Ever wondered what the top 10 hardest jobs to get into in Australia are? No? Neither did we, until now. We have skipped the obvious such as Astronaut, Prime Minister, Lion Tamer, and instead, have focused on those jobs that are little more down-to-earth, but require a lifetime of dedication to achieving their career niche.
Neurosurgeon
Do you have a steady hand, and nerves of steel? Well, imagine being at the forefront of medical science, performing life-saving brain surgery and under intense pressure. Given that even the smallest of mistakes can have huge consequences for patients’ lives, you’ll need to be on the top of your game every single surgery undertaken. Undertaking both routine and emergency operations, will require the ability to overcome both mental and physical fatigue. Mental isolation is high; unlike many healthcare workers, neurosurgeons work alone and make life or death decisions. The stakes are huge and the pressure to perform is intense, BUT, the returns are extensive, saving and changing people’s lives is second to none.
Did you know? There are approximately 280 to 300 practicing neurosurgeons in Australia
So what are the steps to become a neurosurgeon?
Undergraduate Education (4 years): Bachelor’s degree, focus on pre-medical studies.
Medical School (4 years): MD (Doctor of Medicine) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) degree.
Residency in Neurosurgery (6-8 years): Specialised training in neurosurgery, one of the longest residency programs in medicine.
Optional Fellowship (1-2 years): Further specialisation in areas such as paediatric neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, or spinal surgery.
Do you offer resume writing services for neurosurgeons? Nope! Definetly too far outside our comfort zone!
Airline Pilot (Captain)
From take-off to landing, the plight of the airline pilot is never the same. With planes such as the A380 carrying upwards of 850 passengers, there is a huge amount of pressure on today’s airline captains. At any one time, unpredictability can creep in, from complex weather systems through to equipment and technical failures. Captains are under huge amount of pressure. Furthermore, every inch of their work is monitored, from the air traffic control through to Blacks box recorders. You are responsible for the safety of both the passengers, the crew, and plain. Competition for these roles is tough. With limited spots available, aspiring captains need to be exceptionally talented and committed to get into the cockpit
There are approximately 8,000 to 10,000 commercial pilots in Australia, however, only around 30% of those will reach the stage of Captain.
The route through to a captain is fairly complex, moving from a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), to Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) with 1500 flight hours, First Officer Experience, and then promotion to Captain depending on the airline and your command assessment.
Have we ever been a resume writer for an Airline Captain or Pilot? Yes, strangely enough we have done several (Commercial Pilot and Australian Royal Airforce).
Data Scientist (Advanced Level)
The words Data Scientist can often conjure up the image of someone walking around in a white laboratory suit, with a beaker in their hand, and wanting to change the world. However, if you have that image in your head, chances are you been watching Despicable Me. The real data scientist is someone who is creative, innovative, loves everything data, and more importantly, is able to find real solutions to very complex data problems. These roles require the ability to think on their feet, work logically, deal with hundreds and thousands of datasets, manage complex ML/AL solutions, and work with multiple stakeholders.
Competition is fierce with many vying for limited top level positions in top companies. Successful candidates often become the next generation of innovators and shape the future of industries
So what are qualifications needed to be a Data Scientist at the advanced level?
Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree (often required) and PHD. (often preferred)
Expertise in machine learning, artificial intelligence, deep learning, big data tech, data visualization, the list can be endless!
Have we ever done a resume for a Data Scientist? Yes, we have (many).
Corporate Lawyer (Top Firms)
The top legal firms in Australia include brands such as Clayton Utz, Allens, Herbert Smith Freehills, King & Wood Mallesons (KWM), MinterEllison, and Corrs Chambers Westgarth. Whilst these firms jointly employ thousands of legal professionals throughout the country, only a handful of these lawyers will reach the very top positions in these firms. And Corporate law is high stakes and high competition, as their representing some of the biggest names and brands and industry, and command some of the highest fees. The journey to become a corporate lawyer at a top firm is tough, facing an ever-changing landscape, demanding workloads, exceptional levels of commitment, extensive competition, and the highest levels of qualifications.
These roles can be extremely rewarding, offer the chance to work on big cases and make a big impact in the legal world. For those who have the drive and determination the journey to become a top corporate lawyer is tough and very rewarding.
Qualifications will include your LLBs, Masters, PhD (if applicable), Practice Experience, and other specialist accreditations. It is also expected that qualifications would have been awarded the very highest in merits.
Have we ever done a resume for Corporate Lawyer? Yes, including those that have specialised in risk, compliance, IP and brand protection.
Investment Banker (Executive Level)
Australia has a huge financial arm with the likes of Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Macquarie Group, Morgan Stanley and UBS. And figures behind these companies are staggering, for example, Macquarie Group manages over $600 billion in assets (gulp!), And act as one example, won’t blind you with the figures from the other firms which are all equally eye watering. There’s a huge amount of money to be made, with Investment Bankers stake deals. There’s also been significant changes in this market, with intent regulatory and compliance reform and regular audits by ASIC. The role of the investment Banker can be tough, relationship driven, risk adverse, and market aware.
Qualifications can vary significantly, but for the larger financial institutions, the preferred is a degree level standard of education, an MBA or CFA, and/or other industry specific related qualifications.
Have we ever done a resume for an Investment Banker? Yes, but after seeing their salary, we should have charged more!
Mining Engineer (Senior Roles)
the mining industry is dynamic with operations throughout Australia, with an estimated 277,000 directly employed across mining operations, as well as countless more involved in mining services. Mining remains one of the most significant industries in the country. At the top level, you’ll find senior mining engineers, operation superintendents, and mine planning manages. Whilst there are a number positions available at this level, the positions are fiercely competitive and those that have a deep understanding of geology, engineering and environmental science often rise to the top of the salary bracket. Furthermore, those who are working in remote locations like the Bering Sea, add a new level complexity, making this but a technically difficult job as well as a physically demanding role.
Despite the challenges senior mining engineers are key to the industry. Their expertise ensures resource extraction and contributes to the global economy. While tough the journey to this level is very rewarding and impactful so it’s a coveted career.
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Orthopaedic surgery requires high level of physical strength and endurance and meeting the physical demands of the job. Like neurosurgery it requires many years of education and training making it one of the toughest medical profession to get into. Orthopaedic surgeons have to be physically fit for the job, often working with a professional athlete and performing surgeries that requires precision and strength in a physically demanding job.
Remaining calm under pressure and making quick decisions is key especially in complex cases. Competition for this field is tough with limited spots. Aspiring orthopaedic surgeons have to show exceptional talent and dedication to get into this tough job.
Despite the challenges the job offers the chance to make a big impact on patients’ lives and help them regain mobility and improve their quality of life.
Specialist Physician (e.g., Cardiologist, Oncologist)
Seems like anything with an “ist” at the end of it, lifts the level of complexity to both the position title and the role being held! But when you start listing out job such as Cardiologist, Oncologist, Hematologist, Pulmonologist (do even know what this job is?), etc, then we looking at a whole new level of complexity. The technical proficiency needed at these levels is why big bucks are being paid, but the stakes are also very high. One misdiagnosis, one wrong slip of the knife, and your career could be over in an instant. It will come as no surprise that specialist physicians spend years in rigourous training, residency, and fellowship programs. Furthermore, Australia is crying out for more specialists in this area, but standards are being set very high. There are approximately 1,500 to 2,000 practicing orthopaedic surgeons in Australia.
Each role requires a level of educational scrutiny, for example, becoming a cardiologist can include:
Complete an Undergraduate Degree (3-4 years)
Psss the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
Attend Medical School (4 years)
Internal Medicine Residency (3 years)
Cardiology Fellowship (3-4 years)
Obtain Board Certification in Cardiology & Obtain Medical Licensure
Start Practicing as a Cardiologist
Have we ever done a resume for a cardiologist or oncologist ? No, I think is safe to say, is best we stick to what we know and what resume format works for us!
University Professor (Tenured Positions)
Getting a tenured professorship at a top university is one of the toughest academic jobs. It requires strong academic background, extensive research and many publications. The journey to tenure is long and tough, requires years of teaching and research.
University professors face a tough job market, often work long hours to get to their goals. The role involves teaching, developing lesson plans, research and publishing. The rewards of tenure are big, job security and the chance to make a lasting impact in their field.
Despite the challenges a tenured professorship is very rewarding. It’s the chance to shape the minds of the next generation and contribute to the advancement of knowledge. For those who love education and research the journey to tenure is worth it.
Becoming a professor at a university is a multi-step process that involves extensive education (Degree, Masters, PHD, etc), research, and teaching experience.
Executive Leadership (CEO, CFO of Big Companies)
Becoming an executive at a Top 100 ASX company requires more than just experience; it also demands a high level of tenacity, business decision-making leadership, risk and opportunity management, and vision. These roles are among the toughest and most competitive in the corporate world. Executive leaders need a track record of success and the ability to navigate the complexities of leading large corporations. Furthermore, given the competitiveness of the market, executive leaders are constantly challenged to find ways to grow revenue while reducing costs, building a lean and agile operation, investing in human capital, integrating the latest technology, and achieving results year after year.
Salaries at the top end are eye-watering, with some CEOs earning base salaries of $2 million p.a., coupled with bumper bonuses and packages worth well over $10 million. In fact, after writing this article, I realised I took the wrong career path!
For those who have the drive and determination to succeed the journey to the top is tough and very rewarding.
The route to become a CEO and a top listed company is not necessarily defined by education. It’s all about previous track records and results (and a little of who you know)
Have you ever done a resume for a CEO or CFO at an ASX listed company? Yes, regularly and it’s actually an area that we specialise in.
Conclusion
Whilst the above top 10 jobs is our own list and by all means not conclusive, it does give you an idea of just how high the bar can be set. The journey to get into these roles is deafening for the week, each requiring a special commendation of dedication, skill and perseverance.
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