Roman Catholic priests obtain experience in the seminary and by working as an assistant pastor after they are ordained.
Those interested in the priesthood should possess a strong religious faith, coupled with the belief that they have received a special call from God to serve and help others. All other interests and potential vocations should be considered secondary to this call. In addition to a strong desire for helping others, priests need to be able to communicate effectively and supervise others. They must have common sense, initiative, and self-confidence in order to be able to effectively oversee a parish or mission. They must also have compassion, humility, and integrity so as to be able to set an example for others. They must be open-minded and good listeners in order to successfully interact with and help those who seek their counsel.
A vow of celibacy is required, along with vows of poverty and obedience. Some orders take a special fourth vow, often related to their community, such as a vow of stability to stay in one place or a vow of silence.
- Active and Contemplative Religious Sisters and Brothers
- Archakas
- Buddhist Priests and Contemplatives
- Cantors
- Directors of Corporate Sponsorship
- Directors of Fund-Raising
- Directors of Volunteers
- Eastern Orthodox Priests
- Environmental Education Program Directors
- Environmental Lobbyists
- Fund-Raisers
- Grant Coordinators and Writers
- Historic Preservationists
- Imams
- Land Acquisition Professionals
- Land Trust or Preserve Managers
- Librarians
- Lobbyists
- Museum Attendants
- Museum Directors and Curators
- Museum Technicians
- Muslim Religious Scholars
- National Park Service Employees
- Nonprofit Social Service Directors
- Park Rangers
- Proposal Managers
- Protestant Ministers
- Public Interest Lawyers
- Public Opinion Researchers
- Public Relations Specialists
- Purohits
- Rabbis
- Social Workers
- Zoo and Aquarium Curators and Directors