When people think of jobs that involve travel, industries like aviation, tourism, and international business often come to mind. However, there are many lesser-known industries where travel is a significant component of the job. Here are some surprising sectors where employees often find themselves packing their bags and hitting the road.
Environmental Consulting
Environmental consultants travel extensively to conduct fieldwork, gather data, and assess environmental impact. Their work often takes them to remote locations, forests, coastlines, and even internationally to address environmental concerns or disasters. Tasks might include soil and water sampling, wildlife studies, or working on site remediation projects.
Archaeology
Archaeologists frequently travel for excavations, research, and preservation projects. This field requires on-site investigations of historical and prehistoric sites. Travel can range from local digs to international expeditions in places with rich historical heritage. Besides excavation sites, archaeologists also visit museums, archives, and conferences worldwide.
Film and Television Production
Not limited to Hollywood, film and television production crews often travel to various locations for shoots. On-location filming can take place in diverse environments such as cities, rural areas, jungles, and deserts. This industry also includes documentary filmmakers who travel to capture stories from around the globe.
Healthcare
Healthcare professionals, particularly those in specialized roles, often travel for work. This includes traveling nurses, medical device sales representatives, and locum tenens doctors. Traveling nurses and doctors fill temporary positions in understaffed hospitals and clinics, which can be located in rural areas, other states, or even abroad. There are specific recruiters who can help you get healthcare travel jobs.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing professionals frequently travel to meet clients, attend trade shows, and promote products or services. This is particularly true for those in industries like pharmaceuticals, technology, and luxury goods, where face-to-face interactions and relationship-building are crucial. Travel can include domestic trips and international journeys to tap into new markets.
Academic Research
Professors, researchers, and scholars often travel to attend conferences, present papers, conduct field research, or collaborate with peers at other institutions. This can involve travel to different universities, research sites, or academic gatherings worldwide. Sabbaticals and exchange programs also offer opportunities for extended stays abroad.
Information Technology (IT) Consulting
IT consultants travel to client sites to provide specialized expertise, implement systems, or troubleshoot issues. Projects can range from short-term problem-solving missions to long-term implementation phases. With the increasing reliance on technology, IT consultants are in high demand globally, leading to frequent travel opportunities.
Construction Management
Construction managers and engineers often travel to oversee projects in different locations. This can include domestic travel to various job sites or international travel for large-scale projects. Responsibilities might involve coordinating with local teams, ensuring compliance with regulations, and managing timelines and budgets.
Sports and Recreation
Athletes, coaches, and sports managers often travel for competitions, training camps, and promotional events. This includes not only professional sports but also adventure sports, fitness training, and recreational events. The travel can be both national and international, depending on the level of competition and scope of events.
Wine and Spirits Industry
Professionals in the wine and spirits industry, including sommeliers, wine buyers, and brand ambassadors, often travel to vineyards, distilleries, and trade shows. This travel is essential for sourcing new products, building relationships with producers, and staying current with industry trends.
Nonprofit and Humanitarian Work
Individuals working for nonprofit organizations and NGOs frequently travel to implement programs, monitor projects, and provide aid in various regions. This can involve travel to developing countries, conflict zones, or areas affected by natural disasters. The work often requires adaptability and resilience, as conditions can be challenging.