Accepting new responsibilities and refining your skills will empower you to set big goals for your career. As you move forward, you’ll want a position that allows you to grow and won’t stifle your potential.
Of course, not every job will offer the support, resources and opportunities you need to be your best self. Some careers have a ceiling that won’t move, regardless of your work ethic, natural acumen or dedication.
With that in mind, what are the best, most fulfilling jobs for leaders?
1. Teacher
Leaders need to be supportive and encouraging to the people who look up to them. Teachers do that every day for their students. No matter what grade you teach or where you work, you’ll serve as a role model for young people. Other teachers may follow in your footsteps as well if you embrace extra jobs like organizing school events or community service opportunities.
Many people forget that teachers are also leaders for parents, just as much as children. When they arrive for parent-teacher conferences, you’ll have to convey their child’s progress and show them how their child will continue to grow in your classroom. People outside and inside the school need strong leadership qualities in their teachers, so you’ll bring essential skills to the table when applying for education jobs.
2. Producer
The entertainment industry contains many of the best careers for strong leadership skills. After getting experience in college and entry-level jobs, you could become a TV or movie producer.
People in both roles juggle high-level responsibilities for their crew like raising money and hiring staff before diving into production meetings and post-production processes. You’ll make the magic happen behind the scenes of the world’s next favorite shows and movies.
3. Lawyer
Lawyers change lives, keep businesses from closing and win people the money they deserve — depending on the type of lawyer you want to become. No matter which role you choose, you’ll need strong leadership skills like applying sound judgment and high ethical standards.
Your clients will need your advice and guidance because they’re in unknown legal territory that may be overwhelming. You’ll lead them and your legal team through cases that can help you feel like you’re changing the world every day.
4. Recruiter
Recruiter positions are the best jobs for leaders because you’ll build a positive and productive environment for your workplace. Lead recruiters know how to recognize skills in great candidates, build internal relationships and strategize growth plans for multi-department teams.
You could take your leadership qualities to higher positions within the corporate world as well if you need even more room for your career to grow.
5. Business Consultant
People with longstanding careers could transition to a business consultant job. Every industry needs consultants to analyze company business plans and improve things like efficiency and performance.
If you have a business degree and experience in a field, gain essential leadership skills like interpersonal communication and cultural intelligence to pursue jobs in whatever industry piques your interest.
6. Doctor
Doctors provide lifesaving services for their patients and management skills for their offices. You’ll need years of experience to gain confidence in your decision-making abilities and build trust in your team members. You’ll need to invest years of your life in schooling, as well.
Doctors also have to model patient care skills like listening and providing authentic compassion. No matter what specialty you choose or where you work, you’ll be a leader to everyone you work with. This can be daunting to some, but to you, it should feel like a welcome challenge.
7. Project Manager
The project management field encompasses numerous industries. You could work with construction clients, lead solar power projects or coordinate marketing campaigns. Consider what you’re passionate about and how you can use your strong leadership skills to do something you love.
Project managers have to excel at time management and multitasking, but they also need to inspire their teams with positivity, encouragement and guidance. If you’ve used these skills in other roles, you could make the transition to project management and start the next chapter of your career.
8. Department Supervisor
Quick thinkers and the mathematically minded will likely do well with a department supervisor career. You’ll work alongside management teams to lead the day-to-day operations that keep your company open.
Supervisors get to know their team members personally, set department goals and monitor budgets and inventory. You’ll be an integral part of any business, especially if you enter the role with years of experience.
9. Mentor
Professional mentors are also known as consultants. A company might hire you to advise their executive team or conduct special classes for middle management. They’ll need your abilities to think practically about goal setting, problem-solving and outmaneuvering competitors.
You may need to pursue certifications or an additional degree, depending on your desired industry and consulting level. Showcase your experience and skills on a personal website to get started in this highly valued leadership role.
10. Financial Strategist
People who love keeping up with the financial world and want to lead clients to lucrative opportunities should think about becoming a financial strategist. Clients need strategists to help them make significant investments and navigate decisions about taxes or insurance plans.
You may think this job mostly requires people who excel at math, but it also needs essential leadership qualities. You’ll have to personally connect with your clients to understand what they want by actively listening and empathizing. Experience in building trust and collaborating with clients are just a few ways your experience in leadership roles will help you succeed as a financial strategist.
11. Mayor
Voters elect mayoral candidates that lead by example. You’ll need to bond with your community and demonstrate how much you care by following through on successful programs and outreach efforts. Within the political sphere, mayors need administrative qualities to lead their teams and plan their political moves ahead of time.
Authentic, forward-thinkers will excel as mayors and even build a voter base that propels them to higher governmental positions. It all starts with learning how to improve your community and model excellent leadership skills that make voters trust you with their city.
12. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
The executive suite holds some of the best careers for strong leadership skills because you can use the jobs as stepping stones to become a CEO. It’s the highest position in a company and the public face for it. You’ll be a leader to your employees and the public, so you’ll need an extensive roster of skills to jump into the role.
According to recent research, innovative thinking is the most important skill for people beginning leadership roles. CEOs need it to map a future for their entire organization that results in ongoing growth. It will also inform how you use other valuable abilities like analytical skills and entrepreneurial thinking.
13. Business Owner
Business owners are slightly different from CEOs. If you start a new company as the owner, you’ll fill every leadership role as you get it off the ground. When it grows into a company, you’ll have sole proprietorship and select the candidates for jobs like CEO and other chief executives.
You won’t have to report to a board of directors or shareholders because you own the business, so it’s the ultimate leadership position for professionals with high ambitions.
14. Engineer
Companies hire engineers when they want creative people with good problem solving skills. You’ll develop these vital abilities as you gain years of experience in leadership roles. If you have a STEM degree, work on collaborating and consider how dedicated you are to the most challenging problems.
Diligent engineers who know how to tackle difficult problems and strategies will love becoming a leader in their field. You could create the next big scientific achievement that changes an industry or save the day for a company who has a problem they can’t fix. It depends on your speciality and the responsibilities within your role.
15. Director of Human Resources
Becoming the director of human resources is an enormous responsibility and enlightening challenge. Leadership skills like communicating and forming trust with a team are crucial, but you’ll also need some unique capabilities.
HR directors are the moral center of the company. You’ll navigate conflicts between team members and prioritize process over results by always putting ethics before profits or scheduling.
16. Public Relations Specialist
Businesses that employ public relations specialists have explicit trust in their ability to lead. You would create and control that company’s public image, which could make the business succeed or fail. Your leadership skills should concentrate on interoffice and public communication.
You’ll be the liaison between consumers and the brand’s image, directing crisis response efforts and strategizing new campaigns to increase your customer base.
Practice Your Strong Leadership Skills
These are the top professional roles for your strong leadership skills, so continue practicing them before you change your career path. You’ll find the right job to accomplish your goals and develop the skills you love, all while driving your team or company forward to tremendous success.
Ginger Abbot is a career and learning writer. When she’s not freelancing, she’s serving as Editor-in-Chief for the education publication Classrooms.