Find your future now

New research and expert opinion highlights how TV and streaming obsessions could be inspiring us to make different career choices

We’ve been working with Educational Psychologist Dr Kairen Cullen to explore how people can choose what to learn next and even unlock potential new career paths based on TV shows they love to watch.

Below, Dr Cullen explains why being drawn to some aspects of TV shows can highlight how individuals could excel in certain career paths, helping people who aren’t sure where to start to make a first step in switching careers.

Links between TV shows and careers

Shows like Sex Education have gained popularity due to how they approach topics like sex and gender and make them easier to talk about, according to 36% of those surveyed in the UK. Such themes are found in careers related to therapy and psychology, as well as on courses such as A Global History of Sex and Gender: Bodies and Power in the Modern World from the University of Glasgow.
Occasionally, the impact of your favourite TV shows is less obvious, as seen in the 20% of respondents who watch Killing Eve because it makes them want to travel the world. With FutureLearn’s Intro to Travel and Tourism course, you can make that dream a reality.
Around 68% of those surveyed enjoyed the fantasy setting of Game of Thrones. Here, we can see a potential link to more creative skills such as production. If you’re looking for a career in film production, our course Lights, Camera, Computer – Action! How Digital Technology is Transforming Film, TV, and Gaming can be the first step to moving into that field.

Further findings and inspiration

Most people who watched Doctor Who said they did so because it allowed them to see the world of science fiction and space exploration. If that sounds like you, Life on Mars might be the course to help you learn more.
Enjoying problem-solving was the reason most people watched Squid Game. Successful Negotiation could be interesting to explore.
Most people watched After Life because of how the show approaches grief. This could indicate a career path around counselling or therapy, and our course on Young People and Their Mental Health might be a good place to start.
Most people who watch Bridgerton said that it reminded them of classic novels, which is a time in history that they love. A course on William Wordsworth could be the first step towards a career in teaching.
People who watched The Queen’s Gambit said they did so because they liked watching how strategy can be used in everyday life. A course in developing conceptual thinking for problem-solving could be a great route into a business career.