Get future job ideas
Started thinking about what you want to do after school? Our Option Choices tool can give you ideas, by showing you the roles that your subjects can lead to.
We realise more than 600 job profiles might be a little daunting to look through. So, to get you started, we've picked out five careers you probably haven't heard of!
If any of these roles capture your imagination, visit the job profile. We've got lots more information about what the job is like, how to get in and similar careers you could consider.
Prosthetist-orthotist
Use your creativity and problem-solving skills to change lives! If you love science, technology and helping people, this could be the perfect career for you.
You’ll design and fit custom-made artificial limbs and supportive braces that help people move, walk and live independently. With your expertise, you’ll restore confidence, improve mobility and make a real difference every day.
Future prospects:
Over the next five years, 300 more jobs are expected across Scotland for this career and similar positions. You can explore related roles such as audiologist, dietician and healthcare support worker.
Useful subjects:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Engineering Science
- Physics
- Practical Craft Skills
- Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
Check out the prosthetist-orthotist job profile
Biomedical scientist
Use your curiosity and love of science to help save lives! If you’re fascinated by how the human body works and enjoy solving puzzles, this could be the career for you.
You’ll analyse blood, tissue and other samples to help doctors diagnose diseases and monitor treatments. Your discoveries will guide patient care, advance medical research and keep communities healthy.
Future prospects:
Over the next five years, 900 more jobs are expected across Scotland for this career and similar positions. You can explore related roles such as biochemist, botanist, agricultural consultant and neuroscientist.
Useful subjects:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Skills for Work: Laboratory Science
- Foundation Apprenticeship: Scientific Technologies (Laboratory Skills)
Check out the biomedical scientist job profile
Big data engineer
Use your passion for data to turn information into useful insights!
You’ll design and build data systems that collect, process and organise large amounts of data. By combining engineering skills, problem-solving and creative thinking, you’ll help companies make better decisions and improve how they work.
Future prospects:
Over the next five years, 1,000 more jobs are expected across Scotland for this career and similar positions. You can explore related roles such as digital forensic analyst, ethical hacker, cyber security architect and cyber security analyst.
Useful subjects:
- Art and Design
- Design and Manufacture
- Graphic Communication
- Foundation Apprenticeship: Creative and Digital Media
Check out the interior designer job profile
Sustainable transport manager
Use your passion for the planet to keep people and goods moving responsibly! If you care about the environment and enjoy planning and problem-solving, this could be the career for you.
You’ll design and manage eco-friendly transport systems that reduce emissions and improve efficiency. Your work will shape greener cities, support cleaner travel and help build a sustainable future.
Future prospects:
Over the next five years, 500 more jobs are expected across Scotland for this career and similar roles, such as road transport manager.
Useful subjects:
- Maths
- Geography
- Physics
- Design and Manufacture
- Environmental Science
- Computing Science
- Engineering Science
- Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
- Skills for Work: Construction Craft
- Modern Studies
Check out the sustainable transport manager job profile
Business development manager
Want a career that puts your people skills and ambition to work? Venture into the world of business development, where you’ll help companies grow and reach new goals.
You’ll talk to clients, find new opportunities and come up with plans to help the business grow. Your work won’t just make the company more successful – it’ll build stronger relationships and bring new ideas to life!
Future prospects:
Over the next five years, 1,200 more jobs are expected across Scotland for this career and similar positions. You can explore related roles such as marketing manager, music promotions manager and sales manager.
Useful subjects:
- Business
- Business Management
- Foundation Apprenticeship: Business Skills
