Uncover these 7 careers you've never heard of!

When most people think of the word “career," they might think of professions such as a lawyer, doctor, accountant, or trade careers like an electrician or auto mechanic. But there are many interesting careers that you may never have heard of  that might suit you better. You just need to take the time to think a little more deeply about what you truly want to do and how you can make it happen.

In this article, we’ll discuss careers you might never have heard of before, including:

• Why choose an unusual career?

• 7 careers you’ve never heard of

Why you might want an unusual or rare career

Ideally, you choose a career that you find fulfilling and that aligns with your personal goals and values. That career might be found off the beaten path. Having an unusual career path might allow someone to make a living off of their hobbies or interests so they can use their talents in significant ways. Some people can’t stand the idea of spending one minute doing something that doesn’t have meaning for them.

7 Careers you’ve never heard of

If you’re looking for a new and unique career, it is possible to find the perfect one for you. Here is a list to consider:

1. Food stylists

Ever seen a hamburger in a TV commercial that looks too good to be real? That would be the work of a food stylist. Food stylists conceive, prepare, and arrange food to look amazing for various forms of media.  Generally, they have a background in art or design and may work for food manufacturers, restaurants, advertising agencies, or on a freelance basis. Average salary: $73,116

2. Greensperson

Have a green thumb? Love movies? You’re in luck! A greensperson is the person on a film/TV set in charge of acquiring and managing any foliage (“greens”) or natural material that will be used in the project. Part of the art department, they handle things like plants, trees, flowers, and even non-organic materials like rocks and sand.This also includes synthetic versions of plants such as silk flowers, plantings, or even camouflage on a military uniform. Average salary: $50,000-$80,000

3. Fragrance chemist ( Chief perfumer)

Have a nose for scents? A fragrance chemist specializes in fragrance ingredients and the odors produced. Their background in chemistry facilitates research and experimentation with different aromas and cultivates and designs formulas that generate distinctive smells for products; among these are perfume and colognes, cosmetics, bath products, and even foods. Fragrance chemists work for cosmetic companies, home care manufacturers, food companies, universities, or research labs. Average salary: $68,127

4. Parabolic expert

Ever thought you might want to be an astronaut but aren't quite sure you want to go into actual space? A parabolic expert trains people to withstand a microgravity environment, such as when the plane goes up at a steep incline and then comes down sharply. This weightless environment within the plane prepares space travelers. The physically demanding position requires intense training in aircraft safety and emergency equipment. In 2011, there were only nine people in the world qualified for this job and with the increase in space travel, the demand for parabolic experts is most certainly on the upswing. Average salary: varies

5.  Fire inspector

Fire inspectors identify fire hazards, determine fire code compliance, and investigate fires to determine their cause. Some fire inspectors specialize in outdoor fires in public and private residential developments. Like fire inspectors who inspect buildings, forest fire inspectors seek out circumstances that might result in fire code violations. They provide information to the central command center, put out any small fires they might encounter, and oversee the efforts of forest firefighters. Average salary: $69,450

6. Clinical ethicist

A clinical ethicist’s primary responsibility is to confer with hospital staff, along with patients and their families, to tackle any ethical issues that might arise. Working in medical practices or hospitals, they analyze the application of ethics, assess a facility's code of ethics, and provide recommendations for ways to enhance ethical compliance via research and patient care. Strong communication and negotiating skills are needed as well as the ability  to interpret ethical concepts in an easy-to-understand manner. Qualifications include an advanced degree (PhDs) and extensive coursework in ethics. Average salary: $109,218

7. Veterinary acupuncturist

Veterinary acupuncturists are licensed veterinarians who complete specialized training as an acupuncturist  to support the care and healing of animals. Considered “complementary care,” veterinary medical acupuncture means that fine needles are inserted into specific points on the animal’s body to promote a physical response. The needles stimulate the nervous system and promote the release of the body’s chemicals, decreasing pain and inflammation. Average salary: $129,110 

It may be worth looking for something a little more unique when planning your career path. After all, according to the Institute of Developing Economies, “Individuals who believe that their job is interesting work harder, have greater job satisfaction, and are less likely to quit their job." Finding an interesting career, along with economic stability, might be just the ticket to finding career fulfillment—you just have to think outside the box.

Ready to take your job search to the next level? Try Career.io’s Job Search Strategy tool, which will help you create a detailed career roadmap to get you to where you want to be.

Key takeaways

1. Ideally, you aim to choose a fulfilling career that aligns with your personal goals and values. 

2. Many workers feel that their job is central to their identity.

3. There are interesting and less-pursued careers in almost all fields and industries. Don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path to find one that works for you!