Choosing a degree often feels like choosing your entire future. Study Biology? You have to get a Master’s degree. Majoring in International Relations? Diplomat. Physics? Researcher or professor. Art History? Museum guide, forever, apparently.
Every degree has unexpected, niche career paths, but they are often overlooked because no one tells students they exist. This article provides ten career paths, based on popular St Andrews degrees, that most students have never even heard of, along with how to get involved.
International Relations: Foresight AnalystÂ
Foresight Analysts, often called futurists, help governments and companies to imagine scenarios for the next 5-10 years. They can work for the UN to build models that anticipate how the world might change (from technology, climate, conflict, politics, and culture). If you enjoy monitoring trends and thinking about the big picture, this is perfect for you. You can work for the UN, the OECD, the World Bank, or government policy units like the UK Cabinet Office or the EU Commission. To break into this industry, you could start interning for think tanks to build experience in writing policy briefs. It’s not necessary to get a postgraduate degree, but many analysts do.Â
Biology: Genetic CounsellorÂ
Genetic counsellors help families interpret test results for inherited conditions and discuss treatment options. They often work in hospitals, fertility clinics or cancer centres. This job can be gratifying, working alongside people and in labs. In undergrad, you can find shadowing opportunities through NHS work experience portals or volunteer at hospitals. In the UK, you need a Master’s in Genetic Counselling to start working.Â
Physics: Parabolic Flight CrewÂ
This role assists researchers and astronauts in microgravity experiments in preparation for intense high-altitude training. You can work for the European Space Agency or private spaceflight companies. Â
Art History: Fragrance EvaluatorÂ
This job interprets scent through visual and historical references for luxury fragrance houses like Guerlain, Chanel, or Jo Malone, as well as manufacturers like Givaudan and Firmenich. This role works alongside perfumers and designers to convey a particular product scent. Their knowledge of cultural aesthetics would help in this role. To break into this industry, you could intern for cosmetic companies or independently create your own portfolio.Â
Economics/Management: Museum Data Analyst
Museums constantly need analysts to evaluate exhibition flow, memberships, and people to monitor engagement trends. You could work at museums like the V&A and the British Museum, with extensive galleries, and cultural foundations. To break in, you can work for museums, build experience in data, and expose yourself to Excel financial models.Â
English: Narrative DesignerÂ
Theme park story development creates the worlds, backstories, and scripts for attractions. Every ride at Disney and Universal theme parks hired someone to build story arcs for characters. As a student, you can collect writing samples like scripts and essays that you’ve written.Â
Philosophy: AI EthicistÂ
As AI becomes more prevalent in our daily lives, AI Ethicists will evaluate whether a company’s AI products are safe, develop guidelines for data use, and work with policymakers. In this role, you can work for tech companies, government departments, and think tanks. You can look for internships in policy research and tech labs, but note that a technical background is not required, although it can be helpful.Â
Chemistry: Paint & Pigment ScientistÂ
These scientists can work with museums, conservation labs, and art restoration groups to recreate materials and identify pigments in old paintings. People in this role can help conservators preserve artworks or create new pigments. For example, companies like Pantone and Sherwin-Williams hire people who specifically focus on their “Colour of the Year” colour forecasting. You can also work in museum conservation labs, such as the Tate or the Met.Â
Maths: Sports Quant AnalystÂ
This job builds statistical models to predict athlete performance, helping monitor play strategies, shape training programs, and reduce injury risk. They can work alongside coaches, scouts, and medical teams, such as those in the Premier League or the NFL. This is great for people studying a range of subjects, including Computer Science and Physics.Â
Language Degrees: Localisation DirectorÂ
Localisation directors adapt scripts and jokes for international audiences and go beyond simple translation, understanding cultural nuances. They work for Netflix, Disney, or gaming studios to ensure the project’s tone is preserved across all languages.Â
It’s essential to recognise that humanities students work in tech and STEM graduates work in creative industries. Ultimately, your degree is a starting point, and the paths you pursue, the internships, and your current interests all shape your future, but are not necessarily your final destination.Â