Careers & Pathways

Hidden Jobs: Five careers you may never have considered

While students are familiar with traditional careers such as nursing, law and education, many lesser-known careers offer excellent job prospects, competitive salaries and the opportunity to make a lasting impact. Australia's growing demand for skilled workers in technology, healthcare and sustainability means that these careers are becoming increasingly important and are expected to offer strong future employment opportunities.

Many of these careers connect directly with opportunities available at St George's, including Mathematics competitions, STEM activities, coding projects, leadership opportunities and community engagement programs.

Here are five jobs you may not have heard of but might be great at!

These investigators examine computers, mobile phones, networks, and electronic devices to uncover evidence of cybercrime. They help law enforcement, government agencies, and businesses investigate cyberattacks, fraud, and data breaches.

Estimated Salary

•             Graduate: $70,000-$90,000pa

•             Experienced: $110,000-$150,000+ pa

Related co-curricular and school activities

•             Coding Club

•             Computer Science courses

•             STEM activities

•             Problem-solving competitions

Best for students who:

Enjoy technology, solving mysteries, critical thinking, and investigating complex problems.

Subjects to consider: Mathematics Methods, Computer Science, Physics

Urban designers create functional, attractive, and sustainable public spaces. They help plan neighbourhoods, parks, city centres, and transport areas to improve the way people live and interact with their communities.

Estimated Salary

•             Graduate: $65,000-$85,000pa

•             Experienced: $100,000-$140,000+ pa

Related co-curricular and school activities

•             Art and Design Club

•             Student Council

•             Community volunteering projects

Best for students who...

Are creative, interested in design and architecture, and want to help shape future communities.

Subjects to consider: Visual Arts, Design, Geography

Space scientists study planets, stars, satellites, and space technologies. They may work on satellite missions, space exploration projects, or research that advances our understanding of the universe.

Estimated Salary

•             Graduate: $75,000-$95,000pa

•             Experienced: $120,000-$170,000+ pa

Related co-curricular and school activities

•             Mathematics competitions

•             STEM camps

•             Coding and programming projects

Best for students who...

Love science, mathematics, technology, and are curious about how the universe works.

Subjects to consider: Mathematics Specialist, Physics, Chemistry

Ethical hackers legally test an organisation's computer systems to find security weaknesses before criminals can exploit them. They help businesses strengthen their cybersecurity and protect sensitive information.

Estimated Salary

•             Graduate: $80,000-$100,000pa

•             Experienced: $120,000-$180,000+ pa

Related co-curricular and school activities

•             Computer programming courses

•             STEM competitions

•             Mathematics competitions

Best for students who...

Enjoy coding, puzzles, technology, and finding creative solutions to difficult problems.

Subjects to consider: Mathematics, Computer Science, Applied Information Technology

Food technologists develop new food products, improve food quality and safety and help manufacturers create healthy and sustainable foods for consumers.

Estimated Salary

•             Graduate: $65,000-$80,000pa

•             Experienced: $100,000-$130,000+ pa

Related co-curricular and school activities

•             Cooking or Hospitality classes

•             Chemistry competitions

•             Agricultural shows and events

Best for students who...

Enjoy science, food, innovation, and solving real-world problems related to health and sustainability.

Subjects to consider: Chemistry, Biology, Food Technology

These careers combine innovation, creativity and problem-solving while offering strong employment prospects and competitive salaries. From protecting organisations against cybercrime to designing future cities and exploring space, these professions demonstrate that exciting opportunities exist far beyond the careers most students hear about. As you think about your future pathway, remember that the perfect career might be one you have not discovered yet!

Mrs Sharan Tagore

Associate Dean of Teaching & Learning