What job should I do? Five careers you haven’t heard of
Check out these cool jobs you could do!
Get future job ideas
So, you've started thinking about what you want to do after school.
That's where we can help! Our Option Choices tool can give you ideas, by showing you the roles that your subjects can lead to.
We realise more than 600 job profiles might be a little daunting to look through. So, to get you started, we've picked out five careers that are on the rise but you probably haven't heard of!
Five careers you might not have heard of
If any of these roles capture your imagination, visit the job profile. We've got lots more information about what the job is like, how to get in and similar careers you could consider.
Ecosystem modeller
Use your powers of prediction to protect the planet! If you have a knack for computers and a passion for the environment, this is the career for you.
You'll gather data about ecosystems, like lochs, moors, coastal waters or forests. With this data, you'll create computer models that predict possible conseqences of environmental changes. Your expertise will reduce negative impacts and help plants, animals and their habitats to thrive.
Future prospects:
In Scotland, 300 more jobs are expected to exist in five years for this career and similar roles.
Useful subjects:
- Biology
- Statistics
- Computing science
- Mathematics
Check out the ecosystem modeller job profile.
Machine learning engineer
Help change the world by shaping the technology we rely on every day. Machine learning is a form of artificial intelligence (AI). It's a process for teaching computers how to 'learn' to do things, so they improve over time. It can result in fascinating and useful software like voice recognition or self-driving cars.
You'll write code, use data and work with algorithms. If that sounds like your idea of fun, you could have a future in this role.
Future prospects:
In Scotland, 1,800 more jobs are expected to exist in five years for this career and similar roles.
Useful subjects:
- Computing Science
- Foundation Apprenticeship: Software Development
Check out the machine learning engineer job profile.
Welfare rights officer
£23 billion of benefits goes unclaimed every year in the UK, according to analytics compancy Policy in Practice. This money and support can help improve the standard of life for the people who need it most. You could help them get it.
Break down barriers by helping people understand and exercise their rights around benefits, money, housing and work. If you care about social justice and enjoy helping others, consider this career.
Future prospects:
In Scotland, 600 more jobs are expected to exist in five years for this career and similar roles.
Useful subjects:
- Care
- English and Communication
- Modern Studies
- People and Society
- Foundation Apprenticeship: Social Services and Healthcare
Check out the welfare rights officer job profile.
Heating and ventilation engineer
Want something more hands-on? Build towards a career in the construction industry, installing heating and ventilation systems in homes and businesses.
Not only are you doing a great service for people and organisations, but you're also helping the environment. Part of your role would be to create more energy-efficient systems, helping the country work towards its climate goals.
Future prospects:
In Scotland, 700 more jobs are expected to exist in five years for this career and similar roles.
Useful subjects:
- Design and Manufacture
- Engineering Science
- Physics
- Practical Electronics
- Practical Metalwork
- Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
- Foundation Apprenticeship: Construction
- Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
Check out the heating and ventilation engineer job profile.
Medical illustrator
A creative and colourful career for anyone with an artistic streak and an interest in medicine.
Use your talent to create images that document medical illnesses and treatments. These can help educate others, inform research, improve treatments and lots more!
Future prospects:
In Scotland, 400 more jobs are expected to exist in five years for this career and similar roles.
Useful subjects:
- Art and Design
- Graphic Communication
- Human Biology
- Photography
- Skills for Work: Creative Digital Media
