India, Oct. 19 -- A career in law was once the goal for Victoria Madsen, but the 25-year-old US woman took a different route after a seasonal job at a ski resort opened up an unexpected opportunity. She left university to become a lift mechanic, a role she had no previous experience in. Now, Madsen says she earns more than most of her friends.

"I'm really proud of the job that I have," Madsen told Fortune. "I love telling people that I'm a mechanic."

Madsen, who has worked at Sundance Mountain Resort for around five years, was originally studying English at Utah Valley University with plans to become a lawyer. During her third year, she took a seasonal job at the resort. When the ski season ended, she was offered the opportunity to stay...