So You Want The ‘Best Job in the World?’

Ever wonder what the best job in the world is? Likely, each job seeker will have a different definition, but Tourism Australia thinks it’s come up with six of the best jobs for a new competition aimed at boosting tourism as part of the working holiday visa program: Outback Adventurer, Park Ranger, Wildlife Caretaker, Lifestyle Photographer, Taste Master, and wait for it–Chief Funster.

The contest is aimed specifically at young travelers, with creative names and titles, and a video component of the application. Tourism brings in significant capital to Australia, and constituted approximately 5% of the country’s GDP in 2010. Appealing to a young, adventurous base with the “Best Jobs in the World” campaign helps increase tourism. Plus, the stipend for the new “employees” will likely be invested right back into the local economy. Even those job seekers who don’t win have just been subjected to viral marketing campaign in the name of their job search; a win-win for Australia.

For those job seekers interested in working abroad, working holiday visas are an excellent opportunity to try out an international lifestyle and boost your resume. Working holiday visas differ from other working visas in that they are designed to appeal to younger professionals who may be looking to work while on an extended holiday. If you’re just out of college, especially, or looking to take a gap year, a working holiday visa may be the answer to both the job question and the adventure question.

Be forewarned however, domestic job seekers in the States will have more limited options for working holidays than many international counterparts. The U.S. does not offer working holiday visas, and as such, many countries do not offer participation in their programs to Americans. The Australian contest is one such exception.

Job seekers looking for a working adventure should consider working holiday visas. While the options may be limited for American citizens, these visas offer the option of working abroad even after college, much in the same way study abroad allows students to explore new cultures and regions without permanently committing to a lifestyle change. If you think you’ve got what it takes for the best job ever, what are you waiting for? We know you have the video skills!

What do you make of this ‘Best Jobs in the World’ contest? We want to hear from you in the comments below!

IMAGE: Courtesy of Flickr by marc falardeau