Some people have a harder time than others planning out their characters' backgrounds or plotting out their future. There are many career options that are often overlooked, or that players don't realize until it's too late that their characters don't qualify for. Below is a list of possible occupations based upon education. Keep in mind that this list is not at all comprehensive; if you're interested in a career that isn't listed, do not hesitate to ask a member of staff what sort of background it might require!

Domestic Servant — Working Class. These can be anything from scullery maid to butler. While the higher-ranking positions require training over the years, they do not require the worker to have attended Hogwarts. The higher-ranking positions are among the best paid and most comfortable positions such an individual can hope to attain.

Skilled or Unskilled Laborer — Working Class. While skilled workers will undergo several years of apprenticeship, no character destined for such a job requires any formal schooling! Depending on their field and aptitude, skilled laborers can even work their way into the middle class over time. This includes feminine labor such as seamstressing as well as the professions that might immediately come to mind.

Shop Employee — Working Class. Many of these are to be found on this list. While some shops will prefer employees with some education and others will ask for an apprenticeship, many just require some measure of respectability from their employees.

Welcome Witch — Working or Middle Class. Found at both the Ministry and the Hospital, welcome witches are required only to be cheerful, polite, and well-kept to succeed in their field.

Security — Working Class. Almost exclusively a male occupation. Such workers can be found at the Ministry and at the Casino, and require either good skill with a wand (and so some education) or a large/fit physique.

Magical Maintenance — Working Class. A job found at the Ministry and the Hospital. Those hired do need some schooling, but completion of OWLs is not required.

Potioneer — Any class. While potioneers benefit greatly from a formal education, one looking to simply get by can make do with training under another such individual.

Libarian — Working or Middle Class. An individual in this profession should be literate and have basic mathematical skills, but does not require a formal magical education.

Quidditch Player — Any class. While professional quidditch players benefit from a school quidditch career, it is not at all impossible for someone with minimal —or no —schooling to play the game professionally if it is reasonable for them to have the skill. Quidditch players don't play past their late twenties due to the game's violent nature and the relatively low pay.

Reporter/Writer/Etc. — Any class. For the Daily Prophet, a magazine, or independently, writing is a career — not one that will see you rolling in money, but something that can help keep you afloat. Literacy is certainly mandatory, but formal education is not.

Regardless of education attained, all occupations that need magic require the employee be 17+ unless granted a waiver.

Ministry Departmental Employee — Any class. With some exceptions to be handled on a case-by-case basis, all Ministry of Magic employees other than those already mentioned require at least three OWLs. Obliviators should have an E or higher in Charms, and Hit Wizards an E or higher in Defence Against the Dark Arts (though hit wizards only require OWLs, they must be at least seventeen). Those in the Department of Magical Accidents & Catastrophes should have done well in Transfiguration and Charms, while those in the Department of Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures benefit from high grades in COMC. Some areas, particularly committees, may require experience in other fields, and so schooling at a more advanced level may be necessary.

Secretaries — Working Class. Secretaries need to be competent and respectable, and so should have some OWLs, but not in any particular subjects.

Mediwizard — Any class. A mediwizard (or mediwitch) is to a healer as a paramedic is to a doctor: trained to keep someone alive long enough to get long-term help. As such, they are not required to hone their skills overmuch, and so only need OWLs. A mediwizard-to-be should score an E or higher on OWLs in DADA, Charms, Potions, Herbology, and Transfiguration. They should also be able to work under pressure.

Governess — Middle Class. A job for young (or not-so-young), unmarried witches involving the education of young middle and upper class ladies younger than they are. While skills such as literacy, music, languages, and art, as well as an unblemished reputation and a grasp of etiquette, are more important than academic grades, it looks better to potential employers to have a formal education.

Unspeakables — Any class. No one is sure what precisely is expected of an Unspeakable until they become one. It is safe to say, though, that several high NEWTs are advisable.

Auror — Any class. A division of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement tasked with handling crimes. Auror training is a very difficult program spanning three years—and in some years, not a single student will meet their criteria! In addition to NEWTs (all E or higher, but some must be O) in Potions, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, Herbology, and Charms, potential aurors are also tested in areas such as stealth, ability to perform under pressure, and other character aptitude tests. Those with criminal records will not be permitted to work in the field. It is generally not considered a job for women, though there are some exceptions.

Healer — Any class. The magical equivalent of a doctor. Training specializes in one particular area (Magical Bugs, Spell Damage, Creature-Induced Injury, Artifact Incidents, or Potion and Plant Poisoning) and lasts for six months to one year, depending on individual circumstances. To become a healer, one must have a professional attitude, and five NEWTS at an E or higher, ideally in Potions, Transfiguration, Herbology, Charms, and Defence Against the Dark Arts.

Curse-Breaker — Any class. Curse breakers should score highly on the following NEWTs: Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, Charms, Transfiguration, Defence Against the Dark Arts, and Potions. Ideally, they will train under someone experienced prior to taking to the field themselves. It is generally not considered a job for women, though there are some exceptions.

Professor — Any class. In addition to an O in the subject in which they instruct, a professor should ideally have strong grades in two or three other NEWTs, and some sort of professional background in their field. Though not a lucrative post, it is a morally and intellectually rewarding one. Professors must be at least twenty-five years of age, but older is always preferred.