see what their job involves. If you don’t know anyone, try to find videos or documentaries instead.

Where can I find more information?

Similar careers to electoral worker

Politician
Political Staffer
Journalist
Police Officer
Administrator
Social Worker
Demographer

Call Centre Agent

Discover career pathways in Disaster Management

Disaster management is a crucial field that focuses on preparing for, responding to, and recovering from natural or man-made disasters. It involves a range of activities, including risk assessment, emergency planning, and coordination of relief efforts.

This pathway might be right for you if you’re interested in mitigating the impact of disasters and keeping communities safe or if you can remain calm and respond effectively in times of crisis.

What do careers in this pathway involve?

By implementing effective strategies and utilising resources efficiently, disaster management aims to minimise the impact of disasters on communities and save lives. People in this field work to ensure the safety and wellbeing of individuals and communities in times of crisis.

There is expected to be steady growth in this field due to the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters related to climate change and a greater emphasis on community resilience.

What are some important human skills for this pathway?

Making decisions
Innovation
Adaptability
Communication
Collaboration

What are some of the tasks involved?

Develop, review & update disaster plans
Manage emergency communication systems
Oversee teams of workers & volunteers
Implement hazard mitigation measures
Coordinate search & rescue operations
Deploy resources & supplies as needed
Keep communities updated
Conduct damage assessments
Implement recovery initiatives

What kind of work environment and conditions can I expect?

Jobs in disaster management include a mix of office-based planning work and hands-on field work. In some roles you can work remotely during normal operations, but expect to work in-person during active incidents.

Working hours can be unpredictable – the nature of disasters means you could potentially be needed at any time, including overnights, weekends, and holidays.

The Clusters in disaster management

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

Guardians

Guardians in this pathway are crucial to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of communities before, during, and after disasters.

Linkers

Linkers in this pathway connect disaster relief organisations with communities and resources.

Coordinators

Coordinators in this pathway are vital, organising each detail behind disaster response and recovery efforts.

Informers

Informers in this pathway are rare but might educate communities on disaster preparedness and response.

Makers

Makers in this pathway are needed to operate emergency equipment and conduct rescue operations.

Innovators

Innovators in this pathway develop new disaster management technologies and methodologies.

Where can a disaster management pathway take me?

Interested in a career in disaster management? 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 can be great as a stepping stone towards more senior roles in the pathway.

Disaster Response Officer

Coordinate local response activities and provide direct assistance to impacted people and communities.

Emergency Services Operator

Receive emergency calls and provide initial guidance to callers in crisis situations.

Disaster Administrator

Process emergency declarations paperwork, maintain incident documentation, and support other workers.

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.

Disaster Management Officer

Develop and implement emergency response plans, coordinate disaster drills, and manage resources during crisis situations.

Meteorologist

Analyse weather patterns and data to forecast severe weather events and provide critical information to emergency management teams.

Disaster Recovery Project Manager

Oversee specific recovery projects following disasters, coordinating contractors and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Senior level roles

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

Environmental Manager

Develop mitigation strategies for environmental hazards and coordinate recovery efforts to minimise ecological impact.

Disaster Policy Advisor

Shape high-level government policy to reduce disaster risks at regional, national, or international levels.

Chief Resilience Officer

Develop and implement long-term strategies to help communities prepare for, withstand, and recover from crises.

Similar pathways

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

Environmental Management

Analyse, develop, and implement strategies to protect and sustain our environment.

Government

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

Policy and Planning

Analyse, develop, and implement strategies to shape and guide organisational policies.

How can I build experience in this pathway?

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

Study disaster response plans to understand emergency procedures
Research case studies of effective disaster management
Participate in a virtual emergency preparedness workshop or simulation exercise

We recommend studying these subjects in high school:

English
Mathematics
Geography
Civics
IT

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

Non-profit organisations specialising in disaster relief and recovery
Government agencies involved in emergency management and response
Environmental organisations
Humanitarian aid organisations
Research institutions studying disaster management

Discover career pathways in Libraries and Archives

Libraries and archives are invaluable resources for individuals seeking knowledge and information. Libraries provide a wide range physical and digital resources, catering to the diverse interests and needs of the community. Archives organise and preserve historical records and documents, ensuring their accessibility for future generations.

This pathway might be right for you if you are interested in preserving and organising information, helping others find what they need, and have a strong attention to detail.

What do careers in this pathway involve?

Both libraries and archives play a crucial role in preserving our collective knowledge and promoting lifelong learning in a friendly and welcoming environment. The field is evolving with digital technologies, creating new roles in digital preservation and online services.

While the number of traditional positions may not be growing rapidly, those with digital skills and adaptability will find opportunities as the field continues to change.

What are some important human skills for this pathway?

Collaboration
Communication
Innovation
Adaptability
Digital Literacy

What are some of the tasks involved?

Organise and file information
Help people access information
Preserve historical documents
Teach others to find information
Maintain detailed catalogues
Archive digital files
Source new materials
Run community programs
Develop archival systems

What kind of work environment and conditions can I expect?

You’ll usually find people in the libraries and archives pathway working indoors. As online services expand, the opportunity for flexible and remote work is growing – though many roles still require an on-site presence.

Most positions follow regular daytime hours, but public libraries often require some evening and weekend shifts to serve the community.

The Clusters in libraries and archives

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

Guardians

Guardians in this pathway monitor the preservation and ethical use of information and historical records.

Linkers

Linkers connect the community with library and archival services, resources, and educational programs.

Coordinators

Coordinators in this pathway manage library and archival operations, from acquisitions to public programs.

Informers

Informers are the backbone of this pathway, educating patrons on information literacy, research methods, and archival practices.

Makers

Makers are needed in this pathway to catalogue and maintain collections and assist patrons.

Innovators

Innovators in this pathway might develop new library technologies and information retrieval methods.

Where can a libraries and archives pathway take me?

Interested in a career in libraries and archives? 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.

Library Assistant

Help patrons find materials, check books in and out, and reshelve returned items.

Digitisation Technician

Scan and photograph historical documents to create digital copies for preservation and access.

Collections Assistant

Help maintain and catalogue special collections of rare or unique materials.

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.

Librarian

Select and organise library materials, create programs for patrons, and provide reference and research assistance.

Archivist

Appraise, process, catalogue, and preserve historical items while providing access to researchers.

Preservation Specialist

Implement conservation treatments and preventive measures to protect materials from deterioration.

Senior level roles

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

Heritage Consultant

Provide expert advice on managing, preserving, and interpreting historical collections, buildings, and cultural sites.

Head of Technical Services

Oversee the acquisition, cataloguing, and processing of new library and archival materials.

Chief Conservator

Lead preservation and conservation efforts for collections and develop treatment plans for damaged materials.

Similar pathways

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

Galleries and Museums

Curate, preserve, and exhibit art and historical artifacts.

Tertiary Education

Develop and deliver courses, conduct research, and support student learning.

Religion

Guide and inspire individuals in their spiritual beliefs and practices.

How can I build experience in this pathway?

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

Catalogue a small collection to understand archiving
Study the Dewey Decimal system to understand library organisation
Volunteer at your school, local library, or historical society

We recommend studying these subjects in high school:

English
Mathematics
Society and Culture
Legal Studies
ICT

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

Local historical societies, libraries, or museums
Non-profit organisations focused on literacy or education
Government agencies or departments related to cultural heritage or preservation
Research institutions or universities with specialised collections or archives
Digital media companies focused on digitising and preserving historical materials

11 careers you may never have heard of

There are thousands of jobs and careers out there. Do you think you really know all of them? It can be fun reading about jobs, whether they existed in the past, right now, or might even exist in the future. So here are 11 careers you may never have heard of - hopefully this list sparks your curiosity and gets you thinking about your own potential future.

Ethnobotanist

Like other botanists, an ethnobotanist studies plants - but more specifically how people have used and interacted with them throughout history. Think of it a bit like biology crossed with anthropology.

In Australia, for example, this job might involve identifying (and preserving) plants used for food, medicine, tools, utensils, and weapons by Indigenous people over thousands of years.

Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory therapists help people who suffer from breathing issues, including those who have had heart attacks, live with sleep disorders, and even premature babies.

These specialists interview and examine patients, provide emergency care, and work with medical teams to provide the best care for their patients.

Industrial Psychologist

Industrial psychologists specialise in solving mental health issues that arise in or from the workplace. Not only do they help increase productivity, they also improve the mental health and wellbeing of employees and create better working environments for everyone.

You might collaborate with management to plan policies, carry out employee screenings, provide training, or even work directly with employees who need help.

Genetic Counsellor

As our understanding of genetics develops and testing capabilities improve, we’re able to diagnose (and even predict) genetic issues. That's where genetic counselling comes in.

In this job, you would inform and educate individuals or families about genetic factors that might affect them or their loved ones, as well as advise them about their options and the outcomes that treatment might have.

Ocularist

An ocularist is a trained professional who crafts prosthetic eyes for people who were born without them or have lost an eye due to injury or disease. They fabricate and paint them to look as realistic as possible, and also help clients with fittings.

These days, this kind of work is more likely to be done by a 3D printer, but there are still some experts who do things the old-fashioned way.

Doula

Doulas aren’t medical professionals, but they are informed and trained workers. Their main goal is helping and supporting people during major transitions in their lives. They're most commonly hired by women to help them through pregnancy and birth. They might support new mothers and their babies with post-natal care too.

It’s becoming more common for Doulas to help people who are near the end of their lives by providing emotional, social, and practical support. They might also provide bereavement support to family and friends who’ve been affected by the loss of a loved one.

Chief Listening Officer

A relatively new and niche role, your job as CLO would be to gather intelligence on behalf of your organisation in order to help them become more competitive - almost like a corporate spy.

You'll find out out how the company is viewed by customers and competitors, then pass on this feedback to help improve client relationships (and make more money, of course). You could also be listening to employees' concerns to create better working environments based on feedback, grievances, or suggestions.

Global Mobility Consultant

With the rise of remote work, packing up and moving no longer means you need to leave your job. Global mobility consultants help organise and oversee the movement and relocation of employees and their families, both within the same country or internationally.

You could be organising visas and plane tickets, shipping furniture, finding homes or schools, settling employees into a new work environment, and making sure they know what’s expected of them.

Greenskeeper

If you think you already know about this job, we actually have a surprise for you. Greenskeepers don't just look after sporting fields and gardens - this job can also refer to a member of a production team on a film or TV set.

In this role, you'd be responsible for finding, buying, and taking care of anything that’s "green" or natural to be used in a production, like plants, grass, trees, or flowers, and other natural and landscaping materials like rocks, gravel, or sand.

Parabolic Flight Crew

Similar to an astronaut, just without the going into space part. No, really. In this job you’d be working on aircraft that simulate low or zero gravity environments, helping to train astronauts, pilots, actors, or just provide thrill seekers with an experience.

Or, as professional Tim Bailey puts it, "teaching people how to throw themselves to the ground and miss".

Futurist

Futurists, as the name might suggest, specialise in making predictions and researching possibilities about the future based on data, historical facts, technological advances, and more.

These predictions are used to help out businesses, community organisations, and even government departments.

ISSUE 4

Discover career pathways in Counselling

Discover career pathways in Accounting

ISSUE 3

Discover career pathways in Utilities

Discover career pathways in Translation and Interpretation

ISSUE 2

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