Career Options for Curious People
Good career options for curious people may include jobs that allow these individuals to research or investigate various topics to try and solve problems or better understand a particular subject. Curious people may enjoy jobs in which they can view their work as piecing together a puzzle or an opportunity to learn new and exciting things. Here we discuss just a few of the many jobs across different fields that could be a good fit for curious people.
| Job Title | Median Salary (2020)* | Job Growth (2019-2029)* |
|---|---|---|
| Reporters and Correspondents | $49,300 | -11% |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $86,940 | 1% |
| Forensic Science Technicians | $60,590 | 14% |
| Anthropologists and Archaeologists | $66,130 | 5% |
| Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists | $66,350 | 4% |
| Physicians and Surgeons | $208,000 or more | 4% |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Information for Jobs for Curious People
Reporters and Correspondents
Curious people may enjoy being up-to-date on current news and events and covering various topics as a reporter or correspondent for a newspaper, magazine, blog or other media outlet. Reporters and correspondents often conduct interviews to collect information, which they then share with the public and may need to update as new information becomes available. These workers also check their pieces for accuracy and proper grammar, and they must ensure that they present information in a way that is easy for their audience to understand. They typically need a bachelor's degree and some experience in the field.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
A job as a detective or criminal investigator would allow a curious person to investigate criminal cases and try to piece together what happened through the evidence and facts they collect. These professionals may conduct interviews, observe suspects and make arrests as needed. They usually oversee a case from start to finish, and they may be called upon to testify in court. Detectives and criminal investigators need at least a high school diploma, must meet physical and personal qualification standards, and must be at least 21 years of age and a U.S. citizen, as well as completing extensive on-the-job training.
Forensic Science Technicians
Forensic science technicians also work on criminal investigations, and a position as a forensic science technician that specializes in laboratory work may be especially well-suited for a curious person. The technicians who work in the lab explore potential links between suspects and crimes by performing various biological and chemical tests on evidence collected from a crime scene. They use this information to try and reconstruct a crime scene and make recommendations on what may have happened. These technicians need a bachelor's degree and on-the-job training.
Anthropologists and Archaeologists
Curious people who are interested in other cultures and learning about humans of the past may enjoy a job as an anthropologist or archaeologist. These professionals conduct research projects to study the origin, development and behavior of humans. They examine artifacts, conduct interviews, make observations and collect samples that they analyze and use to understand human culture and our origins. Anthropologists and archaeologists need to hold a master's or Ph.D. and have experience in the field.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Curious people who are interested in animals may like studying different animal species and animal behavior as zoologists or wildlife biologists. These scientists conduct experiments to learn about a particular species' characteristics, how the animal interacts with its environment and how humans may be affecting the animal's habitat. Their findings are presented in reports and research papers that are often used to help improve the conservation efforts of different species. These professionals need a master's or Ph.D. for advanced positions, or a bachelor's degree for entry-level positions.
Physicians and Surgeons
Physicians and surgeons examine a patient and investigate their symptoms to diagnose various injuries and illnesses, which may be interesting to a curious person. After solving this 'puzzle' through diagnosis, physicians and surgeons develop an individualized treatment plan that may use medication, surgery or other treatment methods to heal the patient. These doctors often specialize in a particular area of medicine, such as obstetrics, pediatrics, cardiology, dermatology and more. Physicians and surgeons must undergo 4 years of undergraduate studies, followed by 4 years of medical school. They complete their studies with a 3-7 year residency program and must earn licensure.
