Exciting & Creative Problem-Solving Jobs

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Problem-Solving Jobs

For those interested in pursuing a career as a problem solver, many industries offer these problem-solving jobs. Many people love to solve problems and use critical thinking skills to find a way through difficult situations. Some people are natural problem solvers, while others learn to problem solve much later in life. A problem-solver will take time to analyze statistical data, develop strategies, and work toward implementing solutions to a problem when they arise.

Yet many people do not experience this type of critical thinking and problem-solving skills at work, which leaves many wondering how they can add frequent problem-solving to their day and use it for professional development.

For many civilian workers, the hands-on experience with problem-solving is absent from their daily lives, and they would like to find more opportunities to use these muscles. This article will explore a variety of jobs that may be suitable for people looking to implement their problem-solving skills daily.

It will also outline how these problem-solving jobs highlight additional skills or expertise that other professionals may have to help you identify a job that may be perfect for you to move into. This article aims to spark considerations about problem-solving jobs and help you find options you had not considered.

Computer and Information Systems Managers

As technology and computers become more and more essential to the everyday activities and necessities we encounter, the problems that arise when something goes wrong with these systems are all the more apparent. Because these systems are so important, it is necessary for there to be people poised and ready to address these problems. That is where the computer and information systems managers step in.

This position is responsible for ensuring that the information systems within an organization are running smoothly. They will often also manage a team of IT experts who assist in problem-solving. These managers will spend time-solving problems within the systems and the team. To become a computer and information systems manager, you will need technical expertise and likely a degree in computer science along with management skills.

Software Developers

In a somewhat similar position as the managers listed above, but with a focus more heavily on the development and execution of software is the software developer or computer scientist. Software developers create and oversee software programs sold and distributed to independent users and businesses. Software developers use their problem-solving skills to identify areas within daily life and business that are not being adequately addressed and develop software to address those holes within technology. A software developer must have a degree in computer science or information systems.

An interesting area where developers are currently working to problem solve is artificial intelligence (AI). While there are mixed feelings on the development and application of AI, software developers are at the center of the debate solving problems and working to make corrections where the public is hesitant. If you are interested in working on the development and implications of AI, developing software may be a career choice for you.

School Administration

School administrators are often found right in the middle of solving problems. As the managers of a school system, administrative staff often work to secure and allocate funding, address issues with test scores or teachers, and handle problems with students.

Administrators need to be good at building positive relationships and communicating effectively to bring teachers, parents, students, and even government agencies together to run a school system effectively. During their work to oversee curriculum changes and academic and administrative tasks, administrators are constantly problem-solving and working through various issues.

Most high-level school administrators have a master’s or higher degree in education or a related field. It also usually requires significant experience within the educational field and administration. It can also be helpful to have conflict resolution experience because the school system is often fraught with conflict between teachers and parents. If you value building relationships and can see yourself helping students succeed, school administration may be a good fit for you.

Psychologists

Another job where one is commonly solving problems is a psychologist. Psychologists see and diagnose mental health issues in patients, develop treatment plans, and oversee prescriptions and long-term care. Psychologists solve problems by finding the best diagnosis for people, working with different medications and therapies to lead toward stability and growth, and helping other mental health professionals create a thorough and effective treatment plan. They also provide advice to other psychologists and occasionally patients within their professional boundaries.

To become a psychologist, you will likely need a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field and a medical degree. While it is a large commitment through medical school and residency, it can often provide a rewarding career assisting patients in navigating mental health and living healthy lives.

Air Traffic Controllers

An air traffic controller oversees the routes, taxing, take-off, and movements of airplanes and other vehicles in and around an airport. They resolve issues with scheduling, flight paths, and weather pattern shifts. They also handle emergencies and work with management to ensure safe and on-time air travel.

To become an air traffic controller, one typically needs a bachelor’s degree or work experience. While there is no exact major requirement, earning a bachelor’s degree from an Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative accredited school will prepare a person for the job most successfully. The job also builds on the progressive experience and provides ample on-the-job training for new controllers. If you have a knack for organization and peace under pressure, you may want to consider a job in aviation control.

Natural Sciences Managers

Natural sciences managers oversee and support scientists, including biologists, chemists, and physicists. They oversee the latest research for their team and find new research opportunities for the team to pursue. Because scientific research is often focused on identifying answers to the problems that we find in the world, much of the work revolves around solving issues that scientists encounter. They may also have to handle resource allocation and identify potential risks that may be hidden within an experiment or idea.

To become a natural sciences manager, you will need a degree in the natural sciences and an understanding of the research process. You will also need management skills to work with the other scientists to create and test theories within the space. If you are gifted in the sciences and with pulling people together, this may be the job for you.

Doctors

While we mentioned a specific kind of doctor above, it is also important to include the broader category as well. Doctors work in disease prevention, health promotion, and patient outcomes in medical care. Doctors can problem-solve to prevent diseases, prescribe medication to achieve the best outcome and move the patient toward recovery. Doctors handle problems with various body parts and ailments, from eye surgery to prenatal care.

To become a doctor, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree and then attend medical school. You will also need to do a residency before you may work on your own. While it is a lot of preparation and work to get to the job, many find it rewarding to help solve problems with medical care and give people a shot at health.

Attorneys

Attorneys are legal representatives for their clients in court proceedings. They deal with problems with their client’s credibility, finding and producing the best evidence, and using their communication skills to influence the jury or judge to find for their client. The majority of an attorney’s job is to apply logic to the issues and determine the best options. If they work for government agencies, they may handle government-related matters and government property. Attorneys focus on problem-solving to present the case and ensure they work for their clients in criminal or civil cases.

To become an attorney, you will need a four-year degree and then a juris doctor, which requires three years of law school. You will also need good communication skills and a willingness to continue to learn the evolving law, whether it be attending seminars or learning from new positions. However, if you communicate effectively and know the overall direction of your problem-solving skills point toward logical analysis and complex issues, an attorney may be a great position for you.

Judges

Judges are similar to lawyers; however, they conduct hearings and oversee evidence issues, determine liability for certain cases, and ensure that a trial remains fair and in the interests of justice. Judges deal with problems including evidence disputes, motions that affect the case, and questions of the validity of a law. They have to work through logic to ensure that they are on the side of justice. They can also perform wedding ceremonies.

A judge will first need to become a lawyer, then they will need to gain experience in the legal field through a progression of challenging positions and complex cases. If you enjoy making decisions and helping ensure that the judicial process is impartial and working for the people, you may want to consider becoming a judge.

Engineers

Engineers and many other math-based professions are usually considered problem-solving jobs. Engineers work to ensure that buildings, products, and structures are in the best shape they can be and working as they should. They often focus on efficiency and want to use the best materials and processes possible to ensure it. They work to solve problems within a process or structure.

To be an engineer, you will need a degree in engineering and problem-solving skills when it comes to processes and structures. If you value efficiency and stability, engineering may be a good career choice.

Investigators

Investigators work to solve crimes through a local or national agency. They gather evidence and hunt for clues to identify the perpetrators who commit crimes. The majority of the work focuses on problem-solving and working toward the answer.

Most investigators will need a degree in criminal science or a related field and years of experience as a police officer to move up to a detective position. While it is often the one at the top of everyone’s mind when they think of problem-solvers, it does require a lot of work to get to the position.

The Perks of Practicing Problem-Solving Strategies at Work

Many other problem-solving jobs could be mentioned, and many are fantastic options for those looking to exercise their problem-solving skills at work. For many the biggest perk of using these skills is the fulfillment they gain from finding the best solution and ensuring that their work moves forward. Hoping to problem solve every day can often lead to a fulfilling and worthwhile career.

To learn more about problem-solving jobs, problem-solving models, and other conflict resolution models, contact ADR Times today!

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Emily Holland
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