The following are five careers that you probably did not know existed – or, at the very least, you didn’t realize they were real options for you.. When choosing a career, the first thing that people usually do is to start with “conventional” ideas – doctor, lawyer, that sort of thing. But the objective isn’t to choose the most popular career; instead, you’re looking for something that you would enjoy doing. It’s your life, and sometimes it pays to think outside the box.

1. Underwater Construction Worker / Salvager
Have you ever wondered how companies fix their structures once they’ve been put underwater? Here’s your answer. These professionals work on projects building and repairing structures like bridges, docks, pipelines, cables – the list is endless. The training involves completing a program, like Seneca College’s 34-week “Underwater Skills” at King Campus – and, of course, becoming a certified diver. If this sounds like something that might interest you, take a look at http://www.senecac.on.ca/uws and www.mcmarine.ca.

2. Public Health Inspector
Have you ever considered what a Public Health Inspector actually does? Health and public safety professionals solve problems, communicate with people, and keep the public safe from food-borne illnesses. Their tasks may involve conducting on-site inspections of food processing plants (or even day care centres, schools, etc.), responding to written complaints on behalf of a company, or conducting workshops educating people about proper food handling. For more information, take a look at http://www.uoguelph.ca/oac/academics/food.

3. Aviation Technician
“Aviation technician” is a title given to someone who performs aircraft repair and maintenance. Technicians learn to inspect aircraft, diagnose problems, repair the components of an aircraft, and perform tests to ensure that planes operate according to industry standards. If you have always loved both planes and mechanics, you might look into one of the following programs: http://goo.gl/HmVko. You can read more about this career option this month on our Trades page!

4. Video Game Artist
As the video game industry expands, so does the amount of digital artwork to be done. Video game artists design and create the visual elements in games, from environments to moveable objects to characters. Aspiring artists learn skills like 3D modeling, life drawing, texturing, and game engine production. Programs are offered at Seneca College http://www.senecac.on.ca/fulltime/GAA.html as well as Centennial College http://goo.gl/GMeQB.

5. Chef
If you enjoy cooking and think you might like to become a professional chef, you can take courses which will take you from baker to culinary creator. Every restaurant, every hotel, every catering company and spa has a chef; if this is your passion, there is certainly great potential for employment. Take a look at George Brown’s 1-year program in Culinary Skills: http://www.georgebrown.ca/H112-2012-2013.