In all career paths, there are certain tools you will need to be the best at your job. We tend to think of those tools as things like a college education or communication skills. However, there are physical tools that you need to have on hand. The accountant needs the calculator and the teacher needs the whiteboard. There are tons of other tools for careers that you may not have considered and we are exploring those today. Grab a cup of java (or tea) and let’s think about careers and the right tools for the job.

The Security Needs Gear

Security guards are often provided with their uniform and tactical boots & footwear by the corporation they work for. On occasion, they will buy some of their own gear if they do freelance type of work for special events. We mostly recognize the security guard based on the uniform that they wear. For many settings, their uniform resembles a police officers uniform. For concerts, special event venues, and freelance work, the security guard may be wearing a bright neon coloured shirt with “security” emblazoned on the back. Depending on the type of security, they may require some gear. You generally won’t see a security guard with a gun but you will see some with the following items:

• Badge
• Defensive sprays
• Restraints
• Flashlights
• Holster
• Body armor
• Communication gear

Archaeologists Still Digging Around

Archaeologists may not be in the news nearly as often as in decades past, but it is still a thriving career to get excited about. Becoming an archaeologist does require that college education but it also requires the love of getting dirty. Since archaeologists sometimes work in a wide variety of environments, their tools can be very specific to a region or to a specific site. Everything they use is meant to preserve artefacts and record findings. Some tools include:

• Trowels
• Shovels
• Screens (for sifting through soil)
• Small handheld brooms
• Dustpans
• Line levels
• Cameras and video recorders
• Dental picks
• Computers
• Notebooks
• Spray bottles
• Gloves
• Protection from the sun

The Bike Courier

An unusual, yet interesting, job is the bike courier. Some couriers work for a service in a major metropolis and others freelance in bustling small cities. They may specialize in the delivery of takeout food to various hungry employees or delivering mail and packages to other locations in the city. They have to be fast and safe all at the same time. Naturally, they need a bike but what else would they need? Well, regardless of local or state law, they will need a helmet and other safety gear to keep them moving in the right direction. They keep their bodies safe from serious harm and they can keep their jobs. They also will need communication devices, such as a Bluetooth headset for their phone to stay in contact with clientele. If they work with a home base, they may opt for a walkie-talkie type system to keep in touch. They also need some way of carrying those packages, mail, or to-go boxes. Trailers, baskets, and messenger bags are all important tools to get their jobs done. Lastly, good riding gear (and even a uniform for a service) round out the must-haves. Nothing worse than spending all day riding a bike in jeans!

All jobs require some tools that help us achieve all of our daily goals. Sometimes they overlap and sometimes they are specialized. Whatever job you choose to do, always check on the tools and make sure you are using the items that help you be the most successful.