Career Pathways

In Aerospace careers, workers apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of aircraft, space vehicles and their systems; applied research on flight characteristics; and the development of systems and procedures for the launching, guidance and control of air and space vehicles.

Careers in Aerospace:
Quality Engineer, Aerospace Engineer, Structure Engineer, Operations Technician, Mechanical Engineering Technician

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Career Pathway focuses on supporting life by ensuring that we are responsibly managing our food production and natural resources. These areas supply us and many other countries with a wide variety of food products and non-food products, such as fibers, natural resources and nursery items. These fields contribute positively to our foreign trade balance, and they remain some of the nation’s larger industries in terms of total employment. This pathway focuses on preparing students for careers in the planning, implementing, producing, managing, processing and marketing of agricultural goods and services.

Careers in Agriculture:
Veterinarian, Food Scientist, Forester, Landscape Architect, Agricultural Inspector, Landscaper, Logging Equipment Operator

Houses, apartments, factories, roads and bridges are some products of Architecture and Construction. This industry’s activities include designing and building structures, including site preparation, as well as adding and modifying existing ones. The industry includes landscaping, maintenance, repair and improvements of structures. To offset rising energy costs, some companies opt for new buildings or energy efficient renovations. “Green construction” is increasingly popular and involves making buildings as environmentally friendly as possible by using recyclable and earth-friendly products. Construction offers career opportunities for people with different talents and educational backgrounds. Career opportunities include managers, clerical workers, accountants, engineers, truck drivers, trades workers and construction helpers. This pathway prepares students for careers in designing, planning, managing, building and maintaining built environments. People employed in architecture and construction work on new structures, restorations, additions, alterations and repairs.

Careers in Architecture & Construction:
Architect, Surveyor, Interior Designer, Drafter/Designer, Brickmason, Carpenter

Information, communication, technology and rapid change are leading forces in the 21st century. These fields combine artistic expression and individual style with in-depth understanding of today’s state-of-the- art technologies. Strong communication and presentation skills make these career choices rewarding and profitable. Flexibility and innovation are commodities of the times. In today’s creative economy, the arts provide training and service for a workforce driven by innovation and communication. This career pathway focuses on courses of study that develop collaborative skills, creative thinking and an appreciation for diversity. The creative sector includes activities of nonprofit cultural organizations, commercial enterprises and professionals engaged in the applied arts. This career pathway covers arts, communication and design avenues, including the performing arts, fine art, graphic art, design industries, the film and movie industry, broadcast journalism, corporate communications, social media and public relations.

Careers in Arts & Communications:
Art Curator, Film & Video Editor, Reporter, Art Teacher, Graphic Designer, Radio Announcer, Cosmetologist

Workers with the skill sets necessary for efficient Business Management and Administration operations fuel U.S. enterprises. Rewarding careers in this area of study can lead to a myriad of different companies and markets. Business Management and Administration professionals plan, direct, maintain and organize business operations for an organization. Business fundamentals serve as the foundation for all business pathways. Courses in business provide instruction in basic business skills and knowledge related to economic fundamentals, management, communications, finance, human relations, career development, ethics and business etiquette. This pathway prepares students for careers in planning, organizing, directing and evaluating business functions essential to efficient and productive business operations.

Careers in Business Management & Administration:
Chief Executive, Labor Relations Specialist, Human Resources Specialist, Administrative Assistant, Receptionist, Real Estate Manager

A vital part of everyone’s life, Education is the future of our economy. The amount and type of education that individuals receive is a major influence on both the jobs they are able to hold and their earnings. Lifelong learning is important in acquiring new knowledge and upgrading one’s skills, particularly in this age of rapid technological and economic change. This pathway focuses on preparing students for work in a variety of institutions that offer academic education, career and technical instruction, and other education and training to millions of students each year. This industry also includes institutions that provide training, consulting and other support services to schools and students, such as curriculum development, student exchanges and tutoring. Also included are schools or programs that offer non- academic or self-enrichment classes, including automobile driving and cooking instruction, among others.

Careers in Education & Training:
Audiologist, Librarian, Speech Language Pathologist, Principal. Training & Development Specialist

Each day of our lives is centered on Energy. Without energy, your morning would be very different—no alarm clock, hot water, hair dryer, stove, air conditioning, television or car. All of these appliances and devices depend on natural gas, electricity or oil. Challenges lie ahead about how we provide energy reliably in a growing world while minimizing negative impacts on the environment.

Careers in Energy:
Nuclear Engineer, Plant Operator, Maintenance & Repair, Instrument & Electrical Technician, Machinist

Almost everything you see was designed by engineers or designers before being constructed. High-rise buildings, bridges and spaceships require the expertise of architects, engineers and designers. If you are interested in being part of something like designing a condo on the beach, or designing a ship, airplane or electronic device, consider a career in engineering or design. A successful career in this high- tech field requires people who are willing to take risks and question learning in order to discover and uncover new possibilities. Positions are available in a wide variety of workplaces, including hospitals, government agencies, corporate research and development departments, forensic laboratories and scientific classrooms.

Careers in Engineering:
Industrial Engineer, Engineering Manager, Chemical Technician, Drafter, Polymer Scientist, Computer Systems Analyst

The Finance industry deals with the management, investment, transfer and lending of money. Every company utilizes money, and the finance area is responsible for the handling of those funds. The industry itself is very large, encompassing everything from small local businesses and banks to the multinational corporations and investment banks regularly featured in news headlines. The finance career pathway prepares students for careers in financial and investment planning, banking, insurance and business financial management. There are several fields of study in this pathway, including corporate finance, financial planning, investment banking, insurance and real estate.

Careers in Finance:
Accountant, Financial Advisor, Bookkeeping Clerk, Real Estate Broker, Claims Adjuster, Customer Service Representative

The field of Government and Public Administration provides ample opportunity to help one’s fellow citizens. These jobs are vital to ensure governmental services reach the American people. Many of these positions facilitate assistance to citizens and conduct activities that are critical to the function of American society. Employees in government or public administration careers work to keep our society running and functioning in ways that are nearly invisible to most people. For instance, some of these tasks include safeguarding national borders and supporting diplomatic missions, as well as planning urban developments, administering public programs and analyzing tax policies. This pathway includes careers in governance, national security, foreign service, planning, revenue and taxation, regulation and management and administration at the local, state and federal levels.

Careers in Government and Public Administration:
Urban & Regional Planner, Foreign Service Planner, County Administrator, Budget Analyst, City Parks & Recreation Director, Building Inspector

Healthcare is the fastest growing industry in the U.S. Technological advances have made new procedures and methods of diagnosis and treatment possible. Clinical developments, such as infection control, less invasive surgical techniques, advances in reproductive technology and gene therapy for cancer treatment, increase longevity and improve the quality of life for many people. Advances in information technology improve patient care and worker efficiency. Information on vital signs and orders for tests are transferred electronically, eliminating the need for paper and reducing record keeping errors. Healthcare students prepare for careers promoting health and wellness and diagnosing and treating injuries and diseases. Some careers involve working with people and others involve researching disease or collecting and formatting data and information. Settings include hospitals, medical offices, laboratories, communities, sports arenas or cruise ships.

Careers in Health Science:
Dentist, Physical Therapist, Pharmacist, X-Ray Technician, Phlebotomist, EMT or Paramedic, Nurse Assistant

As long as people have free time, they will pursue leisure activities. As leisure time and personal incomes grow across the nation, so will the hospitality industry. Leisure activities include theatrical activities, such as attending a cinema for a movie; going to a community theater for a play; enjoying gaming entertainment offered by casinos; or taking part in sporting activities, such as kayaking, tennis or surfing. Food services, restaurants and cocktail establishments are a widespread and familiar category within this industry. People travel for a variety of reasons, including vacations, business and visits to friends and relatives. Many travelers stay in hotels and seek accommodations while out of town. Resort and casino hotels offer activities to keep travelers and families occupied during their stay. This industry includes physical fitness facilities that feature exercise programs, gyms, health clubs and spas. This pathway introduces students to management, marketing and operation of restaurants, as well as lodging establishments and tourist attractions.

Careers in Hospitality & Tourism:
Golf Course General Manager, Front Desk Clerk, Cook, Gaming Services Worker, Banquet Server, Food Service Manager

The Human Services field relates to family and human needs. The work environment could vary from public schools to private child-care centers to personal households. At times, people need assistance to live full and productive lives. People need assistance finding a job, locating safe and adequate housing or getting nutritious food for their families. Human services help individuals and families become healthy and productive members of society. Assistance establishments provide services that include helping the homeless, counseling troubled individuals, training the unemployed and helping families obtain aid. Individuals in this industry work to improve the lives of the people they serve and to enrich communities. The services provided vary greatly, depending on the local population and its needs. This pathway prepares students for careers in social service agencies, community and civic organizations, child care and charities.

Careers in Human Services:
Family Therapist, Psychologist, Rehabilitation Counselor, Social Worker, Funeral Service Worker, Preschool Teacher, Cosmetologist, Fitness Trainer, Childcare Worker

Information Technology (IT) careers are available in every sector of the economy. IT manages the information and applications that office workers rely on to do their jobs. Careers in IT involve the design, development, support and management of hardware, software, multimedia and systems-integration services. The IT industry is a dynamic and entrepreneurial field continuing to have a revolutionary impact on the U.S. and world economies. IT specialists create products and set up and maintain systems. IT professionals focus on improving the usability and efficiency of technological systems and processes. Students in this pathway gain the basic foundation, skills and knowledge for computer networking, applications and support, along with an introduction to programming. Students develop skills to prepare for certification exams and learn to develop, support and integrate computing systems. They acquire network planning and management skills and the ability to provide technical support.

Careers in Information Technology:
Information Systems Manager, Software Developer, Network Administrator, Web Developer, Cable Installer, Broadcast & Sound Engineering Technician

The fields of Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security involve planning, managing and providing legal, public safety, protective and homeland security services and also include the professional and technical-support assistance of personnel within these fields. Careers in this field involve serving and/ or protecting our citizens. Law, public safety, corrections and security workers are found in a variety of settings. This pathway prepares students for careers in such areas as criminology, legal studies, forensics and psychology.

Careers in Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security:
Attorney, Forensic Science Technician, Firefighter, Police Officer, Correctional Officer, Paralegal & Legal Assistant

Manufacturing is one of the oldest industries in the technological world. Manufacturing industries are the chief wealth-producing sectors of an economy. Manufacturing employs a huge share of the labor force and produces materials required by sectors of strategic importance, such as national infrastructure and defense. This pathway includes careers that manufacture products, maintain production facilities and improve the production process.

Careers in Manufacturing:
Health & Safety Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Painter, Welder, Industrial Machiniery Mechanic

Students thinking about careers in Marine Science often picture themselves working with whales. However, within the marine science field, only a few scientists specialize in that area. Marine biologists study the behavior and ecology of plants and animals that live in the ocean and their roles in the marine food chain. Oceanographers study the geological, chemical and physical aspects of the ocean. Ocean engineering covers the work of building and designing instruments, equipment, vehicles and structures used in the marine environment.

Careers in Marine Science:
Marine Engineer & Naval Architect, Ocean Engineer, Biologist, Chemist, Oceanographer, Animal Trainer, Marine Technician

Advertisements in the newspaper, TV commercials, jingles on the radio, grocery store posters, bumper stickers, e-mail ads and Web sites are created as part of marketing campaigns to entice consumers to buy products. Marketing is the link between an organization and its target audience, which includes customers, clients, investors and partners. Marketers create, manage, enhance and sell products and services so that they reflect well on the company’s brand. A key part of a marketer’s job is to understand the needs, preferences and constraints that define the targeted consumers corresponding to the brand. This career pathway is a good fit for people who are creative or number-minded statisticians with the ability to communicate persuasively, to “think on their feet,” to use tact, to employ good judgment and to establish and maintain effective relationships with people at all levels within and outside the company.

Careers in Marketing:
Survey Researcher, Advertising Manager, Market Research Analyst, Public Relations Specialist, Graphic Designer, Retail Sales Worker

Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics (TDL) relates to how goods are moved from one place to another. As far as goods and services are concerned, our world is flat. TDL takes care of how we get Mississippi farm-raised catfish to Europe and how the latest Paris styles arrive in the United States. TDL industries need motivated people with new ideas to ensure the U.S. transportation system continues to work efficiently. This pathway includes the planning, management and movement of people, materials and products by road, air, rail and water. It also includes related professional and technical services, such as infrastructure planning and management, logistics and maintenance of equipment and facilities.

Careers in Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics:
Marine Engineer & Naval Architect, Logistrican, Air Traffic Controller, Railroad Worker, Flight Attendant, Commercial Pilot, Truck & Ship Loader