The Most Difficult Job to Get into, Ranked

Choose the job you think is the most difficult!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 20, 2024 06:30
Choosing a career path is a significant decision that involves understanding the complexities of different industries. Some professions are notoriously challenging to enter, requiring a unique blend of skills, experience, and often a bit of luck. By ranking these professions, individuals can gain insights into which careers are the toughest to break into, helping them prepare better for the challenges ahead. This dynamic ranking offers a detailed perspective based solely on user votes, reflecting the current opinion of a broad community. As individuals cast their votes, they contribute to a more accurate and comprehensive depiction of the career landscape. This ongoing input helps others by providing real-time feedback on perceptions of job accessibility and demands across various fields.

What Is the Most Difficult Job to Get into?

  1. 1
    71
    points
    Neurosurgeon

    Neurosurgeon

    Neurosurgeons require extensive education and training, including medical school, residency, and often fellowships, to specialize in brain surgery.
    • Education Length: 14+ years
  2. 2
    50
    points
    Astronaut

    Astronaut

    Becoming an astronaut involves rigorous physical and mental training, advanced degrees in science or engineering, and years of relevant experience.
    • Selection Rate: Less than 0.7%
  3. 3
    2
    points
    Special Forces Operator

    Special Forces Operator

    Special Forces operators undergo some of the most intense physical and psychological training in the military to perform unconventional warfare and missions.
    • Training Duration: Up to 2 years
  4. 4
    2
    points
    Airline Pilot

    Airline Pilot

    Becoming an airline pilot requires hundreds of hours of flight experience, passing rigorous exams, and obtaining an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.
    • Required Flight Hours: 1,500 hours
  5. 5
    0
    points

    Movie Director

    Breaking into film directing usually requires a combination of film education, starting from lower-level positions in production, and significant creative vision.
    • Path to Directing: Varies significantly
  6. 6
    0
    points

    Fortune 500 CEO

    Reaching the CEO position of a Fortune 500 company typically requires decades of corporate experience, leadership skills, and often an elite education.
    • Average Age: 58 years
  7. 7
    0
    points

    Federal Judge

    Becoming a federal judge requires a law degree, extensive experience in the legal field, and a nomination by the President, followed by Senate confirmation.
    • Appointment Process: Presidential nomination and Senate confirmation
  8. 8
    0
    points
    Professional Athlete

    Professional Athlete

    Becoming a professional athlete requires exceptional talent, years of training, and the physical and mental ability to compete at the highest levels.
    • Average Career Length: 3-5 years
  9. 9
    0
    points
    United Nations Diplomat

    United Nations Diplomat

    Becoming a UN diplomat involves a competitive selection process, fluency in multiple languages, and extensive knowledge of international relations.
    • Required Languages: At least 2
  10. 10
    0
    points
    Fashion Designer

    Fashion Designer

    Making it as a fashion designer requires a combination of creative talent, technical skill, and the ability to stand out in a highly competitive industry.
    • Key Skill: Creativity and innovation

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult job to get into. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or job is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 7316 views
  • 125 votes
  • 10 ranked items

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Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each job once every 24 hours. The rank of each job is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More about the Most Difficult Job to Get into

Neurosurgeon
Rank #1 for the most difficult job to get into: Neurosurgeon (Source)
Certain jobs stand out as the most difficult to get into. These roles often require a mix of talent, education, and perseverance. They demand a high level of skill and dedication. Many people aspire to these positions, but few succeed.

The journey begins with education. Top schools offer programs that prepare students for these roles. Admission to these schools is competitive. High grades and test scores are essential. Extracurricular activities also play a role. Students must show they are well-rounded.

Once admitted, the real work begins. The curriculum is tough. Students face long hours of study and practice. They must master complex subjects. Professors push them to excel. Only the best can keep up with the pace.

Internships and work experience are crucial. Students seek positions at leading firms. These internships are hard to get. They involve rigorous selection processes. Candidates must show they can handle real-world challenges. They work under pressure and meet high standards.

Networking is another key element. Connections help open doors. Students attend events and join clubs. They seek mentors who can guide them. Building a network takes time and effort. It involves meeting the right people and making a good impression.

After graduation, the job hunt begins. The competition is fierce. Many apply, but few are chosen. The selection process is intense. It includes multiple rounds of interviews. Candidates face technical tests and problem-solving tasks. They must demonstrate their skills and knowledge.

Experience counts. Entry-level positions often require prior experience. This creates a paradox. New graduates need experience to get a job, but they need a job to gain experience. Some take on unpaid internships to build their resumes.

The work itself is demanding. These roles involve long hours and high stress. Professionals must stay updated with the latest developments. They often work in fast-paced environments. Mistakes can have serious consequences. There is little room for error.

Success in these roles brings rewards. The pay is high. The prestige is significant. Professionals in these fields are respected. They have opportunities for growth and advancement. They can make a real impact in their industry.

However, the path is not for everyone. It requires sacrifice and commitment. Many start the journey, but not all reach the end. Those who do often look back with pride. They know they have achieved something special.

In summary, the most difficult jobs to get into require a mix of education, experience, and networking. The path is long and challenging. It demands dedication and hard work. But for those who succeed, the rewards are worth the effort.

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