Each profession is a field of activity that helps people contribute to the economy and the needs of society. If you were suddenly asked about your profession in English, how would you answer? Do you know the vocabulary to describe the job you are doing? If not, let's learn with IDP about career vocabulary, grammar and idioms to help you easily score high in this topic.
1. Career Vocabulary by Professional Field
Below are advanced vocabulary lists across various job sectors to help you score well in IELTS Speaking and Writing. Each term includes a sample sentence for easier memorization.
1.1 Law and Security Professions
Word or Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Bodyguard | personal security | I work as a bodyguard. |
Judge | courtroom official | I am in no position to judge. |
Forensic scientist | crime scene investigator | A forensic scientist presented charts in court. |
Barrister | courtroom lawyer | She chose to train as a barrister. |
Security officer | guard | A security officer shot the suspect during arrest. |
Solicitor | legal advisor | Her solicitor advised she take legal action. |
Detective | investigator | I hired a private detective to solve the case. |
Lawyer | legal professional | I hope you have a good lawyer. |
1.2 IT and Cybersecurity Careers
Word or Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Programmer | coding specialist | Bob is a software programmer. |
Web developer | website creator | She is a web developer for a tech company. |
Database administrator | data manager | The database administrator optimized the tables. |
Software engineer | application developer | The software engineer led the product team. |
UX designer | user experience designer | A UX designer focuses on user journey. |
Systems analyst | system evaluator | As a systems analyst, I bridge tech and business needs. |
IT security specialist | cybersecurity expert | He protects networks from cyber threats. |
IT business analyst | requirements analyst | The business analyst mapped client needs. |
1.3 Finance and Business Roles
Word or Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Accountant | financial record keeper | I work as an accountant. |
Actuary | risk analyst | He works as an insurance actuary. |
Investment analyst | market researcher | She is an investment analyst at a bank. |
Financial adviser | money consultant | She meets her independent financial adviser weekly. |
Management consultant | advisory professional | He spent four years as a management consultant. |
Businessman | entrepreneur | A Malaysian businessman invested in start-ups. |
Customer service representative | support agent | The CSR resolved my query promptly. |
Advertising executive | marketing manager | The ad executive earned praise for creativity. |
Economist | financial analyst | He is an experienced economist. |
Telephonist | call operator | The telephonist handled all incoming calls. |
1.4 Health and Medical Jobs
Word or Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Doctor | medical practitioner | I advised him to see a doctor. |
Physiotherapist | physical therapist | The physiotherapist helped her recovery. |
Pharmacist | medicine specialist | She trained to become a pharmacist. |
Veterinary surgeon | animal doctor | The veterinary surgeon treated their pets. |
Midwife | birth assistant | The midwife welcomed the newborn. |
Surgeon | operation specialist | The surgeon performed a successful procedure. |
Social worker | community helper | A social worker joined the shelter team. |
Vet | veterinarian | Call the vet if the dog is unwell. |
Dentist | dental care provider | He is training to be a dentist. |
Orthoptist | eye movement specialist | She works as an orthoptist at an eye hospital. |
1.5 Science and Research Roles
Word or Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Biologist | life scientist | My brother works as a biologist. |
Physicist | physics expert | A physicist researched heat effects. |
Meteorologist | weather forecaster | The meteorologist predicted rain tonight. |
Astronomer | space researcher | The astronomer discovered a new star. |
Psychiatrist | mental health doctor | He is a prominent psychiatrist. |
Botanist | plant scientist | She collects rare plants as a botanist. |
Lab technician | lab support staff | The lab technician tested the sample. |
1.6 Administration and Management
Word or Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
HR manager | human resources leader | The HR manager led recruitment effort. |
Personal assistant | executive helper | The personal assistant arranges schedules. |
Project manager | project supervisor | The project manager oversees timelines. |
Recruitment consultant | hiring advisor | They work via a recruitment consultant. |
Receptionist | front desk staff | I asked the receptionist about a message. |
1.7 Hospitality and Tourism Careers
Word or Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Cook | kitchen worker | I enjoy being a good cook. |
Chef | head cook | He is training to become a chef. |
Bartender | drinks server | I paid the bartender before leaving. |
Waiter / Waitress | food service staff | The waitress served our meals politely. |
Hotel porter | luggage handler | The hotel porter carried our bags. |
Hotel manager | hotel supervisor | The hotel manager welcomed guests. |
Tourist guide | guided tour leader | Our tourist guide led the city tour. |
1.8 Arts and Media Professions
Word or Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Photographer | image creator | The photographer captured stunning shots. |
Model | fashion model | I worked as a fashion model for six months. |
Composer | music writer | Mozart is a legendary composer. |
Master of Ceremonies (MC) | event host | The MC introduced the guests. |
Graphic designer | visual artist | She is a talented graphic designer. |
Fashion designer | clothing creator | She is a celebrated fashion designer. |
Choreographer | dance arranger | The choreographer directed the performance. |
Playwright | playwright | He wrote several plays for the theatre. |
Film director | movie maker | She hopes to become a film director. |
Sculptor | artist in stone or metal | He plans to study as a sculptor. |
2. Useful Collocations for the Career Topic
Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
be called for an interview | receive interview invitation |
be your own boss | run your own business |
a heavy workload | large quantity of work |
a high‑powered job | an important executive role |
meet a deadline | finish within time limit |
be stuck behind a desk | feel trapped in office job |
be well paid | receive high salary |
leadership qualities | ability to lead others |
skeleton staff | minimum essential staff |
a stable monthly paycheck | predictable monthly income |
feel overworked and overwhelmed | struggle with workload |
today’s cut‑throat labor market | highly competitive job market |
face unemployment | deal with job loss |
fast‑track scheme | accelerated training program |
3. Common Idioms in the Job and Career Context
Idiom | Meaning |
|---|---|
get the sack | be dismissed from work |
cold‑call | approach strangers for business |
bring home the bacon | earn family income |
be snowed under (with) | overwhelmed with work |
sweat blood | work extremely hard |
learn the ropes | learn job basics |
movers and shakers | influential and proactive people |
practice makes perfect | repeated practice improves skills |
think outside the box | generate creative ideas |
How to Use This Vocabulary to Boost Your IELTS Score
Use collocations like “meet a deadline” or “skeleton staff” to show natural language use.
Add idioms such as “bring home the bacon” or “be snowed under” for conversational impact.
When describing your job or writing essays, mix formal and informal language naturally for a higher band score.
Practice making your own sentences using terms like programmer, human resources, public relations, management consultant, and multinational company to reinforce your learning.
Boost your IELTS preparation with IDP—access free resources, expert webinars, mock tests, and career-oriented language tips. Register today and start your journey to success!