There are many different types of careers, from finance-focused careers like investment banking and accounting to creative careers like marketing and music. With so many options, it can be overwhelming and even anxiety-producing to decide.
So, what are the main types of careers out there? What do they involve, and what kinds of jobs are in each type? Most important — how do you know which types of careers are right for you?
No need to stress! This guide will walk you through the main types of careers. Plus we’ve created a straightforward, dare we say, “fun” quiz to help you narrow down what type of career is right for you.
Types of Careers: A Complete List
The truth is, there are so many different types of careers out there — and the types of jobs available are only growing!
Here’s a complete list of different types of careers, what kinds of roles you might find in those paths, salary information, and how you can try them out for free.
STEM
STEM careers, or careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, focus on using analytical skills to solve complex problems. These careers span a wide range of interests, including computer science, biology, physics, chemistry, cybersecurity, aerospace engineering, renewable energy, and data analytics, among many others. STEM careers all focus on using technical skills to study the natural world, advance technology, and push the boundaries of human knowledge and capability.
These types of careers are a great fit for people with excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail who want to help innovate and build real-world solutions. The job outlook for STEM careers is typically quite strong, as demand continues to grow for professionals who can drive innovation, improve efficiency, and tackle complex global challenges through science, technology, engineering, and math. STEM careers also tend to offer competitive salaries, as employers are willing to pay a premium for technical talent.
Students interested in STEM careers will typically need a strong foundation in math and sciences, as well as critical thinking and creative problem-solving abilities. Many STEM roles also require specialized technical skills, such as computer programming, data modeling, laboratory techniques, or CAD software.
Overall, STEM careers provide an opportunity for people who are passionate about science, technology, and analytical problem-solving to have a major real-world impact. The combination of strong job prospects, earning potential, and intellectual stimulation make STEM an attractive option.
| Career | Average salary | Job outlook | Forage job simulation |
| Aerospace engineer | $134,330 | 6% (faster than average) | GE Aerospace Explore Engineering |
| Biochemists and biophysicist | $120,310 | 9% (much faster than average) | LifeArc Life Sciences: Biology Research |
| Civil engineer | $101,160 | 6% (faster than average) | John Holland Australia Civil Engineering |
| Data scientist | $119,040 | 36% (much faster than average) | British Airways Data Science |
| Information security analyst | $124,740 | 33% (much faster than average) | Mastercard Cybersecurity |
| Medical scientist | $112,380 | 11% (much faster than average) | Pfizer Molecule to Market |
| Software engineer | $138,110 | 17% (much faster than average) | Electronic Arts Software Engineering |
Arts and Humanities
Arts and humanities careers are creative careers that focus on expression, communication, and culture. These types of careers encompass a diverse range of fields, including graphic design, journalism, creative writing, performing arts, visual arts, philosophy, history, languages, and cultural studies, among others. What unites these careers is the emphasis on using creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills to interpret the human experience, tell stories, and connect with audiences.
These types of careers are a great fit for imaginative people who typically enjoy project-based work, whether that’s designing a new website or creating an effective marketing plan.
Students interested in arts and humanities careers should develop a strong foundation in subjects like literature, art, music, theater, languages, and the social sciences. Hands-on experience through internships, student publications, performances, and portfolio projects can be invaluable for building a professional skillset and demonstrating creative abilities. Many arts and humanities careers also require strong writing, public speaking, and multimedia skills to effectively share ideas and information.
Overall, arts and humanities careers present an opportunity for people to turn their creative passions into a rewarding professional path. While the career journey may require more proactivity and entrepreneurial spirit, the results can be highly meaningful and fulfilling.
| Career | Average salary | Job outlook | Forage job simulation |
| Actor | $56,903 | 5% (as fast as average) | |
| Art director | $125,920 | 5% (as fast as average) | |
| Entrepreneur | $86,100 | 6% (faster than average) | Moreton Bay Regional Council Entrepreneurship and Innovation |
| Marketing manager | $166,410 | 8% (faster than average) | |
| Project management specialist | $104,920 | 7% (faster than average) | Siemens Mobility Project Management |
| Sales representative | $113,520 | 1% (slower than average) | PepsiCo Sales |
| UX designer | $108,820 | 8% (faster than average) | BCG Strategic & Experience Design |
Business and Finance
Business and finance careers are careers that focus on helping people and companies make the right strategic decisions. These types of careers include a wage range of specializations, including accounting, investment banking, financial planning, and consulting. What unites these careers is the focus on understanding market dynamics, analyzing financial data, and making smart decisions to help organizations and individuals achieve their economic goals.
Business and finance careers can be particularly appealing for students who want to understand how organizations work and enjoy seeing the tangible results of their decisions. People who thrive in these types of careers are great critical thinkers who enjoy applying their expertise to help others problem-solve.
Students pursuing business and finance careers typically develop strong analytical and quantitative skills, along with expertise in areas like economics, statistics, accounting principles, and business strategy. However, “soft skills” are equally important – successful professionals in this field need excellent communication abilities, leadership potential, and emotional intelligence to work effectively with clients and teams.
The job market for business and finance careers tends to be robust, as every industry needs professionals who can manage resources effectively and drive financial success. Entry-level positions often offer competitive salaries with clear paths for advancement. However, these careers can be demanding, often requiring long hours and the ability to perform under pressure, particularly in fields like investment banking or consulting.
Overall, business and finance careers offer students a path to combine analytical thinking with practical problem-solving in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. While the work can be challenging, the combination of financial rewards, professional growth opportunities, and the chance to shape organizational success can make these types of careers appealing.
| Career | Average salary | Job outlook | Forage job simulation |
| Accountant | $90,780 | 6% (faster than average) | PwC Audit |
| Client Services Representative | $54,000 | N/A | Bloomberg Client Service |
| Consultant | $115,530 | 11% (much faster than average) | BCG Introduction to Strategy Consulting |
| Corporate lawyer | $170,679 | 5% (as fast as average) | Latham & Watkins Mergers & Acquisitions |
| Investment banker | $400,000 | 10% (much faster than average) | Bank of America Investment Banking |
Public Service and Social Impact
Public service and social impact careers focus on making a difference in people’s lives, whether that’s educating community members, funding social services, or advocating for others’ rights. This sector includes diverse career paths such as teaching, social work, nonprofit management, public policy, healthcare administration, environmental conservation, community organizing, international development, and government service. What unites these careers is the core mission of addressing social challenges and improving communities, whether at the local, national, or global level.
Many roles in these types of careers require understanding complex social issues, developing programs or policies to address them, and working effectively with diverse populations. Education requirements vary widely – while some positions require advanced degrees (like teaching or social work), others value relevant experience and demonstrated commitment to social causes more than specific credentials.
While these careers may not offer the highest salaries compared to corporate sectors, they often provide strong benefits, job security, and work-life balance. The emotional rewards can be significant – professionals in these fields often report high job satisfaction from seeing the direct impact of their work on individuals and communities. People who thrive in these types of careers are compassionate and find fulfillment in helping others.
Overall, public service and social impact careers offer students a chance to align their professional lives with their values and create meaningful change. While the financial rewards may be more modest than some other sectors, the opportunity to contribute to the greater good and see tangible improvements in people’s lives makes these careers deeply satisfying for many professionals.
| Career | Average salary | Job outlook | Forage job simulation |
| Family lawyer | $98,278 | 5% (as fast as average) | Leo Cussen Family Law |
| Human resources manager | $154,740 | 6% (faster than average) | GE Explore Human Resources |
| Human rights lawyer | $100,626 | 5% (as fast as average) | Clifford Chance Business and Human Rights |
| Postsecondary education administrators | $122,010 | 3% (as fast as average) | Teach for Australia Engaging the Community |
| Postsecondary teachers | $80,750 | 8% (faster than average) | Teach for Australia Leading the Classroom |
Why Should I Take a “Types of Careers Quiz”?
Now that you know more about the different types of careers, why should you take a quiz to figure out which one fits you best? While you may have an idea of some roles you might be interested in, knowing the types of careers that are right for you can help you clarify your scope.
For example, I always knew that I loved writing. When I started my job search, though, I had no idea what kind of career I should look into — there are so many options for “writer!” I could work in a more STEM-related career, doing technical writing to help people understand more complex concepts. I could be in a creative job, using writing for a marketing or advertising role. I could focus on business and finance, writing content about industry news or long-form investment advice to CEOs. Or, I could apply my writing skills to a public service career, working to produce content for a nonprofit or government campaign.
Even though I thought I knew what I wanted to do, I had no idea what type of career I should apply it to. Taking a “types of career” quiz would have helped me (and can help you):
- Understand what industries I was a good fit for
- Learn what kinds of roles I might find interesting
- Give me a clear place to start my career search
- Narrow down specific sectors and types of companies to look into
That’s why we’ve created a career quiz that will show you the right types of careers for you based on your:
- Strengths: what subjects you’re naturally drawn to, and your innate skill set
- Working style: when you work best and how you like to work with others
- Personality: your preferences and interests
- Career goals: what you want out of work
And we’ll assess all of this without any too-technical questions (or too obvious ones). Let’s get started!
Types of Careers Quiz
Ready to figure out what types of careers are right for you? You’ll need to sign up to see your results, but it’s absolutely free — and you’ll get them immediately!
Types of Careers: The Bottom Line
There are so many different types of careers out in the professional world, from science and math-based opportunities to those focused on making an organization, business, or community better.
Figuring out what type of career is best for you can help you find jobs that fit your skillset, strengths, career goals, work values, and even your personality type. No matter whether the quiz said the best type of careers for you are in STEM or the arts and humanities, keep an open mind and try out your career options to understand what these roles are actually like.
Internships, volunteering, extracurriculars and, of course, Forage job simulations are a great way to test the waters. Now you know what type of careers are right for you — time to start exploring!
Image credit: Canva
