Actor, Farmer, Geologist, and Police Officer Were Paths to Presidency. No two Presidents took the exact same path to the White House. Some of those paths were a bit more unusual than others! Here’s some of the most unusual jobs held by former Presidents and how the current nominees compare.
Yes, the President of the United States may be the Leader of the Free World, but the job requirements to become President are surprisingly minimal. In fact, the requirements to become President are less than most careers, according to a new report by CareerCast. Becoming President also doesn’t historically follow one set career or educational path, making it possible (though maybe unlikely) for anyone to become President. This has resulted in some unusual past jobs held by former Presidents, from Actors and Farmers to Community Managers and Police Officers.
If there was a written job description for President, it would be shorter than most entry-level positions.
Seeking President of the United States
We have a contract opening for President of the United States. This is a 4 year position that could extend an additional 4 years based on performance.
Qualifications:
- 35 years or older (yes, we are legally allowed to discriminate)
- Natural-Born Citizen (no immigrants, please)
- Must have lived in the US for 14 or more years
Plus:
- College Degree (There’s no college requirement and Harry S. Truman never earned a degree.)
According to Kyle Kensing, Online Content Editor, Careercast, Republican Donald Trump is a very unusual case for a major-party nominee, compared to Hillary Clinton’s former career as a lawyer. “The position also has no requirement for past employment, as the 2016 election makes clear with Republican nominee Donald Trump the first major-party candidate to gain notoriety through reality television.”
Past President’s that come from a former law career include John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and the current President, Barack Obama.
Clinton’s role as Secretary of State is also a common transition to the White House. James Madison, James Monroe, and John Quincy Adams were former Presidents that made that move.
Another great way to join rank of US Presidents? Military Service was in the background of the first President, George Washington, and including such noteworthy names as Theodore Roosevelt, Ulysses S. Grant and Dwight Eisenhower.
Every path to the White House is a bit unique, coming from a variety of careers and industries. Here is a list of interesting past careers of some former Presidents:
RONALD REAGAN — ACTOR
BARACK OBAMA — COMMUNITY MANAGER
GEORGE W. BUSH — CORPORATE EXECUTIVE
JIMMY CARTER — FARMER
HERBERT HOOVER — GEOLOGIST
WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT — JUDGE
THEODORE ROOSEVELT — POLICE OFFICER
HARRY TRUMAN — RETAIL MANAGER
LYNDON B. JOHNSON — TEACHER
WOODROW WILSON — UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR
At PROTECH, we’re focused on all things related to jobs. Have any comments or thoughts for future articles? Share in the comments below!
-Elizabeth Becker, Client Partner and Marketing Manager at IT Staffing Firm PROTECH. Looking for an engaging job or new technical hire? You can reach me at 561–953–8800 ext 227 or elizabethb@protechfl.com.
