Does the thought of a traditional career path leave you cold? You’re not alone. Many student jobseekers end up taking jobs out of fear rather than because the role actually excites them. Unfortunately, this usually results in low job satisfaction and engagement. However, it doesn’t have to be the case. There are plenty of unconventional career paths for those brave enough to think outside the box, from starting your own business to being a professional panda hugger.
In this article, we look at some unconventional career paths, the benefits, and how to break into an alternative career path that you’re passionate about.
What Are Unconventional Career Paths?
Unconventional career paths are professions that are not usually considered part of the mainstream job market. For example, careers in the arts, entertainment, and technology. In a nutshell, they’re jobs that few people have, and that often require a specific set of skills.
Benefits Of Pursuing Unconventional Career Paths
While conventional professions like doctors, teachers, and lawyers tend to enjoy job stability and respect, there are lots of advantages of non-traditional jobs.
Here are just a few of the reasons why you should consider non-conventional occupations as a student or graduate:
- Creativity: Unconventional careers are often creative in nature, giving you the opportunity to pursue your passion and unleash your creative side
- Flexibility: Opting for a unique profession often leaves room for greater flexibility and freedom to be your own boss and explore different routes.
- Job satisfaction: If a boring 9 to 5 is not your thing, choosing an unusual career is a chance to experience unique challenges and reap the rewards. This includes building a unique skill set.
- High earning potential: Many students shy away from non-traditional career paths because of concerns about job stability and salary. However, entering a small niche can actually garner potential for higher income.
? Bonus read: Creative jobs for graduates
Now, let’s explore 8 creative careers for students.
8 Examples Of Alternative Career Paths For Students
Considering pursuing an unusual vocation? We’ve rounded up 8 alternative career paths for students to give you some inspiration.
1. Artisan
If you’re good with your hands, an artisan could be the career path for you. As an artisan, you use your craft to create handmade products using traditional techniques, tools, and materials. An artisan can specialise in anything from jewellery making, pottering, or woodworking.
Artisans tend to make one-of-a-kind pieces and steer away from mass production.
There are several ways to become an artisan, including:
- Doing an apprenticeship to hone your skills and learn from experienced craftspeople.
- Teaching yourself through trial and error.
- Undergoing formal training to master your craft (university degree, vocational course, etc.)
On top of mastering your skill, you will need to develop the skills to run a small business. Most artisans are self-employed and are responsible for sales, marketing, and finance. As such, you need to be dedicated to forge a successful career as an artisan.
2. Private investigator
Do you have a nose for mystery and an interest in criminal justice? Then a career as a private investigator (PI) could be on the cards. A PI is hired by individuals, businesses, or even the government to carry out investigations and surveillance. You could be hired to investigate anything from a missing person to an unfaithful spouse, so every day is different.
To become a private investigator in the UK, you need to obtain a license from the Security Industry Authority (SIA). In order to qualify for the license, you need to have a clean criminal record, be over 18, and have completed the required training course.
Most PIs have a background in law enforcement or security and a network of industry contacts. As a result, you may need to gain experience in this sector before going out on your own.
A career as a private investigator is certainly an unconventional one, but it’s also an exciting and rewarding challenge if you’re a problem-solver with an interest in the law.
Search criminology graduate jobs →
3. Sports statistician
For the sports fans out there, a career as a professional sports statistician is rewarding and exciting. In this role, you’ll use your analytics skills to evaluate and interpret sports-related data. Using this data, you’ll offer insights into athletes’ performance.
While some sports statisticians work for professional sports teams, others work for research organisations and academic institutions.
Since it’s a competitive job market, you’ll need to hold a degree in statistics, mathematics, or a similar field. In addition, you’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as a passion for sports.
The best way to break into this occupation is through interning, volunteering, or landing an entry-level role. That way, you’ll have the opportunity to develop the technical skills needed to excel in this role (proficiency in statistical software and programming languages is a must).
4. Music producer
If music is your passion, but you don’t like to be in the limelight, you might want to consider a career as a music producer. Music producers manage the full process of creating a song or album, working closely with musicians, engineers, and industry professionals to shape the sound and concept.
While you don’t need any specific qualifications to become a music producer, a background in music can certainly help. For instance, many producers have qualifications in music production or recording engineering, as well as a strong understanding of music theory.
Interning in a record studio, production company, or record label is the best way to build the technical skills and experience you need. Moreover, it’s a great opportunity to build your network and contact lists in the industry.
The music industry is a cut-throat one, so you’ll need to be dedicated if you want to succeed. Honing your recording and mixing skills is essential, and a strong portfolio of demos is a must.
5. Personal shopper
For all those budding fashionistas out there, a career in personal shopping is dynamic, rewarding, and lucrative. As a personal shopper, you help clients with all their fashion and styling needs, either in a retailer or as a freelancer.
Essentially, you’ll work closely with clients to curate their personal style and choose clothing and accessories that work for their body shape, budget, and needs. There is plenty of room for growth in this profession, especially if you get the opportunity to work with big-name celebrities or designers.
While there are no set qualifications to become a personal shopper, a background in fashion is a big plus. What’s more, excellent interpersonal skills are a must. The best way to demonstrate your fashion chops is by building a portfolio that showcases your styling skills. Including testimonials from happy customers will help you market your skills as a freelancer.
Search fashion graduate jobs →
6. Ethical hacker
Fancy using your hacking skills for good? Why not become an ethical hacker? Ethical hackers use hacking techniques to pinpoint and fix weaknesses in computer systems and networks. Also known as “white hat” hackers, they are hired by companies for legitimate purposes: to improve cyber security and prevent security breaches.
You typically don’t need specific formal qualifications to become a cyber hacker. In fact, many are self-taught. However, you will need a deep understanding of cyber security and computer systems.
Most ethical hackers have qualifications in IT, computer science, or cyber security, as well as strong programming skills.
To land a role as an ethical hacker, you will need to know ethical standards and industry best practices and hold a certification such as the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification.
Search cybersecurity graduate jobs →
7. Voice actor
In a world of boring nine-to-fives, becoming a professional voice actor could be your chance to do something a little different. Voice acting professionals do voice-over work for TV shows, films, video games, ads, and audiobooks. They are highly skilled storytellers who can convey emotions, tone, and mood using just their vocal cords.
Most voice actors in the UK have a background in acting, especially improvisation and character development. As such, it’s important to hone these skills and learn how to look after your instrument. Singing lessons and breath work are also beneficial exercises for voice actors.
Voice acting in the UK is a competitive field, so you’ll need to put together an impressive demo reel that stands out from the crowd. The good news is that you can make this at home with a microphone and plenty of imagination. Simply record a variety of voiceovers, performing different scripts, characters, and scenarios. Then, contact local talent agencies to see if they can connect you with industry professionals.
8. Photographer
Becoming a professional photographer is an amazing career path, full of adventure. However, it can be tough to carve out a career. Firstly, most professional photographers are self-employed, meaning you’re in charge of every aspect of your business. That requires you to build your skills as a marketer, salesperson, and HR professional.
Despite these challenges, photography is a rewarding career with opportunities to work in several fields, including commercial, wedding, portrait, or fashion photography.
To break into this profession, you first need to learn the trade (composition, lighting, exposure, etc.) You can learn these skills on your own or by taking a photography course. Once you’ve learned the basics, you’ll need to invest in the equipment (i.e., a good-quality camera, lenses, and editing software).
After that, it’s all about practicing and building a portfolio of work to share with potential clients. Building a professional website and business cards will help you get your name out there and land clients.
Search photography internships →
Tips For Pursuing Unconventional Career Paths
Now that we’ve seen some of the unique career options on offer, here are some strategies to help you succeed.
1. Do thorough research
The first step is getting to know as much as you can about your career of choice and the industry. Get to know what skills and experience you need to land the role (and thrive in it). Then, dig deeper and learn as much as possible about relevant industry trends, news, and tools. The more you know, the better prepared you are to pivot when a curveball comes your way.
2. Develop relevant skills and experience
Utilise all the research you’ve done to define the essential skills and experience you need to develop to succeed in your chosen career. If you find knowledge gaps, think about ways to plug those. For instance, taking a professional course, interning, or doing an apprenticeship.
Don’t only focus on technical skills. Soft skills are extremely important too. As such, take time to consider what skills you already have and how those can transfer to your target role. For example, your collaboration skills (developed over years of group projects) will come in handy as a personal shopper.
3. Grow your professional network
Whether you choose a conventional or unconventional profession, networking is a crucial skill to hone. Learning how to effectively grow your professional network will open up doors for you, such as helping you find job opportunities and developing your industry knowledge. Make it your goal to expand your industry contact lists, you won’t regret it.
? Additional reading: Online networking tips for graduates
4. Build a strong personal brand
In every industry, especially creative ones, you need to learn how to sell yourself. Think of yourself as a brand or product; now think about how you would pitch yourself to companies. What do you bring to the table? What’s your skill set and experience? How can you help companies or employers succeed?
All of this will help you build a strong personal brand and market yourself to potential employers, customers, or contractors.
5. Be prepared for setbacks and challenges
Choosing a non-traditional career is a risk, so be prepared for setbacks along the way. When you run into obstacles, it’s important to remember why you want to work in this profession. Doing this will keep you motivated and help you stay on track. Remember, every failure is a lesson, so keep going.
Find Unconventional Career Paths For You
We hope these quirky professions have inspired you to get creative when choosing your career path. The average Brit spends 84, 365 hours working in their lifetime, so finding a profession that you’re passionate about is essential. If not, you could be left feeling dissatisfied and unfulfilled.
Are you looking for unconventional career paths? Be sure to check our student job board for opportunities near you.
Our resource hub has a wealth of practical information and advice for student and graduate jobseekers. You’ll find everything from CV writing tips to advice on how to write a high-quality cover letter.
We also recommend checking out our blog every Wednesday to stay ahead of the latest employment news and trends.
For further queries, feel free to get in touch or sign up for the Developing a Student email newsletter below.
