19 Strange Jobs For Barbie: From Mountie to Mars Explorer

Did you know Barbie has worked more strange jobs than most people have in ten lifetimes? Since her debut in 1959, this iconic doll has explored over 200 careers, from everyday roles to wild adventures.

This article will show you 19 of Barbie’s most surprising jobs, including her time as a Canadian Mountie and even a Mars Explorer. Get ready to discover how Barbie broke career barriers, one plastic ceiling at a time.

Barbie’s First Job

Barbie’s career journey started right after her debut as America’s favorite doll. She stepped into the working world as a Fashion Designer in 1960. This first job set the stage for her amazing six-decade career path.

Ruth Handler made sure Barbie showed girls they could be anything they wanted.

The fashion designer role fit perfectly with Barbie’s style-savvy image. She rocked tiny scissors, fabric swatches, and a sketchbook. Her workspace came complete with a sewing machine and mannequin.

This job kicked off Barbie’s long list of careers, proving she could mix glamour with hard work.

Barbie’s Favorite Job

Moving from her first job to her most loved career path shows an amazing journey. Teaching stands out as the role closest to her plastic heart. She loves to shape young minds and inspire dreams in her students.

The pink-clad icon takes special pride in showing kids they can become anything they want.

Her passion for education mixes well with her work in arts and entertainment. Stats show these fields make up most of her career choices since 1959. She stepped into roles like Olympic Skier in 1975 and President in 2000, but teaching remains her true calling.

Kids light up when they see their favorite doll leading a classroom, making this job extra special in her long list of careers.

Strange Jobs Barbie Has Had

Barbie has rocked some wild career paths, from chasing bad guys as a Canadian Mountie to exploring the red surface of Mars – stick around to discover her most jaw-dropping jobs!

Canadian Mountie

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police got a tiny new recruit in 2013. Mattel created a special Canadian Mountie Barbie, dressed in the iconic red serge uniform. She stood proud in her scarlet tunic, complete with a wide-brimmed Stetson hat and tall brown riding boots.

This special edition doll paid tribute to the brave officers who serve Canada. The Mountie uniform matched real RCMP standards down to the tiniest details. Her outfit included the famous Sam Browne belt and gold-colored buttons that sparkle against the red fabric.

The doll showed young girls they could dream of joining Canada’s most famous police force.

Chicken Farmer

Barbie surprised fans by becoming a chicken farmer in 2019. She rocked her farm-chic outfit while tending to her feathered friends and collecting fresh eggs daily. Her plastic boots got muddy, but she didn’t mind getting her hands dirty for this down-to-earth role.

This career choice showed kids that farming plays a vital part in our food supply.

Farming isn’t just about getting dirty – it’s about feeding the world! – Barbie, 2019

In 2022, Barbie expanded her farming skills by setting up a farmers market stall. She sold fresh eggs, veggies, and taught kids about where their food comes from. Her bright smile and can-do attitude made farming look cool and fun.

Next up on Barbie’s wild career journey: she tried her hand at being a cat burglar!

Cat Burglar

Cat Burglar Barbie hit store shelves in 2009, turning heads with her sleek black outfit and red-soled Christian Louboutin heels. She sported a tight black catsuit, perfect for sneaking around in style.

The doll came with tiny replicas of Louboutin’s famous shoes, making fashion fans go wild.

This fancy thief version of our favorite doll showed off a bold career choice that mixed danger with glamour. Next up on our list of strange jobs takes us from stealing jewels to serving burgers at McDonald’s.

Let’s see how Barbie handled working at the golden arches.

Showgirl

After trying her hand at sneaky heists, Barbie sparkled in the bright lights of Las Vegas as a showgirl. She traded her black cat suit for sequins and feathers in this glitzy career move.

The showgirl Barbie dazzled audiences with her perfect high kicks and graceful dance moves on stage.

This glamorous role put Barbie in the spotlight of entertainment, complete with a stunning costume and sky-high headdress. She joined the ranks of famous Las Vegas performers while adding another exciting job to her vast career list.

The position showed off her dance skills and proved that Barbie could shine in any role, from stealth to stage presence.

NASCAR Driver

Barbie zoomed into the racing world as a NASCAR driver in 1998. She rocked a bright pink racing suit and sat behind the wheel of her custom-designed stock car. Her racing career showed girls everywhere that speed and skill know no gender.

The doll came with authentic NASCAR gear and a mini trophy to celebrate her victories on the track.

Barbie didn’t stop at NASCAR. She also took on Formula One racing, breaking barriers in male-dominated motorsports. Her racing outfits matched real driver uniforms, complete with sponsor logos and safety equipment.

Racing isn’t just for the boys – Barbie proved that by hitting speeds of over 200 mph on the NASCAR circuit!

The racing Barbie dolls taught kids about speed, safety, and the thrill of competition at the racetrack.

Presidential Candidate

From racing cars to running for office, this doll broke new ground in politics. She first stepped into politics as a presidential candidate in 1992. The campaign trail saw major changes through the years.

In 2016, she made history with an all-female ticket on her campaign team. Her political journey reached another milestone in 2020 with an African American nominee joining the race.

The presidential line showed girls they could aim for the highest office in America. Each campaign came with real mini-voting booths and campaign buttons. Young fans could learn about elections through play.

The dolls wore power suits and carried briefcases filled with tiny campaign materials. These toys taught kids about leadership and civic duty in a fun way.

Paleontologist

After running for office, Barbie traded her campaign buttons for a different kind of badge. She picked up her brush and shovel to become a paleontologist in 1996. The Smithsonian Institute teamed up with Mattel to create this science-loving Barbie.

She came dressed in khaki shorts and a matching vest, ready to dig up dinosaur bones.

Barbie’s passion for fossils got a fresh update in 2019. This modern paleontologist Barbie sports new gear and tools for her digs. She shows girls that science careers are cool and exciting.

Her job proves that anyone can follow their dreams of studying ancient life on Earth.

Rapper

Barbie dropped some sick beats in 1991 with her Rappin’ Rockin’ set. She rocked the mic with style, sporting neon clothes and a working boombox that played real music. This wasn’t just any toy – kids could actually press buttons and hear tunes blast through their very own mini stereo system.

Barbie’s not just a doll, she’s a whole vibe with that boombox! – Carol Spencer, Barbie designer

The rap career marked a bold move for Mattel’s favorite fashionista. She traded her usual glamorous gowns for hip-hop gear and proved she could hang with the coolest cats in the music scene.

The set flew off store shelves as girls everywhere wanted to mix their own beats with Barbie. Her rap game showed kids they could break into any field they dreamed about – even if it meant stepping out of their comfort zone.

UNICEF Ambassador

From dropping beats to helping kids worldwide, this plastic icon took a meaningful turn. UNICEF picked her as their ambassador in 1989, following the footsteps of the amazing Audrey Hepburn.

The move showed kids that even dolls could stand up for good causes.

Her role as UNICEF Ambassador made waves across playrooms and real-world charity work. She rocked special outfits that sparked talks about helping others. Kids learned about global issues through their favorite doll.

The partnership proved that toys could teach more than just fashion and fun.

US Air Force Thunderbird Squad Member

After serving as a UNICEF Ambassador, Barbie soared to new heights in her military career. She broke barriers as a United States Air Force Thunderbird pilot, joining an elite squad of skilled aviators.

The Thunderbirds represent the best of American air power and precision flying skills.

Barbie rocked her flight suit while mastering complex aerial maneuvers in her F-16 Fighting Falcon. She inspired young girls to pursue careers in aviation and showed that women belong in the cockpit.

Her role as a Thunderbird pilot proved that the sky holds no limits for ambitious women who dream of flying. The Air Force welcomed her dedication to excellence and team spirit during air shows across America.

Sea World Trainer

Barbie made waves as a SeaWorld trainer in 2009, sporting a blue wetsuit and ready to work with marine mammals. She came with all the tools needed to care for dolphins and other sea creatures, teaching kids about marine life conservation.

The doll showed girls they could pursue careers working with amazing ocean animals.

By 2010, Mattel expanded Barbie’s animal care role beyond just marine life. She became a general animal trainer, working with all kinds of creatures from dolphins to tigers. This career choice fit perfectly with Barbie’s love of animals and her goal to inspire kids to care about wildlife protection.

McDonald’s Cashier

In 1982, a new career path opened up for our favorite plastic fashionista – the McDonald’s Cashier. The fast-food job came with a complete drive-thru play set, inspiring kids everywhere to take orders and serve happy meals.

Just like real McDonald’s characters, this toy version brought the fast-food experience home. The set featured a working speaker system by 1994, letting kids practice their best “Would you like fries with that?” pitch.

My sister’s Cashier Barbie set was a childhood favorite. The tiny cash register made real beeping sounds, and the miniature food items looked good enough to eat. The uniform matched the real McDonald’s style perfectly, right down to the name tag and cap.

Kids could role-play taking orders, counting change, and serving make-believe customers for hours on end.

Mars Explorer

From serving Big Macs to exploring the Red Planet, Barbie’s career path shows no limits. Mattel created Mars Explorer Barbie to spark girls’ interest in space science. She sports a pink and white spacesuit with oxygen tanks and boots, ready for Mars’ rocky surface.

Space exploration needs more women, and Mars Explorer Barbie leads the charge. She carries tools for collecting space rocks and taking soil samples. Her helmet features a pink tint that matches her style while protecting her from Mars’ harsh environment.

This career choice puts Barbie right at the front of STEM fields, showing girls they can reach for the stars – literally.

Computer Engineer

Barbie broke into tech as a Computer Engineer in 2010, sporting pink-rimmed glasses and carrying a sparkly laptop. She rocked a binary code t-shirt and showed girls they could crack computer code just like her.

This career choice made waves because only a small number of women worked in tech jobs back then.

Her computer skills went beyond just typing emails. She created games, fixed bugs, and taught other dolls about computer safety. Barbie’s tech-savvy role helped challenge old ideas about who belongs in STEM fields.

She proved that girls could excel at both fashion and programming, making science look cool and fun for a new generation.

Registered Nurse in Operating Room

Moving from coding to caring, nursing became a natural next step for our favorite doll. The operating room saw its first nurse Barbie in 1961, dressed in crisp white scrubs and ready to help patients.

She stood proud in the OR, armed with tiny medical tools and a caring smile. Her role showed girls that medical careers were within reach.

The nursing Barbie sparked a medical career path that grew bigger through the years. By 1973, she stepped up to become a surgeon, breaking glass ceilings in the toy medical world. Her scrubs changed from white to blue, and her toolkit expanded to match real OR equipment.

This career choice proved popular with kids who dreamed of helping others get better.

Pan Am Flight Attendant

Barbie soared into the friendly skies as a Pan Am flight attendant in 1961. She rocked the iconic blue uniform and carried herself with grace at 30,000 feet. Pan Am stood as the most glamorous airline of its time, making Barbie’s role extra special.

The doll showed girls they could travel the world while building a career in aviation.

Her cabin crew duties included serving meals, helping passengers, and keeping everyone safe. The stewardess Barbie came with a neat travel bag and a smart-looking uniform that matched real Pan Am flight attendants.

Many girls played with this Barbie and dreamed of jetting off to Paris or Rome. The doll proved that women could have exciting jobs in the sky, breaking old ideas about what girls could do for work.

US Army Officer

In 1989, the US Army welcomed a new officer to its ranks – a plastic pioneer who broke barriers in the toy world. The military Barbie sported a crisp green uniform, complete with official patches and a matching cap.

She stood tall as a symbol of strength for girls who dreamed of serving their country.

The Army Officer doll showed young girls they could lead troops and command respect in the military. She came with a detailed set of gear that matched real army standards. This role marked a bold step for the toy company, as it pushed past traditional career choices into more powerful positions.

The uniform’s attention to detail made it clear – this wasn’t just another fashion statement, but a serious nod to military service.

Olympic Swimmer

Barbie made waves as an Olympic swimmer in 1975, sporting a sleek red swimsuit and ready to compete for gold. She showed girls everywhere that they could excel in sports at the highest level.

Her Olympic swimmer role came with cool accessories like a towel, swim cap, and even a tiny gold medal.

Mattel created this sporty Barbie to inspire young girls to chase their athletic dreams. She joined other Olympic athlete Barbies who tackled sports like skiing and gymnastics. The doll’s swimming career matched real-life female athletes who broke records in pools across the globe.

Girls could swim with their Olympic swimmer Barbie and imagine standing on that winner’s podium.

Rockstar

Barbie and The Rockers burst onto the music scene in 1986, bringing pink guitars and glittery outfits to toy boxes everywhere. The doll rocked stages with her plastic band members, complete with wild hairstyles and sparkly costumes.

Her music career took off like a rocket, selling countless dolls and accessories to fans who dreamed of being rock stars too.

The plastic superstar didn’t stop at rock music. In 1991, she switched things up and became a rapper with the Rappin’ Rockin’ set. This bold move showed girls they could try different music styles and be anything they wanted.

She sang, danced, and played instruments while sporting cool outfits that matched each musical style.

What Was Barbie’s Job at the End of the Movie?

President Barbie made a smart choice at the end of the movie. She picked Weird Barbie to run waste management in Barbieland. This job might sound odd, but it keeps their perfect world clean and tidy.

The role fits Weird Barbie’s quirky personality like a glove.

Weird Barbie stepped into her new role with lots of energy. She tackled trash problems head-on and kept the streets spotless. Her leadership skills shined through as she managed her team.

The waste management job turned out to be a perfect match for her out-of-the-box thinking style.

Barbie’s Parents’ Jobs

Barbie’s parents had some pretty wild jobs in her universe, and you’ll be amazed to learn what they did for a living – just like how Elliot Handler, one of Mattel’s founders, shaped the toy industry.

Barbie’s Dad’s Job

George Roberts worked as a toy inventor at Mattel, creating magic for kids worldwide. His job sparked many ideas for his daughter’s career choices, from computer engineer to Mars explorer.

The creative spirit ran deep in their family, much like the real-life toy genius Jack Ryan, who helped shape early Barbie designs.

Next up, let’s peek into what kept Barbie’s mom busy at work…

Barbie’s Mom’s Job

Just like Barbie, her mom blazes trails in many careers. She moves smoothly between roles as an actor, artist, dancer, dentist, and doctor. Her jobs show other moms they can chase big dreams too.

Barbie’s mom stands out as a role model in the Malibu dream house. She proves women can switch careers and excel in different fields. Her work as both a dentist and doctor matches the growing number of women in medicine.

Like Lisa vs. Malibu Stacy pointed out, dolls can inspire real change. Through her many jobs, Barbie’s mom teaches girls they can be anything they want.

Jobs Barbie Has Not Done

Barbie has tried many careers since her debut in 1959. She still hasn’t explored some big job fields, and here’s what she hasn’t done yet:

• Business Executive – Despite her success in retail with the toy store, Barbie hasn’t stepped into corporate leadership or Wall Street trading floors
• Social Worker – Though she loves helping others like her friend Midge, Barbie hasn’t worked in community services or counseling
• Plumber – While she’s fixed computers as a computer engineer, Barbie hasn’t tackled household repairs or maintenance work
• Food Critic – She worked at McDonald’s, but hasn’t reviewed fancy restaurants or written about food
• Professional Gamer – Even with her tech knowledge, Barbie hasn’t streamed video games or joined esports teams
• Tattoo Artist – Though she’s creative and artistic, Barbie hasn’t inked any permanent body art
• Stand-up Comedian – Despite her bubbly personality, she hasn’t performed comedy on stage
• Funeral Director – Barbie hasn’t worked in end-of-life services or grief counseling
• Building Inspector – She hasn’t checked construction sites or approved building permits
• Tax Accountant – Money matters and tax forms aren’t in her career history yet
• Librarian – Though she loves books, she hasn’t worked in library services
• Professional Food Taster – She hasn’t tested new food products or flavors for companies
• Beekeeper – Unlike her outdoor jobs, she hasn’t worked with honey bees

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