BUSINESS
Pathways in this career field offer you a great way to learn about many different aspects of business. You can choose from a variety of pathways—General Management, Finance, Marketing, and Hospitality: Food and Beverage, to name a few.* Whether you plan to major in business in college or wish to enter the workforce after graduating high school, you'll find that courses in this career field can give you a valuable jump-start in realizing your dreams.
PATHWAYS OFFERED AND THEIR SAMPLE COURSE PROGRESSIONS
These samples show you what the journey might look like if you start a career pathway your freshman year. Your course progression will need to be accelerated if you start a career pathway your sophomore year or later.
Accounting Pathway
| 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
| 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
| 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
| 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
| 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
| 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
| 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, INVESTIGATORS
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
CLAIMS ADJUSTERS, APPRAISERS, EXAMINERS, 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.
2018 Median Salary
|
$65,670 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
346,000 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
-4% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
High school diploma + Industry certification* |
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.
2018 Median Salary
|
$65,670 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
346,000 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
-4% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
High school diploma + Industry certification* |
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.
2018 Median Salary
|
$64,040 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
18,700 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
9% |
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.
2018 Median Salary
|
$64,040 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
18,700 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
9% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Bachelor's degree |
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
BUDGET ANALYST
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
BUDGET ANALYST
Budget Analysts help public and private institutions organize their finances. Budget analysts work in government agencies, universities, and private companies.
2018 Median Salary
|
$76,220 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
2,400 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
4% |
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.
2018 Median Salary
|
$76,220 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
2,400 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
4% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Bachelor's degree |
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
MANAGEMENT ANALYST
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
MANAGEMENT ANALYST
Management analysts propose ways to improve an organization’s efficiency. Management analysts travel frequently to meet with clients.
2018 Median Salary
|
$83,610 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
118,300 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
14% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Bachelor's degree.The Certified Management Consultant (CMC) designation may improve job prospects. |
Management analysts propose ways to improve an organization’s efficiency. Management analysts travel frequently to meet with clients.
2018 Median Salary
|
$83,610 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
118,300 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
14% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Bachelor's degree. The Certified Management Consultant (CMC) designation may improve job prospects. |
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.
2018 Median Salary
|
$39,570 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
72,100 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
5% |
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.
2018 Median Salary
|
$39,570 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
72,100 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
5% |
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.
2018 Median Salary
|
$63,120 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
139,200 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
20% |
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.
2018 Median Salary
|
$63,120 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
139,200 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
20% |
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.
2018 Median Salary
|
$50,600 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
48,300 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
10% |
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.
2018 Median Salary
|
$50,600 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
48,300 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
10% |
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.
2018 Median Salary
|
$50,300 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
32,400 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
7% |
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.
2018 Median Salary
|
$50,300 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
32,400 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
7% |
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).
2018 Median Salary
|
$70,500 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
90,700 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
6% |
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).
2018 Median Salary
|
$70,500 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
90,700 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
6% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Bachelor's Degree |
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
COMMODITIES, AND FINANCIAL SERVICES SALES AGENTS
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
COMMODITIES, AND FINANCIAL SERVICES SALES AGENTS
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents connect buyers and sellers in financial markets. Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents work in high-stress environments and often work more than 40 hours per week.
2018 Median Salary
|
$64,120 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
18,500 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
4% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Bachelor's Degree |
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents connect buyers and sellers in financial markets. Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents work in high-stress environments and often work more than 40 hours per week.
2018 Median Salary
|
$64,120 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
18,500 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
4% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Bachelor's Degree |
Discover More About the Business Career Field
Connect with Industry Professionals
Hear from Students in Business PBL
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.
*Career fields and pathways vary by school. Check with your school for its current offerings.
**Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Website last modified date: Wednesday, September 4, 2019. This job may require additional education and certifications once a student graduates from high school.
