There is no doubt that the business world has changed. Disruptor companies, innovative start-ups, incubators and hip tech driven concerns have given rise to interesting new business models and creative titles and job descriptions. When you add in the number of people attempting to make their living as social media, Youtube and reality stars along with the number of individuals opting to pursue alternative and offbeat professions it is easy to see why traditional occupation titles have changed drastically. Here are 10 of these more unusual occupation titles:
- Ethical Hacker
Hacker groups, like Anonymous individual hackers routinely make headlines. Police and spy programmes and movies tend to include a computer expert who is able to tap into any computer or data system in order to catch the villains.
Those that work for the good guys have a title, Ethical Hackers. The field has advanced at such a rate and hackers are in such demand that Certified Ethical Hacker Certificates are issued by the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants.
- Paranoid in Chief
Most likely those who work as Ethical Hackers would report to this person. This is the title of the head of Yahoo’s information security division; Yahoo’s cybersecurity is known as “The Paranoids.” The title is very apt considering the high-profile data breaches that the company has had.
- Doula
Women have long supported each other during the various stages of pregnancy and childbirth. One of the more interesting occupations is that of a doula. A doula is a woman who offers a variety of non-medical services to expectant mothers.
Doulas typically work with mothers-to-be in one or more stages of motherhood; pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum support. Services may include finding care providers, delivery room support, developing a birth plan or giving breastfeeding advice. Research has shown that expectant mothers working with a doula have better birth outcomes.
- Chief Flavour Officer
This corporate title is held by Justin Timberlake for Bai Brands. Timberlake assumed the title in 2016; in addition to appearing as in the company’s adverts, he will participate in new product launches and helps develop flavours.
- ID Badge Design Consultant
At one point, ID badges were fairly simple affairs and were used by a relatively small number of businesses and industries. Now they are seemingly everywhere. In just a short period of time the role of ID badges has changed from just providing a name to customers and clients to containing security information, allowing access to specific buildings and offices as well as reinforcing the brand image of a product of company.
The consultant’s job is to decide which type of badge is best for a particular client and may include elements such as custom engraving, heavy duty ID badge holder, the type of badge holder, the inclusion of a metal badge reel, or plain labels so that the badge can be used by clients or customers or in another generic manner.
- Live Mannequin
As online shopping continues to chip away at the market share for brick and mortar shops, retailers continue to look for new ways to attract customers. Some stores are employing people to serve as live mannequins to attract attention. Live mannequins are indeed attention grabbing. They allow customers to see outfits in a true real-life setting, usually on a variety of body types and sizes. Some establishments have live mannequins interacting with customers.
- Galactic Viceroy of Research Excellence
This title was first held by James Mickens at Microsoft. Mickens was focused on cloud related research and focused on ways to improve web application quality. Mickens has since changed jobs; he currently has the title of Harvard University Associate Professor.
- Fashion Evangelist
Social media has indeed spawned a number of interested and unusual jobs and job titles. Tumblr employees a Fashion Evangelist who works with a number of major fashion brands and hip designer bloggers to develop “artsy” shots from around the world that keep readers up-to-date on the latest trends.
- Professional Bridesmaid
Serving as a bridesmaid is an honour and a bit of fun. Ask anyone that has been part of a wedding party they will tell you that it is a lot of work. Professional bridesmaids help with all of the necessary, but not fun tasks involved with planning and behind the scenes activities. Occasionally, they are also part of the wedding party to keep numbers even or to provide services on the day of the ceremony.
- Executive Sensei
Executive Sensei is a title that most of us would like to have. Virginia Mason Medical has one. The sensei works with clients to provide support and outreach. They also manage a wide range of the company’s business aspects. The title is not one that is easy to attain. When Virginia Mason Medical posted the position on Monster.com they noted that a master’s degree, executive coaching experience and 10 years of leadership experience were required.
There is no doubt that the corporate world is indeed changing. The titles listed above are a prime example of how corporations are dealing with the new expectations of workers. The titles also serve as a way for companies to build their brand image, both to customers and clients, but within their particular sector.
The growth of start-ups, the disrupter companies’ entrepreneurs have also had a fairly significant impact on old-line corporate structure. Many executives develop titles that are not only fun but which describe the function of the position.
Most business observers feel that based on the number of millennials entering the workforce along with the growing number of corporate drop outs, older workers pursuing part-time careers coupled with the time crunch many workers face that the number of interesting titles and professions will indeed continue to grow.