What each field is about, which professions it leads to, which school subjects matter most and which strong sides help. Use it together with the career compass.
Building, repairing and designing machines and devices
Designing and building houses, bridges, roads and other structures. It takes precise calculation, spatial imagination and responsibility for people's safety.
Professions: civil engineer, site manager, design engineer, cost estimator, quality inspector
School subjects to focus on: mathematics, physics, technical drawing
Producing, transmitting and using electricity: hydropower plants, power grids and renewable energy. With its large water resources, this field matters especially for Tajikistan.
Professions: power engineer, electrical engineer, hydropower plant engineer, solar energy specialist, grid engineer
School subjects to focus on: physics, mathematics
Designing, repairing and servicing machines, devices and vehicles. For those who want to know how a mechanism works and to fix it with their own hands.
Professions: mechanical engineer, automotive engineer, aircraft technician, logistics engineer, equipment repair specialist
School subjects to focus on: physics, mathematics, technical drawing
Creating buildings and neighbourhoods that are beautiful, convenient and sound. An architect combines art and calculation and has to understand what people need.
Professions: architect, urban planner, interior designer, landscape designer, 3D visualiser
School subjects to focus on: art, technical drawing, mathematics
Programming, networks, working with data
Building programs, websites and mobile apps. Logic, patience and constant learning matter; much of the work can be done remotely and independently.
Professions: software developer, web developer, mobile app developer, software tester, DevOps engineer
School subjects to focus on: computer science, mathematics, English
Finding patterns in large amounts of data and building systems that learn from data. Mathematics, statistics and programming are the foundation.
Professions: data analyst, data scientist, machine learning engineer, business analyst, statistician
School subjects to focus on: mathematics, computer science, English
Protecting computers, networks and people's data from theft and attacks. It takes attention to detail, honesty and constant learning.
Professions: information security specialist, network administrator, system administrator, security incident analyst
School subjects to focus on: computer science, mathematics, physics
Treating people and caring for their health
Diagnosing and treating illness and protecting people's health. The studies are long and demanding, but the profession is respected and meaningful; it needs biology and chemistry, compassion and responsibility.
Professions: general practitioner, paediatrician, surgeon, cardiologist, family doctor
School subjects to focus on: biology, chemistry, physics
Treating and preventing diseases of the teeth and mouth. A steady hand and precise movements, spatial imagination and calm communication with patients all matter.
Professions: dentist, orthodontist, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, dental technician
School subjects to focus on: biology, chemistry, physics
Developing, testing and correctly using medicines. It needs solid chemistry, precision and responsibility.
Professions: pharmacist, dispensing pharmacist, drug quality control specialist, medical representative
School subjects to focus on: chemistry, biology, mathematics
Caring for patients, assisting doctors and supporting women through pregnancy and birth. Kindness, patience and skilled hands are at the heart of the job.
Professions: nurse, midwife, paediatric nurse, physician assistant
School subjects to focus on: biology, chemistry
Helping people regain movement after injuries, surgery or illness. It needs knowledge of the human body, exercise and the ability to encourage patients.
Professions: physiotherapist, therapeutic exercise instructor, massage therapist, occupational therapist
School subjects to focus on: biology, physical education, chemistry
Plants, animals, land and the environment
Studying the structure of the Earth and searching for ores, water and other underground resources. Field work in the mountains goes hand in hand with lab analysis and maps.
Professions: geologist, mining engineer, hydrogeologist, GIS mapping specialist, seismologist
School subjects to focus on: geography, chemistry, physics
Growing crops, caring for land and water and raising yields with modern methods. In our country it is a large and much-needed sector.
Professions: agronomist, horticulturist, irrigation specialist, farmer, plant protection specialist
School subjects to focus on: biology, chemistry, geography
Treating and caring for pets and farm animals and checking the safety of food products. It needs a love of animals and a good grasp of biology.
Professions: veterinarian, livestock specialist, food safety inspector, dog handler
School subjects to focus on: biology, chemistry
Studying and protecting nature: water, air, soil, glaciers, plants and animals. Specialists study climate change and propose ways to use resources wisely.
Professions: ecologist, conservation specialist, hydrologist, waste management specialist, environmental impact assessor
School subjects to focus on: biology, geography, chemistry
Research in the lab and in the field, from cells and molecules to planets. For those who want to understand why things happen and to work in science or teaching.
Professions: biologist, chemist, physicist, research lab scientist, biotechnology specialist
School subjects to focus on: biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics
Producing, processing and storing food, from bread to juices, and the art of cooking. Chemistry and biology meet hands-on work and creativity.
Professions: food technologist, chef, pastry chef, quality control specialist, restaurant manager
School subjects to focus on: chemistry, biology, technology
Trade, money, organising and running projects
Studying how societies, companies and families allocate money and resources. Banking, taxes, investment and budgets all rely on careful calculation and analysis.
Professions: economist, finance specialist, bank officer, financial analyst, tax specialist
School subjects to focus on: mathematics, geography, English
Keeping organisations' financial records, checking that they are correct and following tax law. Precision, order and honesty are the core of the job, and every organisation needs such specialists.
Professions: accountant, auditor, tax consultant, financial controller
School subjects to focus on: mathematics, computer science
Organising and running a company, a project or your own business: planning, working with people, making decisions and taking responsibility.
Professions: manager, entrepreneur, project manager, HR specialist, business consultant
School subjects to focus on: mathematics, English, social studies
Understanding what customers need and getting a company's message across to them: market research, advertising, social media and sales.
Professions: marketer, social media specialist, sales manager, advertising specialist, market analyst
School subjects to focus on: native language, English, mathematics, computer science
Organising trips, welcoming guests and introducing our country to the world. Languages, people skills and knowing the history and nature of your homeland all help.
Professions: tourism manager, tour guide, hotel specialist, event organiser
School subjects to focus on: foreign languages, geography, history
Teaching, advising and supporting others
Studying how people think, feel and behave, and helping them through difficult times. Listening skills, self-knowledge and scientific thinking all matter.
Professions: school psychologist, clinical psychologist, family counsellor, HR specialist, research psychologist
School subjects to focus on: biology, language and literature, social studies
Teaching and bringing up children and teenagers in school and beyond. A teacher knows the subject and finds a way to reach students — one of the most meaningful and always-needed professions.
Professions: primary school teacher, subject teacher, educator, curriculum specialist, deputy head for teaching
School subjects to focus on: the subject you want to teach; language and literature
Working with children under seven: play and the development of speech, thinking and movement. Patience, creativity and a love of children are essential.
Professions: kindergarten teacher, early development specialist, speech therapist, educator at a development centre
School subjects to focus on: language and literature, biology, music
Supporting people in difficult situations: families in need, older people, children without parental care and people with disabilities. Empathy, patience and knowing the law matter.
Professions: social worker, child protection specialist, NGO worker, social counsellor
School subjects to focus on: social studies, law, language and literature
Foreign languages, law, journalism, history
Knowing and applying the law and protecting the rights of people and organisations. It needs logical thinking, clear speech and a sense of justice.
Professions: lawyer, advocate, judge, prosecutor, legal adviser, notary
School subjects to focus on: history, law, native language, a foreign language
Gathering, checking and telling the news in print, on radio, TV and online. Curiosity, honesty and good writing are the core of the profession.
Professions: journalist, editor, correspondent, PR specialist, copywriter
School subjects to focus on: language and literature, history, a foreign language
Interpreting and translating, teaching languages and working for international companies. A good ear, a strong memory and a love of reading all help.
Professions: translator, simultaneous interpreter, language teacher, localisation specialist, text editor
School subjects to focus on: foreign languages, native language and literature
Studying the politics, economies and cultures of different countries and how they cooperate. Diplomats negotiate, defend their country's interests and work with people from many cultures.
Professions: diplomat, international organisation officer, political analyst, foreign relations specialist
School subjects to focus on: history, foreign languages, geography, social studies
Studying humanity's past, ideas and cultural heritage, from ancient manuscripts to culture today. Specialists work in museums, archives, universities and the media.
Professions: historian, archaeologist, museum specialist, archivist, history teacher
School subjects to focus on: history, language and literature, social studies
Drawing, design, music, film and the stage
Designing websites, apps and digital products that are easy and pleasant to use. A sense of beauty meets an understanding of how people behave.
Professions: UX/UI designer, web designer, product designer, user researcher
School subjects to focus on: art, computer science, English
Painting, drawing, illustration and designing book covers, logos and adverts. It takes an eye for colour and form, skilled hands and patience.
Professions: artist, graphic designer, illustrator, folk craft master, publication designer
School subjects to focus on: art, technical drawing, technology
Playing, singing, composing and teaching music. It takes a musical ear, daily practice and the courage to perform; admission usually includes a creative audition.
Professions: performing musician, singer, composer, music teacher, sound engineer
School subjects to focus on: music, literature, a foreign language
Making films, videos, photographs and animation, from the script to the final edit. Visual thinking, storytelling and teamwork matter.
Professions: director, camera operator, photographer, video editor, animator
School subjects to focus on: literature, art, computer science
Designing and making clothes and working with fabrics and national patterns such as atlas and adras silk. It takes a sense of style, skilled hands and spatial imagination.
Professions: fashion designer, garment pattern maker, textile technologist, master tailor, stylist
School subjects to focus on: art, technology, technical drawing
Performing and creating dances, including Tajik national dance, and teaching them. Precise movement, a sense of rhythm and steady practice are the basis of this art.
Professions: dancer, choreographer, dance teacher, ensemble director
School subjects to focus on: music, physical education
Training, competitions and physical education
Teaching sport, training athletes and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Besides physical skill, it needs knowledge of the human body, patience and leadership.
Professions: coach, PE teacher, fitness instructor, sports manager, referee
School subjects to focus on: physical education, biology
Study plans, entrance-exam groups and subjects change from year to year: check them with the university and the National Testing Center before applying.