J.K. Rowling’s famous Harry Potter series takes its fans on a magical journey through the Wizarding World, starting from Diagon Alley but focusing primarily on the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Dangerous though it may be, Hogwarts is essential in the life of every young witch and wizard. While the spells taught at Hogwarts are certainly intriguing, the students’ education also focuses on a final goal - that of finding them an appropriate career.
The variety of magical careers in Harry Potter is amazing, so much so that it may even be confusing. In fact, it seems unusual that students only receive assistance in picking a future career path in their fifth year, though perhaps some may have looked into the topic on their own until then. After all, certain professions are definitely standouts among the rest.
10 Professors Offer The Information Necessary On Every Field Of Study
The concept of teaching may not appeal to every witch and wizard, but no one would get very far without having these important pillars of society in place. Unfortunately, Hogwarts suffers from an acute lack of qualified staff, with many of the teachers not providing adequate instruction to their students. Some professors do stand out for their skill, with notable examples including Transfiguration teacher Minerva McGonnagal and Charms teacher Filius Flitwick.
In other fields of study, the students are nowhere near as lucky, with Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers being particularly bad and History of Magic being taught by the infamously boring ghost, Cuthbert Binns. Hogwarts would definitely welcome new teachers if graduates had the right NEWTs and appropriate temperament.
9 Potioneers Study The Subtle Art Of Potions-Making
Introduced by Severus Snape as the "subtle science and exact art of potion-making," the study of Potions may have terrified many students under the care of the head of Slytherin House. But the young witches and wizards who do have an interest in this craft find it an incredible field of study.
Somewhat akin to chemistry, it has an infinite number of possibilities and provides substances the Wizarding World desperately relies on. It is a very interesting career path for those who have the patience and passion for it.
8 Quidditch Players Are Dedicated To The Wizarding World’s Favorite Sport
On the complete opposite side of the spectrum, Quidditch is one of the Wizarding World’s favorite sports. Much appreciated even at Hogwarts, the game can become a career path for students who are talented enough in it. Associated jobs like commentators and reporters are also available.
Ginny Weasley becomes a professional Quidditch player for the Holyhead Harpies. A similar career path, which is more popular in the United States, involves the alternate Wizarding sport, Quodpot.
7 Wand Makers Provide The Essential Tool For All Witches And Wizards
One of the most important tools in any wizard’s arsenal is without a doubt, their wand. Young magic users officially receive their first wands at eleven, when they visit their wand shop of choice. The instrumental cog in this mechanism is of course the wandmaker, without whom no such magical object could exist.
The occupation seems to have its root in druidism, and the most well-known wandmaker in Harry Potter, Garrick Ollivander, prides himself on having a family involved in wandcraft since 382 BC. The Tales of Beetle the Bard also mentions Death itself as the creator of the Elder Wand, the most powerful wand to ever exist, though Albus Dumbledore theorized that it was actually Antioch Peverell who made it.
6 Healers And Mediwizards Find Satisfaction In Helping Their Fellows
As beautiful as the magic may be, it also comes with many dangers, from deadly curses to serious injuries. Healers and mediwizards, the magical equivalent of doctors and nurses, are essential for the proper functioning of the Wizarding World. Without Hogwarts’ Madam Pomfrey, Harry would have certainly not gotten very far.
The profession may not be as exciting as playing Quidditch, but it comes with its own advantages. Magical folk who choose this career path find satisfaction in helping their fellows, much like their Muggle equivalents.
5 Aurors Are The Wizarding World’s Main Line Of Defense
Perhaps among the most well-known occupations in the Wizarding World, Aurors are the Wizarding World’s main line of defense. A highly trained law-enforcement unit, they act both as military and police forces and are best known for protecting the innocent from Dark Wizards like Gellert Grindelwald or Lord Voldemort.
Notable Aurors include Frank, Alice, and Neville Longbottom, Alastor Moody, Nymphadora Tonks, and of course, the Boy-Who-Lived himself, Harry Potter. Fantastic Beasts' main female character Porpentina Goldstein is also an Auror for the MACUSA.
4 The Minister For Magic Is The Official Leader Of The Wizarding World
Being a politician isn’t for everyone, but this career path certainly comes with its perks. While low-tiered employees at the Ministry of Magic may find it tedious and even struggle financially, high-leveled jobs can provide huge advantages to whoever is lucky enough to snag them. The best example is, of course, the Minister for Magic.
The official leader of the Wizarding World and the equivalent of the British Prime Minister, the Minister for Magic has an incredible amount of power. As evidenced by Cornelius Fudge’s stint in this position, this isn’t always a good thing. But if someone clever were to occupy the role, they could enact real and much-needed change in the Wizarding society that so desperately needs it.
3 Magizoologists Dedicate Themselves To The Study Of Magical Creatures
Any world or culture is only as fascinating as its inhabitants, and as luck would have it, the Wizarding World isn’t only the home of witches and wizards. The magical creatures of Harry Potter are as unique and dangerous as they are beautiful, and there’s no one more aware of that than Magizoologists.
Studying these magnificent beasts first begins through the Care of Magical Creatures elective, but a wizard needs to be truly dedicated to avoiding the perils of this career path. The most well-known Magizoologist in Harry Potter is, without a doubt, Newt Scamander. Ron Weasley’s brother, Charlie, is employed in an associated, specialized profession - that of Dragonologist.
2 Curse-Breakers Travel The World To Investigate Dangerous Locations
The profession of Curse-Breaker is rather unusual in that it appears to be primarily tied to the Gringotts Wizarding Bank. As evidenced by their name, Curse-Breakers are required to dispel negative enchantments on valuable objects and are thus associated with banking. But they are in reality a mix of archeologists and adventurers, as, throughout their work, they must travel through highly dangerous but interesting locations like tombs or distant forests.
It is without a doubt one of the more exciting career paths in the Wizarding World, though students interested can’t slack off. A Gringotts Curse-Breaker is required to have an OWL in Arithmancy, alongside others fields of study that may include Ancient Runes, Charms, and Defense Against the Dark Arts. Bill Weasley is truly admirable for having excelled in this field.
1 Unspeakables Are Dedicated Researchers In The Department Of Mysteries
If anyone could challenge Curse-Breakers and Magizoologists in terms of exciting professions, it’s probably the Unspeakables. While this career path is rather mysterious, they are known to be researchers for the Ministry of Magic, looking into the deepest and more complex aspects of magic itself.
When Harry Potter and his friends venture into the Department of Mysteries, they discover examples of such fields of study, including time, love, thought, and death. Considering the huge potential of this profession, it’s rather sad that one of the most notable names on the list of Unspeakables is the Death Eater Augustus Rookwood.