BUSINESS CAREER FIELD
Looking at the world around you, it is easy to see how business powers day-to-day life. New technology companies, your favorite brand’s marketing department, and your go-to local restaurant all use business knowledge to help them be successful. If you’ve dreamed of owning your own business or being part of a team that launches a new product, a pathway* in the business career field could be for you. By starting with a business explorations course, you can use project-based learning to discover which pathway you are passionate about and pursue a career starting now.
Through the pathways in the business career field, you can:
- Explore the inner workings of how a business operates
- Learn the fundamentals of marketing, finance, and human resources
- Develop deeper understanding of business functions
- Prepare for management and leadership in the workplace
EXPLORE BUSINESS PATHWAYS
Learn the skills and concepts needed to excel in a modern workplace. Through these business career pathways*, you’ll gain a strong foundation of business principles so you can either jump into a specific career after high school or get ahead in planning your journey through college.
Accounting Pathway
Accounting is the backbone of every business, big or small. Discover what it means to manage finances for businesses and to play an important part in their financial success. This pathway is a great way to get a head start on becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or start a career in basic accounting.
- Explore how to help a business be financially successful
- Learn the basics of business finance and accounting
- Develop an understanding of the importance of business accounting
| 9TH GRADE |
10TH GRADE |
11TH GRADE |
12TH GRADE |
CERTIFICATIONS |
POTENTIAL JOBS |
|---|
Business and Marketing Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
|
Accounting 1
Accounting 2
|
Computer Literacy (PBL)
Microsoft Office 1 (PBL)†
|
Microsoft Office 2 (PBL–Spring 2020)† |
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
NOCTI Accounting–Basic
NOCTI Accounting–Advanced
Microsoft Office Specialist–Excel†
Microsoft Office Specialist–Word†
|
Accountant
Bill and Account Collector
Claims Adjuster
|
9TH GRADE
Business and Marketing Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
10TH GRADE
Accounting 1
Accounting 2
11TH GRADE
Computer Literacy (PBL)
Microsoft Office 1 (PBL)
12TH GRADE
Microsoft Office 2 (PBL–Spring 2020)
CERTIFICATIONS
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
NOCTI Accounting–Basic
NOCTI Accounting–Advanced
Microsoft Office Specialist–Excel
Microsoft Office Specialist–Word
POTENTIAL JOBS
Accountant
Bill and Account Collector
Claims Adjuster
Administrative Support Pathway
All organizations, not just businesses, require administrative support, making this a versatile career pathway. Gain the knowledge of how to efficiently manage tasks and communications so organizations can thrive.
- Explore career opportunities through administrative skills
- Develop the computer skills needed for administrative tasks
- Learn basic accounting to support businesses
| 9TH GRADE |
10TH GRADE |
11TH GRADE |
12TH GRADE |
CERTIFICATIONS |
POTENTIAL JOBS |
|---|
Business and Marketing Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
|
Accounting 1
Accounting 2
|
Computer Literacy (PBL)
Microsoft Office 1 (PBL)
|
Microsoft Office 2 (PBL–Spring 2020)
|
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
NOCTI Business Information Processing
A*S*K Fundamental Business Concepts
|
Administrative Assistant
Compensation and Benefits Analyst
Bookkeeping/Auditing Clerk
Paralegal
|
9TH GRADE
Business and Marketing Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
10TH GRADE
Accounting 1
Accounting 2
11TH GRADE
Computer Literacy (PBL)
Microsoft Office 1 (PBL)
12TH GRADE
Microsoft Office 2 (PBL–Spring 2020)
CERTIFICATIONS
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
NOCTI Business Information Processing
A*S*K Fundamental Business Concepts
POTENTIAL JOBS
Administrative Assistant
Compensation and Benefits Analyst
Bookkeeping/Auditing Clerk
Paralegal
Business Finance Pathway
Help business reach new heights with your analytical expertise through a career in business finance. This pathway guides you through courses that teach you the fundamentals of finance, accounting, and useful computer programs.
- Explore financial best practices for successful businesses
- Learn accounting skills and see how they relate to running a business
- Develop the computer skills needed to complete finance projects
| 9TH GRADE |
10TH GRADE |
11TH GRADE |
12TH GRADE |
CERTIFICATIONS |
POTENTIAL JOBS |
|---|
Business and Marketing Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
|
Accounting 1
Accounting 2
|
Computer Literacy (PBL)
Microsoft Office 1 (PBL)†
|
Microsoft Office 2 (PBL–Spring 2020)†
|
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
NOCTI Financial and Managerial Accounting
A*S*K Finance
Microsoft Office Specialist–Excel†
Microsoft Office Specialist–Word†
|
Administrative Services Manager
Bill and Account Collector
Benefits Specialist
|
9TH GRADE
Business and Marketing Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
10TH GRADE
Accounting 1
Accounting 2
11TH GRADE
Computer Literacy (PBL)
Microsoft Office 1 (PBL)
12TH GRADE
Microsoft Office 2 (PBL–Spring 2020)
CERTIFICATIONS
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
NOCTI Financial and Managerial Accounting
A*S*K Finance
Microsoft Office Specialist–Excel
Microsoft Office Specialist–Word
POTENTIAL JOBS
Administrative Services Manager
Bill and Account Collector
Benefits Specialist
Entrepreneurship Pathway
Is your dream to own a successful business? This pathway can help you get there. Learn the process of starting your own business—from drawing up financial plans to marketing your product.
- Explore what makes a business successful
- Learn how to promote your business and attract investors
- Discover what it takes to launch and grow your
own business
| 9TH GRADE |
10TH GRADE |
11TH GRADE |
12TH GRADE |
CERTIFICATIONS |
POTENTIAL JOBS |
|---|
Business and Marketing Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
|
Marketing 1 (PBL)
Marketing 2 (PBL–Spring 2020)
|
Computer Literacy (PBL)
Entrepreneurship 1 (PBL)
Entrepreneurship 2 (PBL)
|
Microsoft Office 1 (PBL)†
Microsoft Office 2 (PBL–Spring 2020)†
|
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
Certiport Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
Microsoft Office Specialist–Excel†
Microsoft Office Specialist–Word†
|
Business Operations Specialist
Insurance Sales Agent
Customer Service Representative
Small Business Owner
Marketing Manager
|
9TH GRADE
Business and Marketing Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
10TH GRADE
Marketing 1 (PBL)
Marketing 2 (PBL–Spring 2020)
11TH GRADE
Computer Literacy (PBL)
Entrepreneurship 1 (PBL)
Entrepreneurship 2 (PBL)
12TH GRADE
Microsoft Office 1 (PBL)
Microsoft Office 2 (PBL–Spring 2020)
CERTIFICATIONS
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
Certiport Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
Microsoft Office Specialist–Excel
Microsoft Office Specialist–Word
POTENTIAL JOBS
Business Operations Specialist
Insurance Sales Agent
Customer Service Representative
Small Business Owner
Marketing Manager
General Management Pathway
Learn to use your leadership skills to help businesses meet their goals in this pathway. Gain the knowledge of how to manage a team and how to help a business become more profitable and efficient. Courses include project-based learning to give you hands-on experience in developing skills for the 21st century—leadership, communication, teamwork, creative problem solving, and critical thinking skills.
- Understand how teamwork contributes to the success of businesses
- Develop leadership skills to build and manage productive teams
- Learn computer skills necessary to complete business goals
| 9TH GRADE |
10TH GRADE |
11TH GRADE |
12TH GRADE |
CERTIFICATIONS |
POTENTIAL JOBS |
|---|
Business and Marketing Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
|
Accounting 1
Accounting 2
|
Computer Literacy (PBL)
Microsoft Office 1 (PBL)†
|
Microsoft Office 2 (PBL–Spring 2020)†
|
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
NOCTI General Management
A*S*K Entrepreneurship/Management
Microsoft Office Specialist–Excel†
Microsoft Office Specialist–Word†
|
Real Estate Appraiser
Property Manager
Human Resources Manager
Public Relations Manager
Manufacturing Sales Representative
|
9TH GRADE
Business and Marketing Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
10TH GRADE
Accounting 1
Accounting 2
11TH GRADE
Computer Literacy (PBL)
Microsoft Office 1 (PBL)
12TH GRADE
Microsoft Office 2 (PBL–Spring 2020)
CERTIFICATIONS
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
NOCTI General Management
A*S*K Entrepreneurship/Management
Microsoft Office Specialist–Excel
Microsoft Office Specialist–Word
POTENTIAL JOBS
Real Estate Appraiser
Property Manager
Human Resources Manager
Public Relations Manager
Manufacturing Sales Representative
Hospitality: Food and Beverage Pathway
If food and travel are your passion, find out how to turn it into a career with this pathway. Explore the business side of hotels, restaurants, and food service. Gain the knowledge and skills needed to have a successful career in the hospitality industry.
- Explore food culture, history, and trends
- Build your knowledge of the responsibilities of running a restaurant
- Learn relevant computer skills needed to thrive
in hospitality
| 9TH GRADE |
10TH GRADE |
11TH GRADE |
12TH GRADE |
CERTIFICATIONS |
POTENTIAL JOBS |
|---|
Business and Marketing Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
|
Introduction to Culinary Arts
Introduction to Restaurant Management
|
Food Production 1 (PBL)
Marketing 1 (PBL)
|
Computer Literacy (PBL)
Microsoft Office 1 (PBL)
|
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
ServeSafe Food Handler
NOCTI Food and Beverage Services (Job Ready Exam)
NOCTI Restaurant, Food and Beverage Services (Pathways Exam)
|
Food Service Manager
Lodging Manager
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planner
|
9TH GRADE
Business and Marketing Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
10TH GRADE
Introduction to Culinary Arts
Introduction to Restaurant Management
11TH GRADE
Food Production 1 (PBL)
Marketing 1 (PBL)
12TH GRADE
Computer Literacy (PBL)
Microsoft Office 1 (PBL)
CERTIFICATIONS
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
ServeSafe Food Handler
NOCTI Food and Beverage Services (Job Ready Exam)
NOCTI Restaurant, Food and Beverage Services (Pathways Exam)
POTENTIAL JOBS
Food Service Manager
Lodging Manager
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planner
Marketing Communication Pathway
From social media to billboards, marketing is all around us. Learn how to apply and grow your creativity in this pathway. Courses in this pathway dive into the art and science of advertising and brand building for businesses.
- Explore the inner workings of successful ad campaigns
- Expand your knowledge with introductory
marketing courses
- Learn relevant computer skills needed for
marketing communications
| 9TH GRADE |
10TH GRADE |
11TH GRADE |
12TH GRADE |
CERTIFICATIONS |
POTENTIAL JOBS |
|---|
Business and Marketing Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
|
Marketing 1 (PBL)
Marketing 2 (PBL–Spring 2020)
|
Advertising and Sales Promotion
Computer Literacy (PBL)
|
Microsoft Office 1 (PBL)†
Microsoft Office 2 (PBL–Spring 2020)†
|
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
NOCTI Advertising and Design
A*S*K Fundamental Marketing Concepts
Microsoft Office Specialist–Excel†
Microsoft Office Specialist–Word†
|
Copywriter
Promotions Manager
Public Relations Manager
|
9TH GRADE
Business and Marketing Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
10TH GRADE
Marketing 1 (PBL)
Marketing 2 (PBL–Spring 2020)
11TH GRADE
Advertising and Sales Promotion
Computer Literacy (PBL)
12TH GRADE
Microsoft Office 1 (PBL)
Microsoft Office 2 (PBL–Spring 2020)
CERTIFICATIONS
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
NOCTI Advertising and Design
A*S*K Fundamental Marketing Concepts
Microsoft Office Specialist–Excel
Microsoft Office Specialist–Word
POTENTIAL JOBS
Copywriter
Promotions Manager
Public Relations Manager
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT††
CLAIMS ADJUSTERS, APPRAISERS, EXAMINERS, AND INVESTIGATORS
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT††
CLAIMS ADJUSTERS, APPRAISERS, EXAMINERS, AND INVESTIGATORS
These roles evaluate insurance claims and they often work outside the office, inspecting properties on which insurance claims have been made, such as damaged buildings and automobiles.
2019 Median Salary
|
$66,540 |
Projected New Jobs from 2019–2029
|
22,000 |
Job Growth Rate 2019–2029
|
-6% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
High school diploma or equivalent |
These roles evaluate insurance claims and they often work outside the office, inspecting properties on which insurance claims have been made, such as damaged buildings and automobiles.
2019 Median Salary
|
$66,540 |
Projected New Jobs from 2019–2029
|
22,000 |
Job Growth Rate 2019–2029
|
-6% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
High school diploma or equivalent |
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT††
COST ESTIMATORS
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT††
COST ESTIMATORS
The typical next career step for an Adjuster is to be a Cost Estimator. They collect and analyze data in order to estimate the time, money, materials, and labor required to make a product or provide a service. Cost estimators work mostly in offices, and some estimators also visit construction sites and factory assembly lines.
2019 Median Salary
|
$62,250 |
Projected New Jobs from 2019–2029
|
3,200 |
Job Growth Rate 2019–2029
|
-1% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Bachelor's degree |
The typical next career step for an Adjuster is to be a Cost Estimator. They collect and analyze data in order to estimate the time, money, materials, and labor required to make a product or provide a service. Cost estimators work mostly in offices, and some estimators also visit construction sites and factory assembly lines.
2019 Median Salary
|
$65,250 |
Projected New Jobs from 2019–2029
|
3,200 |
Job Growth Rate 2019–2029
|
-1% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Bachelor's degree |
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT††
BUDGET ANALYSTS
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
BUDGET ANALYSTS
Budget Analysts help public and private institutions organize their finances. Budget analysts work in government agencies, universities, and private companies.
2019 Median Salary
|
$76,540 |
Projected New Jobs from 2019–2029
|
1,900 |
Job Growth Rate 2019–2029
|
3% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Bachelor's degree |
Budget Analysts help public and private institutions organize their finances. Budget analysts work in government agencies, universities, and private companies.
2019 Median Salary
|
$76,540 |
Projected New Jobs from 2019–2029
|
1,900 |
Job Growth Rate 2019–2029
|
3% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Bachelor's degree |
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT††
MANAGEMENT ANALYSTS
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT††
MANAGEMENT ANALYSTS
Management analysts propose ways to improve an organization’s efficiency. Management analysts travel frequently to meet with clients.
2019 Median Salary
|
$85,260 |
Projected New Jobs from 2019–2029
|
93,800 |
Job Growth Rate 2019–2029
|
11% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Bachelor's degree. |
Management analysts propose ways to improve an organization’s efficiency. Management analysts travel frequently to meet with clients.
2019 Median Salary
|
$85,260 |
Projected New Jobs from 2019–2029
|
93,800 |
Job Growth Rate 2019–2029
|
11% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Bachelor's degree. |
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT††
FINANCIAL CLERKS
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT††
FINACIAL CLERKS
Financial clerks do administrative work, keep records, help customers, and carry out financial transactions. Financial clerks usually work in offices, including bank branches, medical practices, and government agencies.
2019 Median Salary
|
$40,540 |
Projected New Jobs from 2019–2029
|
3,500 |
Job Growth Rate 2019–2029
|
0% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
High school diploma or equivalent |
Financial clerks do administrative work, keep records, help customers, and carry out financial transactions. Financial clerks usually work in offices, including bank branches, medical practices, and government agencies.
2019 Median Salary
|
$40,540 |
Projected New Jobs from 2019–2029
|
3,500 |
Job Growth Rate 2019–2029
|
0% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
High school diploma or equivalent |
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT††
MARKET RESEARCH ANALYSTS
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT††
MARKET RESEARCH ANALYSTS
Market Research Analysts study market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. Because most industries use market research, these analysts are employed throughout the economy.
2019 Median Salary
|
$63,790 |
Projected New Jobs from 2019–2029
|
130,300 |
Job Growth Rate 2019–2029
|
18% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Bachelor's degree |
Market Research Analysts study market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. Because most industries use market research, these analysts are employed throughout the economy.
2019 Median Salary
|
$63,790 |
Projected New Jobs from 2019–2029
|
130,300 |
Job Growth Rate 2019–2029
|
18% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Bachelor's degree |
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT††
INSURANCE AGENTS
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT††
INSURANCE AGENTS
Insurance Sales Agents contact potential customers and sell one or more types of insurance. Most insurance sales agents work in offices, although some may spend time traveling to meet with clients. Some sales agents meet with clients during business hours and then spend evenings doing paperwork and preparing presentations to prospective clients.
2019 Median Salary
|
$50,940 |
Projected New Jobs from 2019–2029
|
27,500 |
Job Growth Rate 2019–2029
|
5% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
High school diploma or equivalent |
Insurance Sales Agents contact potential customers and sell one or more types of insurance. Most insurance sales agents work in offices, although some may spend time traveling to meet with clients. Some sales agents meet with clients during business hours and then spend evenings doing paperwork and preparing presentations to prospective clients.
2019 Median Salary
|
$50,940 |
Projected New Jobs from 2019–2029
|
27,500 |
Job Growth Rate 2019–2029
|
5% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
High school diploma or equivalent |
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT††
REAL ESTATE BROKERS AND SALES AGENTS
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT††
REAL ESTATE BROKERS AND SALES AGENTS
Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents help clients buy, sell, and rent properties. Most real estate brokers and sales agents are self-employed. Although they often work irregular hours, many are able to set their own schedules.
2019 Median Salary
|
$50,730 |
Projected New Jobs from 2019–2029
|
11,300 |
Job Growth Rate 2019–2029
|
2% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
High school diploma or equivalent |
Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents help clients buy, sell, and rent properties. Most real estate brokers and sales agents are self-employed. Although they often work irregular hours, many are able to set their own schedules.
2019 Median Salary
|
$50,730 |
Projected New Jobs from 2019–2029
|
11,300 |
Job Growth Rate 2019–2029
|
2% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
High school diploma or equivalent |
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT††
ACCOUNTANTS
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT††
ACCOUNTANTS
Accountants prepare and examine financial records. Most employers require a candidate to have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. Certification within a specific field of accounting improves job prospects. For example, many accountants become certified public accountants (CPAs).
2019 Median Salary
|
$71,550 |
Projected New Jobs from 2019–2029
|
61,700 |
Job Growth Rate 2019–2029
|
4% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Bachelor's degree |
Accountants prepare and examine financial records. Most employers require a candidate to have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. Certification within a specific field of accounting improves job prospects. For example, many accountants become certified public accountants (CPAs).
2019 Median Salary
|
$71,550 |
Projected New Jobs from 2019–2029
|
61,700 |
Job Growth Rate 2019–2029
|
4% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Bachelor's degree |
CONNECT WITH INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
Job shadowing is an opportunity to see how your lessons in the classroom apply to the real world.
START PLANNING FOR YOUR FUTURE, TODAY
Discover how you can transform your passions into success after graduation with the help of Destinations career counselors.
LEARN MORE ABOUT COURSE OFFERINGS IN THE OTHER CAREER FIELDS
LEARN MORE ABOUT COURSE OFFERINGS IN THE OTHER CAREER FIELDS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Curious about business careers or exploring education options?
Read some of the most common questions for your learner.
Do you need a college degree to be a marketing assistant?
Marketing assistant jobs vary in required degrees. Typically, employers prefer a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience for entry-level positions. Marketing assistants support marketing teams in their daily tasks of research, development, and content creation. Destinations students interested in marketing can begin learning these skills as early as their freshman year of high school with opportunities to intern, job shadow, and work on projects that prepare them for a future career in marketing.*
Do you need a degree to be an entrepreneur?
Many entrepreneurs do not have college degrees and often learn through experience. Students at Destinations have a unique opportunity to gain these experiences while completing their high school diploma. Through project-based learning, job shadowing, and internship opportunities,* Destinations students can begin their career before they graduate high school.
††Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Website last modified date: Wednesday, September 1, 2020. This job may require additional education and certifications once a student graduates from high school.
