There are several roles and specializations in this field. GIS databases may hold many types of information that are all tied to geographical locations. The data may include land ownership, parcel boundaries, property values, businesses and infrastructure present, jurisdiction limits, all sorts of information relevant to agriculture, weather phenomena, natural disasters, ecological information, wildlife habitats, demographic data, various characteristics of the locals or detailed information on the terrain, etc. Collect, input, manage and analyse such data and their combinations using specialised software. Develop maps, charts, models and render videos to visualise spatial information. Integrate data from various sources, such as satellite imagery, statistics and census records. Create and maintain databases to store geographical data. Present analysed data and maps to urban planners, business managers, stakeholders, land owners and other professionals, in order to support decision-making processes. Provide technical support and train users on GIS software and applications. Collaborate with geographers and other professionals to address problems. Depending on the level of expertise, there are good routes for career progression and reasonably high salaries.

Hands-on work. Design, develop, modify and troubleshoot telecommunications systems and infrastructure for businesses, residential buildings and larger areas, working for the service provider or a public institution. Analyse network requirements and select appropriate technologies, such as fibre optics, wireless networks, phone lines and voice over IP (VoIP). Configure and integrate various telecommunications components, including cables, switches, routers and transmission equipment. Implement and manage network security measures to protect against cyber threats. Monitor and optimise the performance of telecommunications systems, addressing any issues that arise. The work can be urgent when a connection is down.

A surprisingly complex profession in some countries, that requires years of studies, focused on IT, regulations and often a BSc in nursing as well. It has about a dozen branches, which focus on different duties that overlap each other to varying degrees. The tasks are mixtures of the following list: Setup, manage and keep secure patient health records in digital systems of hospitals, clinics, medical organisations, clinical trials and government offices. Ensure data accuracy and privacy. Analyse and export health data for a wide variety of purposes, create reports. Manage colleagues in the same field and projects aimed at usage, software and hardware improvements. Train staff to make sure they use the databases correctly and to their full potential. Develop policies for health data management. Maintain compliance with health data regulations. Some work alone for many hours a week, but they all cooperate with colleagues a lot as well. Accuracy and strong communication skills are crucial in this field. Perhaps unintuitively, the demand for such work is likely to grow significantly.

Both businesses and individuals need all different sorts of IT systems planned, components sourced, built, installed, modified and repaired, such as small, complete IT systems for offices, alarms, security cameras, smart home systems, small AI functions for businesses (e.g. customer service chatbot, knowledge base for employees), private servers, home cinemas, precision agriculture services, museum digital art installations, drone shows, etc. Their cheapest reliable option is often an experienced professional or a small business in this field, but such work is also widely available as employees of large companies. Market the services, provide good customer service to clients. Assess the needs, create a sales pitch, present it, propose price quote options and work timelines. Carry out the work, test the systems. Guide the users on how to make full use of them, address concerns and occurring issues.

Design and develop comprehensive computer network infrastructure to meet an organisation's communication and data transfer requirements. These can be local networks or complex virtual networks in the cloud as well. Analyse the organisation's current and future needs, taking into account factors such as scalability, security and cost-effectiveness. Determine the appropriate network layout (topology), hardware and software components required to support the organisation's operations. Develop detailed network specifications, including system configurations, security measures and disaster recovery plans. Oversee the implementation and testing of the designed network infrastructure, ensuring it functions as intended. Monitor the performance and stability of the network, making necessary adjustments or upgrades over time. Provide technical guidance and support to network administrators and IT teams responsible for managing and maintaining the network. In order to understand an organisation’s needs deeply, business management qualifications can help a lot, but relevant IT experience and qualifications at least on a bachelor’s level are a must.

Responsible for the design, implementation and maintenance of computer networks. If the network is complex enough to involve a network architect, then the role of a network engineer is rather to build the prepared design. Analyse the requirements of a network and select the most cost-effective hardware and software for it, such as routers, switches and wireless infrastructure. Configure and integrate network components, ensuring seamless connectivity and data flow. Prepare and manage network security measures, such as firewalls, VPNs and user access permissions, to protect against cyber threats. Monitor and optimise network performance, addressing any issues or bottlenecks that arise. Leading projects or IT teams are often parts of the job, and sometimes so is providing trainings. Both bachelor-level studies and experience are needed to be able to work efficiently in this role and be capable of troubleshooting issues quickly and independently. Most network engineers need to be good communicators.

Very similar to a network engineer, but less focused on network components and potentially more qualified to operate server infrastructure (mail, application and web servers), database, storage, virtualization and cloud computing solutions. Some of the application solutions are web portals, e-commerce platforms, Content Management Systems to publish digital content (e.g. WordPress) and internally used ones, such as Enterprise Resource Planning, accounting, Customer Relationship Management and corporate internal collaboration tools.

Manage and maintain the overall health and performance of computer systems and networks. Install, configure and update operating systems, software and hardware components. Implement and monitor security measures, such as firewalls, access controls and data backups, to protect against cyber threats. Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to system malfunctions, network connectivity and user access permissions. Optimise system resources and configurations to improve efficiency and reliability. Provide technical support and training to end-users on the effective use of IT systems. Collaborate with IT teams and external service providers to ensure the seamless integration and operation of all technology assets. Solid problem-solving, communication and people skills are essential for this role. Urgent tasks can often make this job somewhat stressful. If necessary, low-level relevant qualifications can be sufficient to enter this field.

Similar to a network architect, but designs the entire IT systems listed under systems engineer, as opposed to concentrating on the network stability, speed and optimization.

Very similar to a systems administrator. The same skills, but not the same qualifications are required. Manage and maintain the computer networks that connect an organisation's IT systems and users. Install, configure and update network hardware, such as routers, switches and wireless access points. Implement and monitor security measures, including firewalls, virtual private networks (VPNs) and access controls, to protect the network from cyber threats. Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to network connectivity, performance and reliability. Optimise network resources and configurations to improve efficiency and data flow. Provide technical support and training to end-users on the effective use of network-based applications and services. Collaborate with IT teams and external service providers to ensure the seamless integration and operation of all network-related technologies.

Manage and maintain the servers that power an organisation's IT infrastructure. Install, configure and update server operating systems, applications run from these servers and related software. Some of these applications are web portals, e-commerce platforms, Content Management Systems to publish digital content (e.g. WordPress) and internally used ones, such as Enterprise Resource Planning, accounting, Customer Relationship Management and corporate internal collaboration tools. Implement and monitor security measures, such as firewalls, user permission management and data backups, to protect server data and prevent unauthorised access. Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to server performance, availability and functionality. Optimise server resources and configurations to improve efficiency and reliability. Provide technical support and training to end-users on the effective use of server-based applications and services. Collaborate with IT teams and external service providers to ensure the seamless integration and operation of all server-related technologies.

A systems engineer with all the same responsibilities, with the addition of management duties. May oversee the work of multiple IT teams, including system administrators, network engineers and support specialists. Responsible for the overall management and optimization of an organisation's IT infrastructure.

Responsible for bridging the gap between software development and IT operations deploying the application, ensuring efficient cooperation between these two teams. Automate and streamline the software development, testing and deployment processes to keep workflows moving quickly, without team members waiting for each other’s input. Monitor and optimise the performance of deployed applications, addressing any issues or bottlenecks that arise. Provide technical guidance and support to development and operations teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

Design, develop, modify and maintain IT solutions (applications) to meet specific business or user needs. Some of these applications are web portals, e-commerce platforms, Content Management Systems to publish digital content (e.g. WordPress) and internally used ones, such as Enterprise Resource Planning, accounting, Customer Relationship Management and corporate internal collaboration tools. Analyse requirements and create detailed technical specifications for application development. Select the right tools and technologies to build or modify the application. If the task is not integrating, customising and setting up an off-the-shelf solution, then lead a team to write, test and debug code using various programming languages and development tools. Integrate applications with other systems, databases and third-party services. Test, troubleshoot and resolve issues related to application performance, functionality and user experience. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including designers, quality assurance and product managers, to deliver high-quality applications. Provide support to users, helping them understand how to use the application effectively. Continually look for ways to improve the application, whether through updates, new features or optimising existing ones.

Makes sure that all end products work properly, including all their functions, parts, speed and reliability. The job is like reverse problem solving: thinking creatively to try to produce errors that might occur during actual use. It may involve a lot of trial and error, until there is something to report. Must be comfortable with detail-oriented work and stay extremely persistent to perform well.

Lead a team responsible for ensuring the quality of software, web services, firmware or hardware products and updates before they are released to customers. Develop strategies and plans to test products thoroughly, making sure they work correctly, consistently, don’t slow down and meet all requirements. Work with development teams to get issues fixed.

Instead of classic project management processes, a scrum master supports the leader of a software development project and the team facilitating modern, more efficient methods, lowering team members’ time spent in meetings and waiting for each other to complete tasks. These principles and practices are parts of a framework called Agile. The main goals are to optimise cooperation within the team, hold efficient and effective meetings often, and anticipate and avoid bottlenecks and obstacles during the project. Coach team members on Scrum practices and help them improve their collaboration and self-organisation skills. Create a positive, cooperative environment. Protect the team from external distractions and ensure they can focus on their goals. Set short-term, well-defined individual goals for the members. Help the team reach consensus in important matters. Scrum masters are increasingly used in many other industries as well.

The link between stakeholders and a development team working on a software, an IT service or another type of IT application. Take charge and communicate with both sides proactively, in order to compile and funnel the features the stakeholders request into what the team work on. This keeps their workload balanced at all times, while maximising the improvement to the value of the product in each development period. Gather feedback and data on the features already rolled out and their business value. Research the potential technical and use case issues to minimise financial risks.

Similar to a product owner, but oversees the overall strategy and vision of an IT product, as opposed to managing the development team's work. Set long-term goals, guide the product's direction, make high-level decisions about what the product should achieve, and collaborate with other departments (e.g. marketing, sales, finance). Manage market research efforts, analyse competition and customer needs. Ensure that the development aligns with the broader product strategy, but focus on the product's success in the market rather than on day-to-day feature development.

Provide technical support and troubleshooting for complex issues related to software, hardware or IT services remotely or in person. Analyse and diagnose problems, develop and implement solutions. May support customers, colleagues, or work for a company providing tech support to businesses. Generally expected to be able to find solutions quickly and efficiently for most issues that first and second-line technical support have passed on. Collaborate with engineering and development teams to address product-related issues and improve overall quality. Create and maintain technical documentation, knowledge bases and support materials. Provide guidance and training to junior support staff on advanced technical issues. Contribute to product improvement initiatives by providing feedback based on customer interactions and support trends. AI will automate a lot of this field over the next decade, so only new and niche services will require this work, due to developing comprehensive AI solutions not being cost efficient or quick enough.

Oversee and manage a team of technical support representatives and engineers. Develop and implement technical support strategies and processes to ensure high-quality service delivery. The service may support customers, colleagues, or may be in a company providing tech support to businesses. Monitor and analyse support metrics, identify areas for improvement and implement solutions. Collaborate with developers, engineers and people in charge of FAQs, written and video guides to address product issues, enhance customer experience and drive customer satisfaction. Manage customer escalations and complex support cases, ensuring timely and effective resolution. Provide coaching, training and performance management for support team members. Develop and maintain customer support documentation, knowledge bases and training materials.

Assess and analyse an organisation's IT systems to identify potential security risks and vulnerabilities. Operate firewalls, intrusion detection systems, data encryption software, and grant colleagues the appropriate access to data and IT systems. Try to make sure all employees adhere to security policies, to protect sensitive data and digital assets. Monitor security systems and networks for potential breaches or suspicious activities. Investigate and respond to security incidents, such as malware infections, data breaches and unauthorised access attempts. Perform regular security audits and risk assessments to ensure compliance with regulations. Provide security awareness training to employees and stakeholders.

Information security is needed in virtually every field of work. Develop and oversee the implementation of an organisation's information security strategy and policies. Manage a team of information security professionals, including analysts, engineers and specialists; and support their professional development. Assess and mitigate information security risks across the organisation's systems, networks and data assets. Ensure compliance with relevant regulations related to information security. Coordinate incident response efforts in case of security breaches or cyberattacks. Contract external IT security service providers, and manage operations around their services. Collaborate with executive leadership to align information security initiatives with business objectives. Manage the information security budget and resource allocation. Bachelor-level qualification and at least 5 years of relevant experience is needed to be considered for this position.

The higher-level version of the work of Information security analysts. Design, implement and maintain IT security solutions to protect an organisation's information systems and data. Develop and configure security infrastructure, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems and mechanisms managing employees’ permissions to access data and systems within the organisation. Conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify and address security weaknesses. Implement encryption and other data protection measures to safeguard sensitive information. Monitor and analyse security logs and events to detect and respond to IT security incidents and potential threats. Collaborate with IT teams to ensure security is integrated into all aspects of the organisation's technology infrastructure. Provide technical guidance and support for security-related projects and initiatives.

A particularly knowledgeable and experienced information security engineer that focuses on the needs of the organisation and the overall design of the system, rather than its parts. Such professionals are needed only for larger organisations or those with complex systems or highly valuable data and IT or related systems. Design and develop information security architectures. Analyse the organisation's technology landscape and security requirements to create robust security frameworks. Determine appropriate security controls, technologies and processes to address identified risks and vulnerabilities. Develop security standards and guidelines for the organisation's IT infrastructure and IT applications. Ensure that security architectures align with business objectives and comply with relevant regulations. Collaborate with IT teams, management and stakeholders to implement and maintain effective security measures. Provide expert guidance on complex security issues and emerging threats.

Serve organisations as an external contractor by simulating cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities in an organisation's computer systems, networks and IT applications. Plan and execute various types of penetration tests, including network, web application and social engineering assessments. Use a combination of manual techniques and automated tools to discover and exploit security weaknesses. Document findings, including the methods used, vulnerabilities discovered and potential impact on the organisation. Provide detailed reports and recommendations for addressing identified security issues. Work with IT teams and management to prioritise and implement necessary security improvements. Conduct follow-up tests to verify that vulnerabilities have been properly addressed.

In the introduction, I have listed the tasks AI can’t or won’t be entrusted with yet. There are always opportunities for freelance work doing these sorts of tasks, if specializing creatively. People, businesses and other organisations all need services that are more niche or are not widely available in good quality in your area; especially as changes still keep accelerating, and new and new needs arise. Examples of such enterprises: sourcing devices that are available only in other countries, designing home cinemas, 3D printing hard-to-get parts for repairs, creating a service centre for a new and booming brand, tour guiding with your own special twist, immigration assistance, sales agent for a music band, stand-up comedian or writers, etc. The key is to find what services are needed or wanted that people are willing to pay for and are unavailable in good quality or you can be the best at.

Provide expert advice or services to clients on a contract basis. Market and sell your services effectively. This can be outsourced, but it’s often expensive. Negotiate contracts and deals with potential clients and on behalf of clients. Analyse client problems or needs and develop tailored solutions. Prepare well in advance and conduct further research to support recommendations. Present findings and proposals to clients through meetings, reports and presentations. Carry out the work in time. Hire employees and subcontractors if needed. Manage multiple client projects simultaneously. Build and maintain a network of clients and professional contacts. The more aspects (marketing, sales, accounting, customs, IT, legal advice and contracts, etc.) of your business you can handle alone on a professional level(!), the more you can save, but it’s often worth paying experts.

There are project managers in most industries. Some projects need relevant qualifications and experience (e.g. architecture, construction, real estate development, mining, clinical trial, manufacturing upgrade, recording an album, decorating a café, creating a sales catalogue, marketing), but not all do (e.g. software testing, installing seating in an airport terminal, setting a site up for a music festival, wedding or sport event, commercial photography coordination). Plan, execute and oversee projects from start to finish. Define project goals, scope and timelines in collaboration with stakeholders. Create detailed project plans including deadlines, budgets and resource allocation. Assemble and lead a team, assigning tasks and responsibilities. Hire contractors and supervise their work too. Monitor project progress and ensure deadlines are met. Manage spending, project risks and develop contingency plans. Communicate project status to clients, stakeholders and management regularly. Resolve conflicts and remove obstacles that might impede project success. Ensure project quality standards and all regulations are met and conduct post-project evaluations.

The manager of project managers. Instead of focusing on the detailed plans of one project, the aim is to align multiple projects with the goals of the company, manage change and resources across the projects, establish company policies, standards and procedures, and cooperate actively with stakeholders and the upper management of the firm. The separate projects often affect each other, which is also managed by the program managers. They are needed in most industries.

The same as an IT product manager, but in manufacturing. Lead the development, launch and ongoing manufacturing of a product from start to finish. Research market needs and work with customers to understand what they want in a product. Create a plan for what the product should do and look like, and decide which features are most important. Work closely with different teams, like designers and engineers, to make sure the product is being built correctly. Keep track of how well the product is doing once it's released and make decisions about changes or updates. Look for ways to make the product better and more useful for customers. Balance what customers want with what the company can actually make and sell. Makes sure the product fits with the company's overall goals and helps the business grow. Collaborate with other departments (e.g. marketing, sales, finance).

Oversee an organisation's financial operations, including budgeting, accounting and financial reporting. Develop financial strategies and plans to support the company's short-term and long-term goals. Analyse financial data and prepare reports to guide the CEO and stakeholders in decision-making, e.g. regarding how to maximise profits, optimise expenses, investments, project undertakings, tax strategies, bank financing and credit. Manage cash flow and financial risks to ensure the organisation's financial stability. Ensure compliance with financial regulations and reporting requirements. As these vary by industry (e.g. nonprofits, manufacturing, insurance, healthcare) and a financial manager has to know them really well, it’s somewhat difficult to switch to work for another type of business. Collaborate with other departments to provide financial guidance and support for various projects and initiatives. Supervise finance team members and provide leadership in financial matters.

A product manager with a finance background, who oversees the development and implementation of financial technology services (apps and websites). Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including developers, designers and business stakeholders to define product requirements and features. Develop product roadmaps and prioritise features based on market demand and business objectives. Manage the product development lifecycle, from concept to launch and ongoing improvements. Monitor product performance metrics and user feedback to guide future upgrades. Capitalise on knowledge and experience in finance to

- Identify opportunities in this field, including what features to add to an existing service, including what’s feasible

- Design processes of functions of the app or the website and provide the best user experience possible

- Address user concerns

- Understand the competition in Fintech and for example in retail banking, investment management or payments; and position the brand among them well

- Assess credit risks, market risks and operational risks, and mitigate them

- Explain financial concepts to the DevOps team

- Make sure that the product integrates seamlessly with existing financial systems, such as payment gateways, banking APIs and accounting software

- Contribute to creating educational content or tools for the users

- Balance innovation with financial stability

- Ensure compliance with financial regulations and industry standards in product development and implementation.

Design, develop and maintain software applications and systems for financial services. Implement complex financial algorithms and models into functional and efficient code. Integrate financial applications with external data sources, APIs and third-party services. Ensure the security and reliability of financial systems, implementing measures to protect sensitive data and transactions. Optimise system performance and scalability to handle high volumes of financial transactions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product managers and financial experts, to understand and build the software according to the business requirements.

Manage a portfolio of investments on behalf of clients or the fund's shareholders. These investments may include stocks, bonds, properties, direct investment, various financial tools or commodities. Develop and implement investment strategies aligned with the fund's objectives and risk tolerance. Follow market trends, economic news and indicators, geopolitical developments and seek individual investment opportunities to make informed decisions with the help of financial analysts and specialists. Execute trades and rebalance the portfolio as needed to optimise performance and manage risk. Network, build and maintain business relationships, give a very good impression at all times. Monitor and evaluate the fund's performance, providing regular reports to clients or stakeholders. There are several different types of investment fund manager positions, though not all are likely to remain common and secure as technology advances. This job tends to be stressful, carry high responsibilities and require well over 40 hours of work every week.

Employed by investment funds, banks, insurance providers, business consulting firms and other kinds of businesses as well, for the purpose of building and nurturing lasting relationships with important clients (many of whom are wealthy private investors, organisational and corporate decision makers of investment, choosing vendors and business partners) to ensure satisfaction, retention and growth of business opportunities.

Act as the main point of contact, learn about and stay up to date on the client’s risk tolerance, investment and business goals and preferences. Based on this, communicate fine-tuned investment and cooperation strategies and proposals for the next steps on an ongoing basis. Upsell, resolve issues, entertain clients in many sorts of ways if it helps build the relationships, e.g. fine dining, doing sports together, attending art, sport or other events, boating, parties, galas, luxurious travels, hiring escorts. With some clients (especially in some Asian countries), going to bars and getting drunk together is expected, although this could become a lot less dominant in younger generations.

Make potentially fruitful introductions for the benefit of the client. There are many different types of client relationship managers and they are present in lots of industries.

Manage the process of helping companies raise capital by issuing securities (e.g. stock or debt) to the public or private markets. Work closely with sales teams to gauge investor interest and demand for new issues. Manage the process of determining the optimal pricing and allocation strategies for securities offerings. Collect and organise investor orders. Liaise between issuers, investors and internal teams to ensure smooth execution of deals. Provide market insights and recommendations to issuers on timing and structure of offerings. Coordinate the marketing efforts for new issues, including meetings between the potential parties and investor presentations. Monitor and analyse market conditions to identify optimal windows for new issuances.

Complements the role of the syndicate manager in investment banking underwriting. Act as the main point of contact for companies raising capital. Advise clients on capital raising strategies, including initial public offerings, follow-on offerings and debt issuances. Analyse market conditions and client financial positions to recommend optimal capital structures. Present capital markets opportunities to potential clients and pitch for new business. Provide ongoing market intelligence and capital markets insights to clients. Monitor post-deal performance and maintain client relationships for future opportunities.

Similar to the work of equity capital markets relationship managers, but in various investment funds, supporting small, medium and large enterprises in need of initial and growth investments. Identify and evaluate potential investment opportunities, often before they hit the broader market. Attend industry conferences, meetings and other events to connect with potential investment opportunities. Carry out the initial screening to assess whether a company is a good fit for the fund’s investment strategy.

Work mainly in investment banks, private equity firms and direct lending firms, to provide loans or arrange debt financing for companies, typically for Mergers & Acquisitions, buyouts, recapitalizations or growth capital. Structure financing deals that meet the borrower company’s needs while managing risk for the bank. Coordinate with internal credit teams to analyse client financial situations and market conditions, assess risk and determine suitable interest rates to offer. Develop and present loan and other types of leveraged finance proposals to clients, negotiate terms with them and often involve investors as well. Manage the execution of leveraged finance transactions, including due diligence and documentation. Monitor the performance of leveraged finance portfolios and address any issues that arise. Provide ongoing market insights and financing options to leveraged finance clients. The nature of the work varies significantly depending on the type of company one works for.

Work for investment banks, commercial banks, private equity firms, direct lending firms, asset management companies and development finance institutions to manage relationships with corporate clients that require loans, lines of credit or other financing solutions. Focus more on the ongoing, fruitful relationship with the debt holders, on assessing their creditworthiness and approving credit limits; as opposed to leveraged finance relationship managers, who are more focused on structuring and executing loan and financing transactions. Handle more straightforward, less risky and lower-value lending relationships but across a broad range of clients. (In contrast, leveraged finance relationship managers work with more complex, riskier deals that may even involve multiple parties and even billions of dollars.) Negotiate terms and conditions of credit facilities with clients. Monitor client credit performance and flag any potential issues or contract breaches. Coordinate with risk management teams to ensure proper risk assessment and mitigation strategies. Provide ongoing advice to clients on credit market conditions and financing options.

Manage communications between a company and its investors or shareholders. Develop and implement investor relations strategies. Prepare and present financial reports and performance updates to investors. Organise shareholder meetings, earnings calls and investor presentations. Address investor queries and concerns promptly and accurately. Monitor how the company is judged and provide feedback to management. Coordinate with financial media to manage the company's public image. Identify and attract potential new investors to support the company's growth.

Plan, coordinate and oversee the day-to-day operations of an organisation or department, e.g. hospitality, retail, wholesale, service industry, tourism, banking, etc. Develop and implement operational strategies to maximise sales, minimise costs, maintain high efficiency, productivity and quality. Manage resources, including personnel and work schedules, equipment and materials, to ensure optimal utilization. Monitor and analyse operational performance metrics, identifying areas for improvement and implementing solutions. Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, standards and company policies. Collaborate with the upper management, other departments and stakeholders to align operations with overall business objectives. Hire, lead, coach, supervise and motivate teams; handle personnel and client issues. Prevent and tackle operational problems. Manage inventory and facilities. Forecasting, handle day-to-day finances. Oversee visual merchandising activities. Lots of people work in this role without formal qualifications, but few manage to do it well in my opinion.

A consultant hired for a project to design and implement or optimise business processes, systems and personnel resources to improve operations comprehensively. Analyse current business practices if they are in place already, and identify areas for improvement or innovation within the company or the department in question. Form and implement new business models, strategies and operational frameworks. Collaborate with many people in the organisation to fully understand every crucial part of the operations and to align technology solutions with business objectives. Create detailed procedure maps and documentation to support business processes. Conduct cost-benefit analyses and feasibility studies for proposed business changes or initiatives. Monitor and evaluate the performance of implemented solutions, making adjustments as needed to maximise business value.

Need to be well versed in every important part of running the business supported, including logistics, pricing analysis, decision making, employee behaviour trends, change management, industry trends, commercial awareness, marketing, technological solutions, cost analysis, financing, HR and legal constraints, etc. Masters-level qualification and at least some experience (especially relevant technical experience) are usually required.

Analyse business processes and the company’s circumstances to identify areas for improvement and efficiency gains. Gather detailed information on what the management wants to achieve through new projects or operational changes. Conduct market research and data analysis to support strategic decision-making. Create detailed reports, presentations and visualizations to communicate findings and recommendations to stakeholders. The recommendations may include supply chain or organisational changes, sales and marketing strategies and product development suggestions as well. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement solutions. Be the proactive day-to-day liaison between these teams (often IT ones) and the business, finance and management professionals of the company. Evaluate the impact of implemented changes and measure their success against defined objectives. Key skills are communication, handling people well, creative problem solving, finding patterns in data and organisation skills. Very similar profession to business engineering.

Start and run a privately owned businesses or invest in existing ones. Can be done on a shoe-string budget as well. It can take many different forms, some of which are less obvious. A few examples are dropshipping, online and offline wholesale and retail, buying and trading commodities, currencies, stocks, bonds, second-hand items, brokering transactions, freelance services with or without employees and subcontractors, facilitating outsourcing, providing consultation, training, mentoring, coaching, etc. Gain a solid understanding of every facet of a business, unless it’s possible to outsource some of them to very trustworthy people or businesses with fallback options. Use this knowledge to make sure the business or the investments won’t falter in any way.

As opposed to popular belief, taking risks is usually not the right approach: They have to be minimised with expertise, otherwise it would only be a matter of time until trouble arises. Develop business plans and strategies for growth. Make key decisions about products, services and company direction. Manage finances including budgeting, funding and profit distribution. Hire the right managers and supervisors, build and lead teams of employees or contractors. Network with other business leaders and potential partners. Need to be highly competitive, dedicated, sharp, willing to learn and identify and pursue new business opportunities (pivot). Analyse market trends and adjust business practices accordingly.

Everybody should learn how to invest well beyond the basics. People don't realise, but they lose a lot of their hard-earned money to inflation and bad use of the capital they have, especially considering the compound interest they are missing out on over decades. Many people simply invest in properties, which is often not wrong, but I daresay often it is not the best choice. As major changes in the world are still accelerating overall, we can't count on staying in the same city being our best option for several decades to come. This makes property investments potentially riskier than they used to be. Please learn how to profit from the capital you have and make sure to invest only in the markets you know extremely well! Learn about investment strategies and diversify. If you already have a significant amount of capital, learn to make full use of it. In this case, you might be better off specializing in investing your money and dedicating your time to it; rather than learning any other profession for the sake of a salary (unless the work you do is your passion).

A specialist for setting up or making major changes to a company's operational, management, financial and/or legal structure. This often happens after mergers, acquisitions, selling a part of the company, splitting it off in some form or simply if it's deemed to perform poorly due to major operational issues. A new structure may also be needed due to rapid growth, the company going public or new owners requesting a change. Restructurers work for different types of investment funds and banks and dedicated law firms. Renegotiate debt agreements, raise capital, reorganise the investment and debt structures. Manage bankruptcy situations. Great business and finance knowledge and experience are needed to set the firm up for success.

Develop IT solutions and databases to automate valuable communication and data sharing within a company and with and among partner companies (independent of the employer) too. Alleviate inefficiencies in communication and make sure there are no information sharing bottlenecks, such as only specific people in charge of certain aspects of the business being up to date on data others need. Make sure the right information is shared on an ongoing basis. Train and coach colleagues and employees of business partners on how to make full use of the systems. Maintain the privacy of sensitive information with great care. Need sufficiently deep understanding of many business processes and of the potentially useful IT tools as well. Monitor the performance of IT services and their impact on business operations. Provide regular updates to business leaders on IT initiatives and their value. It’s a growing field.

Develop and maintain strategic relationships with distributors, resellers, vendors or other types of business partners for an employer that can be in virtually any industry. Identify potential partners that align with the organisation's goals and objectives. Negotiate partnership agreements and contracts. Coordinate joint initiatives and projects with partners. Monitor partner performance and ensure they meet agreed targets. Resolve conflicts and address issues that arise in partnerships. Identify opportunities to expand existing partnerships or create new ones. Provide regular updates to internal stakeholders on partnership activities. Organise partner events and training sessions to strengthen relationships.

Manage the use of CRM software, apps and work processes in a retail or a service provider company to maximise customer satisfaction and sales and marketing opportunities. Set up an effective system among these departments and customer service to collect, organise, analyse and share information about the customers. Use predictive analytics to identify customer trends, preferences and potential issues. The data collected is used to make business decisions, customise and automate sales and marketing efforts in many ways and enhance effective collaboration across the teams of the company. Oversee or carry out the training and coaching of employees operating the CRM software. Develop and update customer service policies and procedures. This work shapes the image of the brand and how the customers feel about the company as well. Even investment banks use CRMs to maintain good relationships with wealthy investors.

May be only a part of the responsibilities of an HR professional. Foster positive relationships between the organisation and its employees. Develop and implement employee engagement strategies. Maximise employee retention. Address employee concerns and grievances promptly and fairly. Coordinate with other members of HR to ensure effective communication of company policies and benefits. Organise employee events and recognition programs. Conduct regular surveys to gauge employee satisfaction and identify areas for improvement. Mediate conflicts between employees or between employees and management. Provide guidance to managers on maintaining positive relationships with their teams. Promote a healthy work culture and work-life balance.

This role is found mainly in nonprofits, government agencies and companies with strong community outreach programs. Build and maintain positive relationships between an organisation and the local community, shape the image of the employer. Organise and participate in community events and initiatives. Support the locals in meaningful ways. Manage corporate social responsibility programs and charitable activities. Address community concerns related to the organisation's operations. Liaise with local government officials and community leaders. Coordinate volunteer programs for employees to engage with the community. Monitor and report on the impact of community engagement activities. Ensure the organisation maintains a positive reputation within the community. Social media engagement manager and marketing duties are also often parts of the job.

Enhance the overall patient experience in healthcare settings. Develop and implement strategies to improve patient satisfaction and engagement. Act as a liaison between patients, their families and the healthcare provider. Address patient complaints and concerns promptly and effectively. Coordinate patient education programs and support services. Analyse patient feedback and data to identify areas for improvement in care delivery. Collaborate with various departments to ensure a seamless patient journey. Implement and manage patient communication systems.

Manage customer relationships and the image of the brand mainly through social media. Develop and implement digital engagement strategies. Create engaging posts based on how the marketing team pictures the company’s typical customers. Monitor and respond to customer messages, comments and feedback on digital platforms. Ensure consistent tone, language and responsiveness to strengthen brand loyalty. Monitor if there are significant social media posts and comments that could affect the way people feel about the brand and respond proactively to both positive and negative mentions. Measure and report on the effectiveness of digital relationship management initiatives.

Plan and organise various events such as conferences, weddings, sport events, expos, galas, trainings, festivals, etc. Communicate with clients well in advance to fully understand their vision, preferences and requirements for the event. Help the clients choose suitable venues if applicable and negotiate contracts with suppliers. Coordinate all aspects of the event including catering, entertainment and decorations. Manage budgets. Oversee the setup and running of the event on the day. Handle any unexpected issues that arise during the event. Provide excellent customer service, build relationships with regular clients. Forecasting, taking and making payments.

Develop and implement environmental policies and practices within an organisation. Assess the environmental impact of company operations and propose improvements. Ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations. Conduct environmental audits and risk assessments. Manage waste reduction and recycling programs. Coordinate with various departments to implement sustainable practices. Develop and deliver environmental awareness training to staff. Prepare reports. Liaise with regulatory bodies and environmental groups.

Manage and protect forests for conservation, recreation and economic purposes. Plan and oversee the planting, growth and harvesting of trees. Balance profitability with sustainability and nature conservation. Monitor forest health and implement measures to control pests and diseases. Develop and maintain forest inventories and maps. Manage wildlife habitats and biodiversity within forest areas. Plan and oversee the construction of forest access roads and fire breaks (artificials gaps between parts of a forest to prevent fire from spreading easily). Implement fire prevention and control strategies. Provide advice on sustainable forest management practices. Collaborate with government agencies, landowners and the public on forest-related issues. Ensure all operations meet the regulations. Part office, part fieldwork, being exposed to the elements.

Ensure an organisation's products or services comply with relevant laws and regulations. Depending on the industry, the qualifications needed and the subject of the work vary widely: food, work, environmental, product and public safety, privacy, housing, labour, financial, civil engineering and health regulations, etc. Prepare and submit regulatory filings to government agencies. Interpret complex regulations and advise the company on compliance requirements. Manage relationships with regulatory authorities and represent the company in regulatory matters. Collaborate with various departments to fully understand relevant details of their work and ensure operations, products or services meet regulatory standards. Oversee the continuous updates of documentation and records required by law. Contribute to the creation and amendments of company policy and guideline documents. Take part in changing work processes as needed. Develop and implement training programs on regulatory requirements. Carry out and facilitate audits. Monitor changes in regulations and assess their impact on the organisation.

As above, but with fewer and lower responsibilities.

As above, but more focused on policies, guidelines and regulations being met within the company, rather than on external inspections and regulatory applications.

Oversee the maintenance and operation of buildings and facilities. Manage subordinates, service providers and contracts with them for cleaning, maintenance, safety and repairs. Develop long-term plans for facility improvements and expansions. Oversee renovations and refurbishments of buildings and spaces. Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and building codes. Coordinate space planning and allocation within the facility. Manage cleaning and maintenance budgets and control costs. Implement and manage energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives. Respond to and resolve facility-related emergencies and issues.

Develop and implement security policies and procedures to protect all the assets and people at an organisation's property. Conduct risk assessments to identify potential security threats. Design and oversee the installation of security systems such as alarms, surveillance cameras and access controls. Manage a team of security personnel and coordinate their activities. Investigate security breaches and incidents, prepare detailed reports. Liaise with law enforcement agencies when necessary. Develop and deliver security awareness training to staff. Manage the security budget and resources.

Develop and implement plans for responding to natural disasters, infrastructure failures, chemical spills, viral outbreaks, dangerous animals on the loose, hostage situations, riots, unplanned protests and other emergencies. Coordinate with government agencies, emergency services and community organisations to prepare for potential crises. Conduct risk assessments to identify potential hazards and vulnerabilities in the community. Oversee the establishment and preparedness of emergency operations centres. Lead training exercises and drills to test and improve emergency response procedures. Manage emergency response activities during actual disasters or crises. Coordinate the allocation of resources and personnel during emergencies. Assess the damage. Develop public education programs to increase community preparedness. Evaluate the effectiveness of emergency responses and update plans accordingly.

Oversee the daily operations of hotels, hostels or other accommodation facilities. Keep in touch with the owners and make sure the business is run according to their expectations. Manage staff across all departments, including front desk, sales, marketing, finance, security, housekeeping, Food & Beverage, events and maintenance, mainly through the department heads. Hire the latter personally and make sure they are knowledgeable, motivated and well trained. Ensure high standards of customer service and address guest complaints or issues. Develop and implement marketing strategies to attract guests and increase occupancy rates. Manage budgets and the financial performance of the business. Coordinate maintenance and renovation projects to keep the property in good condition. Develop and maintain relationships with vendors, suppliers and local businesses. Monitor industry trends and competitor activities to maintain a competitive edge in the market. Be ready and make sure assistant managers are ready to take quick action in case of emergencies or other sorts of trouble.

Develop and maintain a positive public image for organisations or individuals. Create and implement communication strategies to build relationships with the media, the public and stakeholders. Write press releases, speeches and social media content. Organise press conferences and media events. Handle crisis communications and reputation management. Monitor public opinion and media coverage. Advise management on public relations issues and strategies. Measure the effectiveness of PR campaigns. If the role is managerial, then coordinate the work of, motivate and support a team of PR professionals. In-depth knowledge of the field they work in, excellent problem solving, communication, language and people skills are all essential for these roles.

Develop advertising campaigns to promote products, services or brands in any industry. May be employed by the company promoted or an advertising agency. Oversee and conduct market research, collect and process relevant data. Responsible for achieving measurable results in attracting potential buyers, and making an impact in sales, brand awareness and loyalty. Identify target audiences and select appropriate advertising media. Work with creative teams to develop advertising concepts and materials. Manage the work of team members. Negotiate advertising contracts and act as a relationship manager if working for an advertising agency. Manage budgets. Coordinate the production of advertisements across various media. Analyse the effectiveness of advertising campaigns and make adjustments. Develop promotional strategies such as contests, discounts or giveaways. Make an effort every month to stay up to date on industry trends.

In practice, the duties of marketing managers and advertising managers often overlap to a large extent. Where this is not the case, marketing managers have broader responsibilities, covering all aspects of a company's marketing strategy, including brand and product positioning, product development, pricing, distribution, market and customer research. Identify customer needs and market trends, analyse data. Create marketing plans and allocate budgets for the best effect. Less involved in the direct implementation of the marketing plans in the following three areas: Overseeing the development of marketing materials such as brochures, websites and social media content. Managing promotional events and product launches. Analysing marketing campaign results and adjusting strategies accordingly. More focused on the following: Coordinating with sales teams to align marketing efforts with sales goals. Ensuring brand consistency across all marketing channels.

Oversee the operations and maintenance of residential, commercial or industrial properties. Advertise rental unit vacancies, show them off to potential tenants, negotiate, sign and terminate rental contracts. Make sure rental and other fees are paid on time. Address complaints, coordinate property maintenance (both in the shared spaces and in the units), repairs and renovations. Hire and supervise staff, such as maintenance workers and security personnel. Manage property expenses. Manage community associations (e.g. homeowner associations), including enforcing rules and organising community events.

Command and navigate ships, boats or other watercraft. Oversee all ship operations and crew activities, be responsible for every aspect of the journey. Coordination, leading. Plan and direct the vessel's course and speed. Communicate with port authorities and other vessels. Pilots navigate large ships at ports and other riskier areas and conditions. Many but not all roles on ships require being at sea for several months at a time.

Support the ship captain by being in charge of various parts of the ship's navigation, safety and operations and take responsibility for his duties in his absence. Train and supervise crew. In this profession, experience is more important than qualifications in some countries.

Oversee the operations of restaurants, bars or catering services in hotels, resorts, cruise ships, event venues, theme parks, institutions and corporate dining facilities. Develop menus and pricing strategies. Manage food and beverage inventory, including ordering and cost control. Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and maintain the standards expected by the stakeholders. Hire, train, motivate and supervise kitchen, waiting and other service staff. Solve many problems, handle customer complaints and ensure customer satisfaction. Manage budgets and financial performance of the food and beverage operation. Coordinate special events and promotions. Unless it’s a very large establishment, this role is much more hands-on and detail-oriented than many other managerial positions.

Oversee a government institution, such as a council, town hall, tax office, local education authorities, public health agencies, city planning commission, fire station, ambulance station, local food safety authorities, etc.; or manage a local public service, such as public housing, utilities, waste management, animal control, land registry, public records office, public libraries, social services, parks and recreation, public employment services, parking management, etc. Develop and implement policies and programs to serve the public. Manage budgets and resources for government operations. Coordinate with elected officials and other government bodies. Ensure compliance with laws and regulations in public service delivery. Hire, lead and motivate teams of public servants. Respond to public inquiries and concerns about government services. Evaluate the effectiveness of government programs and suggest improvements.

Oversee operations (or a part) of fish farms or other aquatic animal (and even plant) production facilities. Plan and coordinate breeding, feeding and harvesting of aquatic species. Monitor water quality and environmental conditions in aquaculture systems. Manage staff and allocate resources for aquaculture operations. Implement disease prevention and control measures for aquatic animals. Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and food safety standards. Develop strategies to improve production efficiency and sustainability. Hands-on work to varying degrees. Need to have solid knowledge of every process, piece of equipment, animal (and their health) and law relevant to the operations. May manage budget, marketing, sales, logistics; negotiate contracts; resolve issues.

Oversee daily operations of agricultural enterprises or their parts. Plan and coordinate planting, cultivation and harvesting of crops; or manage livestock trading, housing, breeding, feeding, health and slaughtering processes. Operate and maintain farm machinery and equipment. Hire, train and supervise farm workers. Implement sustainable farming practices and ensure compliance with agricultural regulations. Staying informed about agricultural market trends and new farming technologies is essential for competitiveness. Hands-on work to varying degrees. Need to have solid knowledge of every process, equipment, animal (and their health) and law relevant to the operations. May manage budget, marketing, sales, logistics, negotiate contracts, resolve issues.

Oversee the production of plants, flowers and trees in plant nurseries or greenhouses. Plan and coordinate planting schedules to meet market demands. Manage environmental conditions like temperature, humidity and light for optimal plant growth. Implement pest control and disease management strategies. Supervise staff and delegate tasks for plant care and facility maintenance. Manage inventory of plants, seeds and gardening supplies. Develop marketing strategies, build relationships with customers or wholesalers and negotiate contracts. Other common managerial duties. Largely not office work but activities around the plants. Some jobs don’t require qualifications, but many do.

Study human behaviour and social interactions. Discover the reasons behind people's actions, the culture and dynamics of a society and trends of changes. Design and conduct research on topics like crime, poverty, employment, healthcare, race, age, gender, family, public opinion or education. Use surveys, interviews and observations to collect data. Analyse information using statistical methods and social theories. Write reports and articles about research findings. Present findings in person and in various media. Advise policymakers, economists, PR professionals, businesses and organisations on social issues and potential solutions. A disproportionately large percentage of social scientists work in higher education.

Modern shepherd: Oversee large areas of land used for grazing animals. Plan and implement strategies to maintain healthy grasslands. Monitor plant growth, soil health and water resources. Decide where and when to move livestock for optimal grazing and to avoid soil degradation. Manage wildlife habitats and control invasive species. Work with land owners, farmers, government agencies and environmental groups. Develop fire management plans to prevent wildfires. Use mapping and data analysis tools to track land conditions.

Study animals and wildlife in their natural habitats or in captivity. Conduct research on animal behaviour, physiology and interactions with their environments. Collect and analyse data on animal populations, habitats and diseases. Lab work may be most of the job or none of it at all. Develop and implement conservation strategies for endangered species. Monitor wildlife populations and assess the impact of human activities on ecosystems. Write scientific papers and reports on research findings. Collaborate with other scientists, government agencies and conservation organisations. Educate the public about wildlife conservation and environmental issues. Manage wildlife rehabilitation programs or work in zoos to care for animals. Several other types of companies and organisations also need such professionals for many different reasons.

Study and manage natural resources to prevent destruction or waste. Assess the impact of human activities on forests, soil and water resources. Develop plans for the sustainable use and protection of natural areas. Monitor the health of ecosystems and wildlife populations with the help of technicians, who gather and analyse samples and data. Work with landowners and government agencies to implement conservation practices. Conduct environmental impact assessments for development projects. Design and oversee the implementation of plans that restore damaged ecosystems and habitats.

Study the interactions between industrial systems and the environment. Develop strategies to reduce waste and improve resource efficiency. Assess the environmental impact of products throughout their lifecycle. Design eco-friendly production systems and supply chains. Collaborate with businesses to implement sustainable practices. One of the branches of this field is conducting research on sustainability. Another is contributing to policies that promote sustainable industrial development.

Study the movement, distribution and quality of water. Measure and analyse the flow of rivers, rainfall patterns and groundwater levels. Investigate the impact of human activities on water resources. Develop water management plans for sustainable use and conservation. Predict and model floods, droughts and other water-related events. Assess water quality and develop plans to reduce pollution. Advise on water-related aspects of construction and development projects. Contribute to policies for water resource management and protection.

Study damaged ecosystems like forests or wetlands. Figure out what caused the damage and how to fix it. Design plans to bring back native plants and animals. Oversee projects to clean up pollution and rebuild natural areas. Work with scientists, engineers and local communities. Monitor progress and adjust plans as needed. Write reports on project outcomes. Advise on policies to prevent future environmental damage.

Inspect places where people spend time to check for health risks. Test air, water and soil for pollution or harmful substances. Investigate complaints about health hazards in communities, workplaces and agriculture. Educate people on how to avoid environmental health dangers. Create plans to deal with public health emergencies. Work with government agencies to enforce health and safety rules. Collect and analyse data on environmental health issues. Recommend ways to improve food, public, resident or worker health and safety.

Study how economic activities affect the environment and try and lower the negative impacts. Calculate the costs and benefits of environmental policies. Develop models to predict environmental impacts of business and policy decisions, including environmental regulations. Analyse data on pollution, resource use and climate change. Advise governments and companies on sustainable practices. Design systems for pricing natural resources and the benefits of healthy ecosystems. Research and advise on ways to balance economic growth with environmental protection.

Study microscopic organisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. Conduct experiments to understand how microorganisms grow, reproduce and interact. Investigate the role of microbes in diseases and develop ways to control them. Study the use of microorganisms in food production, biotechnology and environmental management. Develop and test new medicines and vaccines. Use advanced laboratory equipment to observe and manipulate microorganisms.

Manage and take part in projects to study the structure and function of cells and their molecular components. Investigate how genes control cell behaviour and inherited features. Design and conduct experiments to understand cellular processes and genetic mechanisms. Use advanced microscopes and other equipment to observe cellular structures. Analyse DNA, RNA and proteins to understand their roles in living organisms. Use relevant computer modelling software. Study the causes of diseases at the molecular level. Contribute to advancements in fields like medicine, agriculture and biotechnology by publishing the findings in detail.

Bioinformatics uses computer science tools to store, process and analyse biological data. Apply principles and methods of bioinformatics to assist scientists in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics (studying proteins), computer information science, biology and medical informatics. Use specialised software to analyse DNA, RNA or protein sequences. Apply bioinformatics tools to visualise, analyse, manipulate or interpret molecular data. May build and maintain databases for processing and analysing genomic or other biological information. Troubleshoot technical issues with bioinformatics software and tools.

Analyse complex biological data using computer technology. Process and interpret genetic information and other large datasets, and design experiments. The most common goals are to find solutions to biological problems, such as discovering medicines and methods to treat illnesses, and to contribute to research in genetics. Create databases to store and organise biological data. Use statistical methods to find patterns in large datasets. Help other scientists understand and use complex biological information. Create visual representations of biological data for easier understanding. Collaborate with biologists and computer scientists on research projects. Strong writing, analytical skills and theoretical knowledge are all essential for this role as well.

Conduct research to improve human or animal health and understand diseases in a university, private or public organisation setting. Design and carry out clinical trials or experiments to test new drugs or medical treatments. Analyse medical samples such as blood, tissue or DNA. Develop new medical devices or diagnostic tests. Write research papers and present findings at scientific conferences. Collaborate with other scientists and medical professionals on research projects. Apply for research grants and manage research budgets. Supervise laboratory technicians and other staff. PhD-level qualifications are required, and many professionals hold multiple degrees.

Prepare and analyse human cell samples (e.g. amniotic fluids, bone marrow, solid tumours and blood) to study chromosomes and genes. Use microscopes and specialised equipment to examine cell structures. Perform tests to detect genetic disorders or diseases. Analyse and interpret test results to support medical diagnoses. Prepare reports on findings for doctors and other healthcare professionals.

Analyse the ways in which genes interact, operate and form traits in all sorts of living creatures but mainly humans. Conduct research and experiments to understand the effects of specific genes. Analyse DNA sequences to identify genetic variations. Use computer programs to process and interpret genetic data. Research genetic diseases, develop tests to diagnose them and seek methods to treat them. Advise doctors, patients and families about genetic conditions. Work on projects to improve crops or livestock through genetic methods.

Develop new food products and improve existing ones. Study the chemical, physical and biological properties of food. Plan and carry out experiments, analyse data. Create recipes and production methods for food products. Test food samples to ensure safety and quality. Improve and troubleshoot food processing, packaging and storage methods. Analyse nutritional content of foods and develop healthier options. Work with food manufacturers to scale up production of new products. Ensure food products meet all safety and regulatory standards.

Many work in labs and do office tasks, but some specializations focus on the manufacturing processes. Conduct tests and analyses to ensure and improve the safety, quality, physical characteristics, smell, taste and nutritional content of food products. Operate laboratory equipment to measure physical, chemical and microbiological properties of food. Assist food scientists and engineers. Document findings, prepare reports. When in food manufacturing: conduct quality assurance tests, inspect the products for their physical, nutritional characteristics and appeal.

Mainly lab work. Assist agricultural scientists and bioengineers in research, development and testing activities. Conduct experiments, collect samples and data, and maintain records related to crop production, animal husbandry or agricultural technologies. Operate and maintain specialised equipment used in agricultural research and production. The purposes of the experiments are to improve yield and quality of crops, or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects. Provide technical support to farmers and other agricultural professionals.

Study soil properties and their effects on plant growth. Analyse soil samples to determine quality and nutrient content. Develop methods to improve soil fertility and crop yields. Research plant diseases, weeds, pests and ways to control them. Create new plant varieties through breeding or genetic modification. Advise farmers and gardeners on best practices for crop management. Study the environmental impact of different farming methods. Develop sustainable agricultural practices to conserve soil and water resources.

Study the chemical and physical properties of living things (including light and electricity). Conduct experiments to understand how cells, proteins and other biological molecules work. Use advanced equipment to analyse biological samples. Develop new drugs, plant varieties and medical treatments based on their research. Study the effects of drugs, hormones and nutrients on biological processes. Data analysis. Create new products for industries like pharmaceuticals, medical technology, food processing and agriculture. Investigate the causes of diseases at the molecular level. Extensive report writing and publishing scientific papers. Project management, manage personnel. Continuous education.

Biology has countless more subfields, many of which are niche, so less visible. Opportunities in research, innovation and their applications are very likely to grow in both number and variety. Sustainability and conservation efforts and several types of manufacturing also require many biologists.

It is often very lucrative and exciting to specialize in something very niche, but it can also be risky if the knowledge and skills are not easily transferrable to other parts of science. Having difficulties starting out in the career and losing such a job can be major problems due to limited career opportunities within a small field, difficulties moving to where such positions are available, and unexpected changes in the field or in the world affecting the field can shrink the number of opportunities as well.

Study the composition, structure and properties of matter. Conduct experiments to develop new chemical products and processes, for example for the benefit of agriculture, environmental protection, the energy, manufacturing or food industry. Run or participate in such projects. Analyse substances to determine their chemical makeup. Develop methods for producing synthetic materials like plastics. Participate in the production processes of chemical plants. Test the quality of manufactured products. Develop safer and more efficient ways to produce chemicals.

Research and analyse the effects of policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as investment, legislation, awareness campaigns or fundraising approaches. Use scientific data to model potential outcomes of different policy approaches. Collaborate with scientists, economists and policymakers on climate strategies. Assess the potential costs and benefits of proposed climate policies. Prepare reports and presentations for government agencies and stakeholders. Participate in public discussions and debates on taking action against climate change, its negative impact and on how to adapt to a changing environment.

Develop and implement techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using creative, analytical problem solving, critical thinking, data-oriented programming languages, statistics and visualization software. Source and shape useful data (data mining). Data modelling, natural language processing and machine learning to extract and analyse information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Interpret, visualise and report findings to aid business and policy decisions, scientific discoveries and innovation. It’s also used to minimise the numbers and severity of accidents and other incidents. Machine learning knowledge and experience are also very valuable for many data science positions. Not all branches of data science are safe on the long run: only the ones that require plenty of skills that AI is not likely to be able to take over yet. These skills are listed in the first section of this book.

Conduct research, prepare reports and formulate plans to address economic problems. These issues can be related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. Collect and analyse data on economic issues like inflation, employment and trade. Develop models to explain economic behaviour. Forecast economic trends and market conditions. Advise businesses, governments and organisations on economic strategies, including the world economy. Evaluate the effects of policies and events on the economy. Write reports and articles on economic topics. Present findings to clients, policymakers or the public.

Study and map terrain, bodies of water, natural resources and natural and human habitats for a wide array of purposes. Analyse interactions between human activities and the natural environment. Create and interpret maps using geographic information systems (GIS). Research topics like climate change, urbanisation and resource distribution. Conduct field studies, use satellite imagery, databases, national statistics and many more types or resources to collect geographic data. Advise governments and organisations on land use and regional planning. Study population patterns and their impact on the environment. Contribute to solutions for environmental and social issues with a geographic perspective.

Study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, the oceans or its magnetic, electrical and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, palaeontologists, stratigraphers (scientists of the rock and soil layers of Earth’s crust), geodesists (scientists that measure, map and model the exact coordinates on the surface of the globe and how they move over time) and seismologists (scientists of earthquakes), etc. Use geological, physics and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation or other environmental problems. Investigate natural disasters like earthquakes, volcanoes and landslides. Assess environmental impacts of human activities on geological systems. Provide advice on construction projects and land use planning. Contribute to the understanding of climate change and its geological effects. Some positions involve a lot of fieldwork, while others are completely office based.

Collect and analyse data from satellites, aircraft, drones and other devices to monitor and assess environmental factors. Apply this data in various fields, such as agriculture, forestry, climate science, urban planning, national security and disaster management. Create maps and models of land features, ocean patterns or weather systems. Build algorithms and models to process and interpret remote sensing data. Work with other scientists to solve problems in these fields. Train, coordinate and supervise the work of remote sensing technicians.

Operate remote sensing equipment to collect data and gather them from satellites, drones and aircraft as well. Help set up and run ground stations that receive satellite data. May prepare flight plans or sensor configurations for flight trips. Organise, process and analyse remote sensing images and data. Maintain and calibrate remote sensing instruments, many of which are in agricultural and remote areas. Assist scientists with fieldwork. Verify remote sensing data. Create maps and reports. Prepare presentations to explain remote sensing findings.

Study the properties and structure of various materials. Develop new materials with specific properties for different applications. Analyse how materials behave under different conditions. Test materials for strength, durability and other qualities. Work on creating more sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. Collaborate with engineers to apply new materials in product design. Investigate the causes of material failures and develop solutions.

Apply advanced mathematical concepts to solve complex problems in finance, engineering, manufacturing, IT and scientific research. Develop mathematical models to analyse and predict real-world phenomena. Use computer software to perform complex calculations and simulations. Collaborate with scientists and engineers to apply mathematical solutions. Analyse large datasets to identify patterns and trends. Develop new mathematical techniques. Apply mathematical principles to improve decision-making processes.

Apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to organise, interpret and summarise numerical data to provide usable information in fields like healthcare, sports, business, economics, ecology, societal trends, public opinion and government. Collect, analyse and compile numerical data to identify and show trends and patterns. Design surveys, experiments and opinion polls to gather data. Use statistical software to process and analyse large datasets. Present findings through reports, charts and presentations. Ensure the validity and reliability of data collection methods and their application.

Educate visitors about the natural features and wildlife in parks and nature reserves. Strive to make the trips fun and interesting for both adults and children. Lead guided tours and nature walks for visitors. Develop and present educational programs about local geography, flora, fauna and ecosystems. Monitor and report on the health of plant and animal populations in the park. Assist in conservation efforts and habitat management projects. Enforce park rules and regulations to protect natural resources. Provide information to visitors about park facilities and safety guidelines. Collaborate with scientists on research projects conducted in the park. Part-time positions are more common in this field than in other professions. During the hardest times, if and when people and governments are extremely frugal, their job security could suffer. Otherwise, the outlook of this profession is pretty bright.

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories (for example in manufacturing). Use advanced equipment to measure and analyse physical properties. Apply physics principles to solve problems in areas like technology and energy. Data analysis. Publish research studies, hold presentations. Collaborate with other scientists and engineers on interdisciplinary projects. Develop new technologies based on physical principles. Contribute to advancements in fields like quantum mechanics, astrophysics or particle physics. May work for nuclear facilities, businesses, governmental, educational or private research institutions.

Study how governments and political organisations work in the employment of public, nonprofit, academic and private institutions, including think tanks and businesses (to navigate the effects of politics). Analyse political trends, policies and events; make forecasts. Conduct research on topics like voting behaviour, public opinion, political decision-making, ideology and international relations. Use surveys and statistical methods to collect and interpret data. Write reports and articles about political issues. Advise politicians, government agencies and organisations on policy matters. Teach students in higher education about politics and government. Appear in media to explain political developments.

Highly responsible roles. Respond to emergency calls for medical assistance. Assess patients' conditions and determine course of treatment. Provide first aid and basic or advanced emergency medical care, including advanced life support. Transport patients to hospitals or medical facilities. Communicate with medical staff about patient conditions and treatments given. Maintain emergency vehicles and medical equipment. Complete detailed reports on emergency responses and patient care. Depending on the country, this job can be extremely demanding.

Direct and carry out activities such as autopsies, pathological and toxicological analyses to determine cause of death or to establish responsibility for accidental, violent or unexplained deaths.

Generate radiation treatment plans, make radiation dose calculations, communicate and supervise the treatment plan implementation, and consult with members of radiation oncology team.

Prepare, administer and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope equipment. Prepare stock solutions of radioactive materials and calculate doses to be administered by radiologists. Expose patients to radiation as part of diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Use specialised cameras and analyse the images.

Administer radiation treatments to patients, primarily (but not only) for cancer.

Interpret medical images, such as X-rays, MRIs and CT scans, to diagnose diseases and injuries, recommend treatments and perform image-guided procedures.

Perform laboratory tests on blood, urine, tissue and other medical samples by sophisticated lab instruments and interpret the results. Administration and reporting.

Operate ultrasound equipment to capture images of organs, tissues and blood flow, interpret the findings, administration. Requires frequent interaction with patients.

Operate equipment to monitor and diagnose nervous system activity, including brain function.

Perform eye examinations, prescribe corrective lenses, administer medications and conduct eye surgeries.

Perform diagnostic tests, prepare patients for exams, assist during eye surgeries, maintain, calibrate and troubleshoot ophthalmic equipment, administer medications, educate patients on eye care and provide post-operative instructions.

Take facial measurements, recommend eyeglasses and contact lenses, help patients select and fit them. May also repair frames.

Examine eyes for vision and health problems, prescribe corrective glasses, contact lenses and medications, provide treatments. As opposed to ophthalmologists, they don’t perform surgeries.

Diagnose and treat disorders of eye movement and alignment, perform related tests, develop treatment plans that may include exercises, prisms or surgery recommendations.

Assist gastroenterologists and other specialists in performing endoscopic procedures by preparing and maintaining endoscopic instruments, ensuring proper sterilization and handling equipment during procedures.

Take part in speech, language and hearing examinations, support patients with speech, language, voice, fluency, cognitive communication and swallowing difficulties.

As above, but qualified to make diagnoses and perform detailed assessments and advise on treatment plans.

Administer drugs to prevent pain during surgery and monitor patient vital signs throughout the procedure. Develop anaesthesia plans based on patient health and type of surgery. Manage pain control after surgery and respond to any emergencies during the operation. A highly responsible role.

Very similar to what anaesthesiologists do, but with less responsibility and authority.

Diagnose and treat heart and blood vessel diseases using various tests and procedures. Prescribe medications, recommend lifestyle changes and perform specialised heart procedures. Provide ongoing care for patients with chronic heart conditions and work to prevent heart disease.

Perform complex tests on patients' hearts and blood vessels using advanced imaging equipment. Assist in procedures such as cardiac catheterization, balloon angioplasty and pacemaker insertion. Analyse test results, monitor patients during procedures and help diagnose cardiovascular conditions.

Requires at least a master’s degree. Provide expert nursing care in a specific area of medicine, such as paediatrics, trauma, infectious disease, mental health, etc. Develop treatment plans, perform advanced procedures, serve as an expert consultant for nursing staff and advise patients.

Care for patients with life-threatening conditions. Monitor vital signs, operate complex medical equipment and quickly respond to changes in patient condition. Administer medications, assist with procedures and communicate with doctors and families about patient status.

Prepare patients for dental procedures and assist dentists during treatments. Take dental X-rays, make tooth impressions and apply treatments like fluoride. Help manage the dental office and keep equipment and work area sterile.

Clean teeth by removing plaque, stains and tartar. Examine patients for signs of oral diseases and educate them on proper oral care. Take dental x-rays, apply sealants and fluoride treatments and assist dentists with more complex procedures.

Drive with a bad eyesight and put dents in cars.

Specialise in replacing missing teeth and restoring damaged teeth. Design and fit dentures, bridges, crowns and dental implants. Treat complex dental and facial problems to improve appearance, function and oral health.

Examine teeth and jaw alignment, create detailed treatment plans to straighten teeth and fix bite problems. Put on braces and other devices to move teeth into better positions, adjust them regularly and monitor progress. Work with other dental specialists when surgery is needed. Create and fit retainers after treatment is finished, check that teeth stay in their new positions and make adjustments if needed. Advise patients on how to care for their braces and maintain good oral health.

Diagnose and treat patients with acute illnesses or injuries in emergency room settings, perform life-saving procedures immediately, order tests, make quick decisions about patient care and coordinate with specialists.

Design and implement exercise programs to improve health or athletic performance. Conduct fitness assessments and analyse data to create personalised exercise plans. Help patients recover from heart disease or manage other chronic conditions through supervised exercise. They are also employed as consultants by various types of businesses and individuals.

Diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses related to sports and physical activities. Develop rehabilitation plans (not only for injured athletes) and provide advice on injury prevention. Provide support to improve performance and manage medical conditions that affect sports participation.

Work with coaches to form fitness training plans based on the overall strategy in a specific sport. Design and implement training programs for athletes or sports teams. Assess athletes' fitness levels and identify areas for improvement. Teach sport-specific skills and proper techniques for exercises. Monitor athletes during training to prevent injuries. Provide first aid and initial treatment for sports-related injuries. Develop nutrition plans to support athletic performance and recovery. Support the mental preparation of the athletes, build their resilience. Stay updated on latest sports science research and training methods.

Work with sports teams and in sports facilities to prevent, diagnose and treat injuries. Educate athletes on training techniques, preventing health issues and maximising athletic performance. Provide first aid and emergency care for injuries during sports events, make decisions on if the athletes can return to the game during an event or after recovering from an accident or illness. Develop rehabilitation programs for injured athletes. Apply protective or supportive tapes and bandages. Collaborate with doctors and coaches on athletes' treatment plans. Athletic trainers can also specialise in working with soldiers, industrial employees, children in sports, dancers and other artists with demanding physical activities, people recovering from accidents and illnesses, or work in clinical research.

Similar to a sports medicine physician, but with different qualifications and not in charge of diagnosing the injuries. Also much more likely to have patients that are not athletes. Only sports medicine physicians can order diagnostic tests and would be qualified to prescribe medications and perform certain medical procedures.

Examine patients with bone, joint and muscle problems, order and review medical tests and create treatment plans that might include medicine, braces or exercises. Work with other health professionals like physiotherapists and occupational therapists to help patients recover movement and strength, monitor progress and adjust treatments as needed. Provide joint injections and other non-surgical treatments, fit braces and supports, teach patients how to prevent further injury. Refer patients to surgeons when needed, help manage ongoing conditions like arthritis and coordinate care with other specialists.

Design, create and fit artificial limbs (prosthetics) and supportive devices (orthoses) for patients. Assess patients' needs, take measurements and develop custom devices to improve mobility or function. Adjust and maintain prosthetic and orthotic devices and teach patients how to use and care for them.

Provide general medical care to patients admitted to the hospital. Coordinate treatment plans with specialists and oversee day-to-day patient care. Make decisions about admissions, discharges and transfers within the hospital.

Provide medical care for women's reproductive health, pregnancy and childbirth. Perform regular check-ups, diagnose and treat gynaecological conditions and manage high-risk pregnancies. Deliver babies, perform surgeries like C-sections and hysterectomies, and offer family planning services including contraception and fertility treatments. Obstetrics focuses on pregnancies.

Provide care to women during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. Perform prenatal check-ups, assist with labour and delivery and offer breastfeeding support. Provide general women's health care, including family planning and gynaecological exams.

Similar to midwives, but with more responsibilities, authority and are better qualified to handle difficult and complex cases. Nurse midwives are much more likely to prescribe medications, perform gynaecological exams and provide primary care services to women throughout their lives, though this varies by country and local laws.

Diagnose and treat disorders of the brain, spinal cord and nerves. Perform neurological exams, order and interpret brain scans and prescribe medications for conditions like epilepsy or Parkinson's disease. Develop treatment plans for patients with chronic neurological conditions, like multiple sclerosis or chronic migraines.

Very similar to a general practitioner (family doctor), but with slightly lower qualification and authority, depending on the country and local laws.

Help people with injuries, illnesses or disabilities to perform everyday tasks and activities. Assess patients' abilities, develop treatment plans, and teach techniques and the use of special equipment to adapt and improve independence. Work with patients to regain skills, modify their environment, and provide support for both physical and mental health challenges that affect daily life.

Requires at least master’s level education. Assess, diagnose and treat mental health disorders and substance abuse issues. Provide therapy, prescribe medications and develop treatment plans for patients with conditions like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.

Diagnose and treat mental health disorders, assess patients' mental and physical health, develop treatment plans and prescribe psychiatric medications. Provide various forms of psychotherapy and monitor patients' progress over time.

Assist in the care of people with mental illness or developmental disabilities. Help patients with daily activities like bathing, dressing and eating. Monitor patients' behaviour, provide emotional support and assist with therapeutic activities under the direction of medical staff.

Assess and treat patients with brain injuries, neurological disorders or cognitive impairments. Conduct specialised tests to evaluate brain function, memory, attention and other cognitive abilities. Develop treatment plans to help patients improve cognitive skills and adapt to neurological changes.

Study human behaviour and mental processes to diagnose and treat psychological disorders. Provide therapy and counselling to individuals, couples or groups to improve mental health and well-being. Many psychologists take part in a wide array of research.

(Even though AI chatbots are already showing promising results in therapeutical conversations, in many cases, a human touch and real compassion can surely be much more effective than a specialist chatbot saying all the right things.)

Work in educational settings to support students' academic, social and emotional development. Assess students for learning disabilities, behavioural problems or special education needs. Cooperate with teachers, parents and school staff to handle problems and implement interventions.

Provide specialised care and treatment for specific physical, mental or emotional issues. Develop and implement personalised treatment plans using techniques unique to their area of expertise. Help patients enhance abilities, such as coordination, cognitive functions, regain strength, carry out daily activities, manage feelings, cope with stress, interact with others, communicate better, process and respond to sensory input. Specialty areas of therapists: speech and language, music, art, dance, physical, occupational, counselling, marriage and family, respiratory, cognitive behavioural, nutritional, massage, recreational therapies. Play Therapy uses play to help children process emotions and experiences.

Assess and treat patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. Perform diagnostic tests, manage ventilators and other breathing equipment, and administer medications to help patients breathe easier. Educate patients about lung health and teach techniques for managing chronic respiratory conditions.

Perform and support emergency and non-emergency surgeries in a very wide array of medical fields. Can be stressful due to the high responsibilities involved and so many ways to make mistakes with severe consequences.

AI systems have already demonstrated surprisingly good performance in trial procedures, but robotic surgeries are likely to still be years away, and even then, they will still have to be supervised and assisted for a long time.

Prepare operating rooms, arrange surgical equipment and assist surgeons during procedures. Sterilise instruments, pass tools to surgeons and help with patient positioning. Maintain a sterile environment throughout surgeries.

New technologies are likely to be adopted even quicker than until now. This will provide great opportunities for people grabbing the opportunity to learn their operation, installation and maintenance quickly. Potentially very lucrative.

There are lots of specialisation options. Hands-on work. Duties may include: Operating medical equipment for diagnostic tests and treatments, including MRI, CT scans, or ultrasound devices. Preparing patients for procedures and explaining processes. Collecting and analysing biological samples. Assisting healthcare providers during medical procedures. Maintaining and calibrating medical equipment. Recording and reporting test results. Usually, bachelor-level qualification is required for this role.

Oversee the day-to-day operations of medical facilities or healthcare organisations, e.g. public and private clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, etc. Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure high-quality patient care. Make strategic decisions about the facilities, the services provided, staffing and resourcing, manage budgets and financial resources for the healthcare facility. Coordinate with department heads and other healthcare professionals to ensure efficient and cost-efficient service delivery. Represent the organisation in public administration meetings or in the case of a private organisation, ensure that operations are aligned with the goals of the stakeholders. Ensure compliance with healthcare laws, regulations and industry standards. Develop strategies to improve patient satisfaction, operational efficiency and healthcare outcomes, e.g. making better and better use of opportunities provided by IT and medical innovations and developments. Find solutions to critical problems that shouldn’t or cannot be delegated.

Provide strategic leadership and oversight for a specific department or an area of care within a healthcare organisation. Develop and implement departmental goals, policies and procedures aligned with the overall organisational vision and objectives. Manage the department's budget and allocation of financial resources to ensure cost-effective operations. Recruit, develop and retain a high-performing team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses and allied staff. Oversee the delivery of patient care within the department, ensuring adherence to clinical protocols and quality standards. Take quick action in case of an emergency that subordinates cannot or should not handle. Collaborate with other department heads and the executive management team to coordinate interdepartmental initiatives. Monitor departmental performance metrics and implement continuous improvement strategies to enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiency, for example making use of IT innovations. Represent the department in external stakeholder engagements, regulatory bodies and industry associations. Advocate for the needs of the department and its patients within the broader healthcare organisation.

Study patterns and causes of both infectious and non-infectious diseases in human populations. Work in public, private and academic settings to design and conduct research to investigate health issues. Collect and analyse data on disease outbreaks. Document and publish findings. Develop methods to prevent or control the spread of diseases (quick investigation, quarantine, vaccination). Maximise preparedness. Plan and direct public health programs. Use statistical models to predict disease trends. Communicate findings to health officials and the public. Advise policymakers on public health strategies and interventions. The different diseases necessitate different specialisations. Further subfields focus on environmental factors, child bearing and psychiatry among others.

Feed, bathe and exercise animals in veterinary settings or research facilities. Monitor animal health, administer medications and assist with medical procedures under supervision. Clean and maintain animal housing areas, prepare samples for testing and help restrain animals during examinations or treatments.

Just the way there are many doctoral specialisations, there are also many veterinarian ones for diagnosing and treating animals, and carrying out other medical procedures, even including surgeries and dentistry. The types of animals range from domestic ones, animals on farms, bred in agricultural and aquacultural facilities, kept in zoos to wild ones. Educate owners on how to care for their pets at home and prevent and manage medical issues. Respond to emergencies when animals are seriously hurt or sick, work with other veterinarian specialists when a more complex treatment is needed. Work with government officials during disease outbreaks – most commonly among farm animals.