We all know that Harry Potter is the world's most famous wizard, but what would happen if he decided not to pursue the magical arts as a career?
Sure, he could probably have his pick of jobs at the Ministry of Magic, and Hogwarts would surely love to have its most famous alumnus as a professor, but really Harry is as normal as they come -- wizard or not.
As the latest film installment in the franchise, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," hits theaters, we wonder: If Harry were to pursue a Muggle's (that's a mere mortal to you and me) career, what would he be suited for?
Here are 10 jobs that Harry Potter might do if he ever gave up wizarding:
1. Journalist
Why? Harry knows the power of the media after his old "friend" Rita Skeeter kept him on the front page of the Daily Prophet, the newspaper of the wizarding world. After vicious lies and inaccuracies were reported about him in the media, Harry might be inspired to search for and report the truth.
2. EMT
Why? Emergency situations depend on quick reaction and competent care, and "The Boy Who Lived" knows a thing or two about this. From potions gone wrong to Quidditch accidents, Harry and his friends seem to always land in prickly scenarios. Harry manages to keep his cool and come to the rescue no matter the situation.
3. Public relations professional
Why? A PR professional must build and maintain positive relationships with the public. Harry relentlessly battles attacks on his character but manages to come out on top every time. How's that for reputation management?
4. Spy or secret agent
Why? Two words: Invisibility cloak
5. Veterinarian
Why? Harry's pet owl, Hedwig, is often his only friend, and his godfather, Sirius Black, turns into a dog. He can also speak to and understand snakes with Parseltongue, a language associated with the Dark Arts, and bonds with the hippogriff Buckbeak. Perhaps he could partner with Hagrid, the half-giant who has a soft spot for all sorts of magical creatures.
6. Physical education teacher or coach
Why? Harry is particularly talented in the favorite sport of wizards, Quidditch. He played the position of seeker on the Gryffindor team and eventually became its captain. He could train amateur or professional athletes for competition by holding practice sessions to perform drills that improve their form, technique, skills and stamina.
7. City administrator
Why? Harry is all too familiar with the workings of wizard laws -- and breaking them. Whether he intends to or not, Harry seems to find himself dealing with the bigwigs at the Ministry of Magic fairly often. With this inside knowledge, perhaps a job in local government is ideal.
8. Management analyst
Why? Like many of us in this economy, Harry has to do more with less. Harry and his group of friends need to be scrappy when they need fight the latest evils in their lives. In this role, he could analyze and propose ways to improve an organization's structure, efficiency or profits.
9. Social worker
Why? The first 12 years of Harry's life were not the happiest: His parents were killed when he was just an infant and he was treated more like a servant than family in the less-than-loving home of his Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon and Cousin Dudley. He would no doubt thrive at looking after the welfare of abused or neglected children and helping parents learn how to better care for children.
10. Drill sergeant
Why? Harry is not what you would call academically gifted. He is, however, a natural in the subject of defense against the Dark Arts. He led the secret class of Dumbledore's Army when the subject was banned from Hogwarts. Pair his natural defense skills with his leadership and quick temper and you've got a born drill sergeant.
Kate Lorenz is the editor for CareerBuilder.com and its job-seeker blog, www.TheWorkBuzz.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow CareerBuilder on Twitter www.twitter.com/cbforjobseekers.
