Heads Down

Type 1: Heads Down.  As the name implies, this role tends to be "heads down".  These roles focus on doing work by yourself or in a small team for an extended period of time.  If you are more of an introvert than an extrovert, this could be a fit for you.  There are multiple types of heads down roles depending on the type of work you are doing.  Financial analysts, writers, engineers, and artist all can be described as heads down jobs.

• • • Analytical: Working with numbers or data.  You might be attracted to this role if you enjoyed math.

    • Writing: Focus on writing or reading.  This could be as creative as writing a novel or as technical as being a contract lawyer.

    • Art: Working with images.  The video game and media industries are full of these roles.

    • Engineer:  Working with code and math.  Examples include a computer programmer or a mechanical engineer for a rocket ship.

    • Technician or Trade: Working on a specific machine or function that requires specific knowledge.

    • Experiments: Working on experiments.  Work is likely in a laboratory or a research and development facility.  This could be a fit for those interested in science.

Analytical Roles

• • Junior Accountant - Accounting

    • Assists in preparing financial statements, reconciling accounts, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards. Skills Required: Analytical skills, knowledge of GAAP, proficiency in Excel.

  • Audit Associate - Accounting

    • Works with audit teams to examine financial records and ensure accuracy and compliance. Skills Required: Critical thinking, attention to detail, strong communication skills.

  • Tax Associate - Accounting, Tax

    • Prepares tax returns, researches tax issues, and assists with tax planning. Skills Required: Knowledge of tax laws, analytical skills, proficiency in tax software.

  • Tax Preparer - Tax

    • Prepares tax returns for individuals and small businesses, ensuring compliance with tax laws. Skills Required: Attention to detail, knowledge of tax software, understanding of tax regulations.

  • Data Analyst - Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science

    • Analyzes data to help organizations make informed decisions. Skills Required: Data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, SQL), critical thinking, attention to detail.

  • Social Media Analyst - Social Media

    • Analyzes data from social media campaigns to measure success and provide insights. Skills Required: Analytical skills, proficiency in data analysis tools, attention to detail.

  • Quality Control Inspector - Manufacturing

    • Inspects products to ensure they meet quality standards. Skills Required: Attention to detail, analytical skills, knowledge of quality standards.

  • Supply Chain Analyst - Consumer Goods

    • Analyzes and improves supply chain processes. Skills Required: Data analysis, problem-solving, organizational skills.

  • Market Research Analyst - Marketing

    • Analyzes market conditions to identify potential sales opportunities. Skills Required: Analytical skills, attention to detail, proficiency in data analysis tools.

  • Business Analyst or Consulting Analyst - Consulting

    • Conducts research, analyzes data, and supports project teams in developing solutions. Skills Required: Analytical skills, problem-solving, proficiency in Excel.

  • Credit Analyst - Banking

    • Evaluates the creditworthiness of individuals or businesses applying for loans. Analytical skills, understanding of financial statements, attention to detail. 

  • Financial Analyst - Investment Banking, Commercial Real Estate, Real Estate Development and most other industries.

    • Analysts support senior bankers in executing transactions, conducting financial analysis, and preparing presentations. Skills Required: Strong analytical skills, proficiency in Excel and financial modeling, attention to detail.

  • Venture Capital Analyst or Investment Analyst - Venture Capital

    • Conducts market research, evaluates potential investment opportunities, and supports due diligence processes. Skills Required: Analytical skills, financial modeling, market research.

  • Research Associate - Investment Banking

    • Conduct market research, analyze industry trends, and support the development of investment strategies. Skills Required: Research skills, knowledge of financial markets, strong writing skills.

  • Junior Trader - Investment Banking

    • Assist senior traders in executing trades, monitoring market trends, and managing portfolios. Skills Required: Quick decision-making, understanding of trading platforms, strong numerical skills.

  • Underwriter - Insurance

    • Assess risks and decide on policy terms. Skills Required: Analytical skills, decision-making, attention to detail.

  • Actuarial Analyst- Insurance

    • Analyze statistical data to calculate insurance risks and premiums. Skills Required: Mathematics, statistical analysis, problem-solving.

  • Quality Assurance - Video Games

    •  QA is responsible for reviewing and testing all aspects of a game before it is released to market.  This can be a grind, but there are many success stories of people breaking into the industry in QA and going on to follow the Producer or Designer track. 

  • Budget Analyst - Government

    • Assists in the preparation and analysis of budgets. Skills Required: Analytical skills, attention to detail, financial knowledge.

  • Intelligence Analyst - Military

    • Gather and analyze information to support military operations. Skills Required: Analytical skills, attention to detail, communication.

  • Financial Analyst - Real Estate

    • You will be spending time in spreadsheets to forecast the financial performance of a project.  This is excellent knowledge to have, especially when you compare the forecast of what was expected to happen to what actually happened. 

Writing Roles

• • Paralegal - Legal

    • Assist lawyers by conducting legal research, drafting documents, and organizing files. Skills Required: Research skills, attention to detail, organizational skills, knowledge of legal terminology.

  • Law Clerk - Legal

    • Assist judges or lawyers by researching legal issues, drafting opinions, and preparing case files. Skills Required: Research skills, writing skills, analytical thinking, knowledge of legal procedures.

  • Content Designer or System Designer - Video Games

    • They create all the content including the overall story, quest/challenge, dialogue, names, resources and other content of the game.  Content Designers are creative and really enjoy the story (and backstory) behind the characters and the games, while at the same time have the ability to meet deadlines and stay focused on the task at hand. 

  • Assistant or Associate, Legal - Film & Television

    • The industry is filled with contracts that are negotiated by the legal department.  Contracts between content creators and film studios, between independent contractors and production companies, the list goes on and on.  You will need a law or paralegal degree to go down this path. 

Art Roles

• • Web Developer - Technology

    • Designs and develops websites. Skills Required: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, creativity.

  • Content Creator - Marketing, Social Media

    • Develops engaging content for blogs, social media, and websites. Skills Required: Writing skills, creativity, understanding of SEO. 

  • Product Development Assistant - Consumer Goods

    • Supports the creation and improvement of products. Skills Required: Research, attention to detail, teamwork.

  • Visual Merchandiser - Retail

    • Designs and sets up product displays to attract customers. Skills Required: Creativity, attention to detail, understanding of visual design principles.

  • Interior Designer - Architecture & Engineering

    • Specializes in furniture, cabinets and other interior aspects of a space. 

  • Concept Artist, Illustrator, Modeler, Animator, Level Designer - Video Games

    • There are multiple types of artists needed in creating a game.  Each of these roles has an entry level position.  They include Concept Artists, Illustrators (tend to be 2D as opposed to 3D), Modelers (working on the 3D), Animators, Texture Artists, Lighting Artists...the list goes on and on.  Bigger Studios will have specialized roles.  Smaller Studios will have one person doing multiple roles. 

  • Level Designer - Video Games

    • They build the environment and play space of a game.  They focus on the strategic, tactical and game play aspects of the world they are building.  Impressed by the layout of your favorite game?  You have a Level Designer to thank. 

  • Assistant Editor - Film & Television

    • This is where all the filmed content is edited to make a cohesive and compelling story. 

Engineering Roles

• • Software Developer - Technology, Artificial Intelligence

    • Writes and maintains code for software applications. Skills Required: Programming languages (e.g., Java, Python), problem-solving, attention to detail.

  • Cybersecurity Analsyst - Technology

    • Protects an organization’s computer systems and networks from cyber threats. Skills Required: Knowledge of security principles, analytical skills, attention to detail.

  • Machine Learning Engineer - Artificial Intelligence, Data Science

    • Develops algorithms that enable machines to learn from data. Skills Required: Programming (Python, R), understanding of machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch).

  • Data Engineer - Artificial Intelligence

    • Builds and maintains data pipelines for AI applications. Skills Required: Data management, ETL processes, database systems.

  • Aerospace Engineer - Aerospace

    • Design, develop, and test aircraft and spacecraft systems. Skills Required: Strong analytical skills, proficiency in CAD software, knowledge of aerodynamics and materials science.

  • Mechanical Designer - Aerospace

    • Create detailed designs for aerospace components and systems. Skills Required: CAD proficiency, understanding of mechanical systems, attention to detail.

  • Junior Architect or Intern - Architecture & Engineering

    • The role involves lots of detailed drafting to develop plans that are managed and approved by Project Architects.  Project Architects do a significant amount of the design and drafting work but leave the "grunt" work to the Jr. Architects and interns. Similar roles exist in civil, geotechnical, structural, mechanical and plumbing engineering.

  • Engineer - Video Games

    • This is often known as programming.  It includes various specialties focused on video game engines, tools and artificial intelligence.  This is one of the most common entry points into the industry. 

  • Assistant Sound Editor - Film & Television

    • There is a significant amount of sound editing that takes place to improve what is captured at the production stage such as ADR (re-recording dialogue), sound effects, and music.  Most of this is fairly technical. 

  • Special Effects Assistant - Film & Television

    • This is becoming more and more prevalent.  If you enjoy computer programming and design, this could be a great route to take.    See Entry Level Roles / Art in the Video Games section for types of roles. 

Technical and Trade Roles

• • Aircraft Structural Technician - Aerospace

    • Maintain and repair aircraft structures to ensure safety and functionality. Skills Required: Fabrication skills, knowledge of aircraft blueprints, attention to detail.

  • Production Assembler - Manufacturing

    • Assembles parts or products on a production line, ensuring efficiency and quality. Skills Required: Attention to detail, manual dexterity, ability to follow instructions.

  • Machine Operator - Manufacturing

    • Operates and maintains machinery used in the manufacturing process. Skills Required: Technical skills, problem-solving, ability to work with machinery.

  • Manufacturing Technician - Manufacturing

    • Supports the manufacturing process by maintaining equipment and ensuring smooth operations. Skills Required: Technical skills, troubleshooting, understanding of manufacturing processes.

  • Link Cook - Restaurants

    • Prepares food according to the restaurant’s recipes and standards. Skills Required: Culinary skills, attention to detail, ability to work under pressure.

  • Barista - Restaurants

    • Prepares and serves coffee and other beverages, maintains a clean work area. Skills Required: Customer service, knowledge of coffee preparation, multitasking. 

Experimenting Roles

• • Research Associate - Biotech

    • You are wearing multiple hats focused on creating a new product.  You may be reading, experimenting or designing. 

  • AI Research Assistant - Artificial Intelligence

    • Supports research projects in AI and machine learning. Skills Required: Research skills, programming, knowledge of AI concepts.

  • Experience Designer - Video Games

    • They tweak various parameters to get authentic user performance.  Example: how does a gun kick back or a type of car drive. 

How To Learn More

• Real about Project Management or Sales & Business Development roles.

• Talk to someone doing the role you want.  Check out my writings on The Gift of Asking for Help, Mentors and Networking 101 on The Search page to learn how to do this.

  • Check out my writings on various industries and departments at the Industries page.

• Already know what you want to do but are looking for general guidance on how to find a job?  Check out The Search for advice.