Explorer

A term as broad as it is vague. Sounds fancy though.

We are taught that the New World is being built by daring explorers who go out into the unknown to find new land for humanity to settle. At this stage, most kids are merely in awe. Some ask about famous explorers, or about the challenges they had to overcome. Almost no one thinks to ask who explorers even are. What makes an explorer - explorer?
The reality is that there are as many answers as there are people. Do all sailors count as explorers? Merchants? Settlers? What about hunters going into the forest for forage? Farmers reclaiming new farmland from the aforementioned forest? And then there is the distinction of explorers as way of life and explorers as representatives of nations' governments.

Career

Qualifications

For you see, anyone can call themselves an explorer. Some people would even take it seriously. But then you actually find new land, and what happens? Nobody recognises your claim to it, or even acknowledges its existence. Not until a "proper" explorer goes out there and checks everything. That is, if you even manage to convince one to do so.
What counts as a "proper" explorer depends on the nation. For the Kingdom of Eire, that means belonging to a Guild of Explorers. For the Ardenian Empire, the role is fulfilled by the Imperial Army Intelligence Service. Smaller nations are usually more relaxed about it, choosing to believe you or ignore an individual based on their personal merits and connections. In any case, the expectations are high given the cost of colonisation expeditions and frequent conflicts over newly discovered land.

Career Progression

Okay, let us say you were noticed by your nation and certified as official explorer for it. What happens next? In short, it depends. There are broadly speaking two career paths here: an independent explorer or one for hire. The line between the two can often be quite blurry, just as some explorers prefer long-term service to the same master to temporary contracts. Renowned explorers tend to have multiple different patrons at the same time, all the while undertaking expedititions of their own.
If hired for a set period of time you are usually paid a good wage, as compensation for your time and retainer for when your patron needs an explorer's assistance. However, the true rewards come from actually finding new land. If you were hired to lead an expedition, you get generous gifts for your success. If it is your expedition however... Great wealth can be gained from offering this information to the right people. Some explorers were even granted noble status for their discoveries.