My Future
Career Interests
Two fields that inspire me — with the education required to get there and the reasons why I'm driven to pursue them.
Software Developer
Career Cluster: Information TechnologyAvg. Salary
$110,000+ avg.
Job Outlook
25% growth (2022–2032)
A modern software development workspace — the type of environment I aspire to work in.
Why I'm Interested
I've always been fascinated by how technology shapes the world — from the apps we use every day to the systems that run hospitals and banks. Programming gives me the ability to turn an idea into something real and functional. I started learning Python through our CS Club and was instantly hooked by the process of solving problems through code. Software development also offers incredible flexibility: you can work for a tech giant, a startup, or even build your own product. The field is constantly evolving, which means there is always something new to learn.
Required Education & Training
- Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering (4 years)
- Associate Degree or Coding Bootcamp (2-year alternative path)
- Recommended: AP Computer Science, Calculus, and Statistics in high school
- Certifications: AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure
Marketing Manager
Career Cluster: Business Management & AdministrationAvg. Salary
$135,000+ avg.
Job Outlook
10% growth (2022–2032)
A collaborative marketing team environment that reflects the type of work culture I'm drawn to.
Why I'm Interested
Marketing is where creativity meets strategy, and that combination excites me. I love the challenge of understanding an audience, crafting a compelling message, and measuring whether it actually worked. My experience running our school's social media for an event taught me how powerful effective communication can be. Marketing managers lead campaigns that can genuinely change how people feel about a brand or product. The rise of digital marketing also means this field blends data and storytelling — which plays right into my strengths in both analysis and communication.
Required Education & Training
- Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or Communications (4 years)
- Minor or coursework in Data Analytics or Digital Marketing recommended
- Recommended: Business, Economics, and Communications classes in high school
- Certifications: Google Analytics, HubSpot Content Marketing, Meta Blueprint
Featured Video
How to Find Work You Love
This TED Talk by Scott Dinsmore challenged me to think differently about career choices. Dinsmore argues that the best career path isn't the one others expect you to follow — it's the one built around your own strengths, values, and the impact you want to have on the world.
His message resonates with me because it reinforces why I'm pursuing fields I'm genuinely passionate about — technology and business — rather than simply choosing whatever is most popular or highest paying.
“How to Find Work You Love” — Scott Dinsmore, TEDx San Francisco (14 million+ views)