CAREER PATHWAYS
Our school provides six different pathways to make it easier for students to understand the learning opportunities available to them and to make appropriate class choices.
A pathway is a selection of classes oriented to exposing students to information, training, and opportunities that will help a student become more proficient in a chosen area. Students will learn about different pathways during advisory sessions, by talking with pathways teachers, or by working with counselors or the career specialist. Olympia High School offers the following pathways:
Business Contact, Social Service, Business Operations, Science, Technical Arts
Students may select one or more pathways during their years at Olympia High School. Upon changing pathways, students should note the change in their High School and Beyond folder and check to be sure that appropriate progress toward graduation continues and that technical or college requirements continue to be met.
There are three different levels within each pathway:
Skilled Level
Students will experience a broad overview in a particular area and will bee prepared to enter the workforce after graduation.
Advanced Level
Students will complete courses that are more focused and detailed and will be prepared for enrollment in a community or technical college.
Professional Level
Students will take an academically challenging group of classes that prepare them to attend a four-year college or university immediately after high school graduation.
EDUCATION AFTER HIGH SCHOOL
Education and training are an important consideration in career choice. It is usually best to prepare for the highest level of education possible to keep future options open. In general, the higher the educational level, the greater the earning potential.
Post-Secondary Educational Options
On the Job Training
Some employers provide their own on-the-job training programs that may involve classroom instruction and close supervision at the workplace.
Apprenticeship
During apprenticeship, you work as a full-time paid employee of a company. You are paid a percentage of a fully qualified worker’s rate and receive regular increases. Apprenticeship programs are often affiliated with labor unions, contractor groups, or government agencies, and are licensed by the state. The employer or sponsor also pays for related classroom training at a vocational/technical school or a community college.
Military
The Armed Services provides vocational skills training to succeed in one of the many military occupations. Approximately 80% of the specialties have a civilian occupational counterpart.
Community and Technical College
Training at a community college can be limited to job related training (associate of technical arts) or include classes that will count toward a transferable degree to attend a four-year college (associate of arts, associate of science).
Colleges and University (Baccalaureate Degrees)
A bachelor’s degree can be pursued at both public and private four-year colleges and universities. This degree prepares graduates for entry-level positions (i.e. computer science, business administration) or a broad range of positions such as liberal arts or social sciences. Most degrees programs require two years of general education requirements and two years of study within a major.
Graduate and Professional Programs
Post-baccalaureate programs prepare graduates for employment in upper-level management, research, and higher education; and for professional degrees such as medicine, dentistry, library science, accounting, and law.
Arts Pathway
People in this pathway often:
· Like music, writing, entertainment, and/or art
· Like to express themselves creatively
· Like lifestyles that are different from those of many people
· Like to work with tools and objects and are interested in mechanical activities
· Enjoy exploring the use of languages
· Enjoy being independent
· Can easily come up with new ideas of ways of doing things
· Are imaginative and sensitive
~~~ Career Examples ~~~
Skilled: Merchandise displayer Magician Singer/Dancer Wedding Consultant Artist Floral Designer Photography process worker Proofreader |
Advanced: Graphic Designer Illustrator Interior Designer Photographer Choreographer Legal Assistant/Paralegal Radio/TV Announcer or Performer Stage Technician |
Professional: Archeologist Political Scientist Architect Artist Camera Operator Fashion Designer Orchestra Conductor Advertising Copywriter Technical Writer Librarian Editor/Writer |
~~~ Beneficial Courses ~~~
Art: Introductory and Advanced Visual Art Introductory and Advanced Art Design Beginning and Advanced Photography Beginning and Advanced Ceramics Advanced Studio Art Foreign Language: 2 or more years required for college admission Family and Consumer Education: Textile Design Advanced Textile Design Food and Nutrition English: English 9, 10, 11, 12 Honors and AP classes recommended Journalism Annual Advanced Studies in Theatre Drama Technical Theatre Training Health and Fitness Dancing Through the Decades Music: Any music class depending upon interest and skill level. Performance groups as able. |
Business: Introduction/Advanced Marketing Store Management Math: Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2 Continue in math as able Social Studies: World and US History, Senior Social Studies Honors and AP highly recommended Technology Education: Any technology course would beneficial NMVSC Culinary Arts Digi-Pen Computer Science Cosmetology Library, Multimedia, and Telecommunications Any course would be beneficial Science Human Biology/Sports Medicine Advanced Human Biology/Sports Medicine Principles of Technology |
Business Contact Pathway
People in this pathway often:
- Like to plan and direct activities of organizations
- Are organized, efficient, and comfortable doing detail work with numbers or words
- Are ambitious and achievement-oriented
- Prefer work that is structured with clear guidelines
- Find it easy to talk with new acquaintances
- Are good with communication verbally
- Like to persuade others to think the way they do
- Curious about new ideas
- Are able to work with machines
- Are computer-literate
~~~ Career Examples ~~~
Skilled: Barber Flight Attendant Guide Manicurist Sales Representative Sales Clerk Ski Patroller Travel Agent Umpire |
Advanced: Building Contractor Buyer or Purchasing Agent Chef Emergency Medical Technician Library Technical Assistant Interpreter Manager Park Ranger Real Estate Agent Sports Instructor Supervisor |
Professional: Business Manager Columnist/Commentator Fashion Coordinator Judge Lawyer Legislative Assistant Lobbyist Museum Director Music Therapist Newscaster Radio Station Manager Urban/Regional Manager |
~~~ Beneficial Courses ~~~
Business: Accounting Advanced Accounting Business Procedures Computer Skills Technical Communications Applied Business Technologies Introduction to Marketing Advanced Marketing Art: Beginning Art Family and Consumer Sciences: Teaching Academy/Careers in Education Math: 2 years required for graduation 3 years required for college admission |
English: English 9, 10, 11, 12 Foreign Language: 2 or more years required for college admission Science: Physical Science Biology Social Studies: World and US History, Senior Social Studies Honors and AP highly recommended |
Business Operations Pathways
People in this pathway often:
- Are disciplined and hard-working
- Are organized, efficient, and comfortable doing detail work with numbers of words
- Prefer work to be structured with clear guidelines
- Would rather take direction for a task than give directions to others
- Work in a systematic fashion
- Do not mind repeated tasks
- Have the ability to think logically and make decisions
- Are ambitious and achievement oriented
- Are able to work under pressure
- Have good communication and interpersonal skills
~~~ Career Examples ~~~
Skilled: Accounting Clerk Bank Teller Billing and Payroll Clerk Machine Operator Clerk Typist Computer Operator Food Checker Groundskeeper Library Assistant Medical Record Clerk Police Clerk Proofreader Receptionist |
Advanced: Audit Clerk Bookkeeper Escrow Officer Expediter Legal Secretary Polygraph Examiner Secretary Stock Transfer Clerk |
Professional: Accountant Auditor Budget Analyst Underwriter Air Traffic Controller Financial Analyst Cost Estimator Loan Officer |
~~~ Beneficial Courses ~~~
Business: Computer Skills Accounting Advanced Accounting Business Procedures Technical Communications Applied Business Technologies Introduction to Marketing Advanced Marketing Art: Introductory Visual Art Family and Consumer Sciences: Teaching Academy/Careers in Education Math: 2 years required for graduation 3 years required for college admission |
English: English 9, 10, 11, 12 Honors and AP Science: Physical Science Human Biology Social Studies: World and US History Senior Social Studies Honors and AP highly recommended Technology Education: Any technology course would beneficial Foreign Language: 2 or more years required for college admission |
Science Pathway
People in this pathway often:
- Think math and science are enjoyable
- Like solving puzzles and games
- Understand scientific principles
- Apply facts to solve problems
- Like developing solutions to scientific questions
- Are curious and creative
- Like working precisely and accurately
- Are interested in theory
- Like working with ideas and things
- Have the ability to apply math in formulas and word problems
~~~ Career Examples ~~~
Skilled: Surveyor assistant Textile technician Dialysis technician Ophthalmic lab technician Animal health technician Laboratory assistant Greenhouse worker Landscape assistant |
Advanced: Drafter Laser technician Printed circuit designer Land surveyor Surgical technician Technical writer Dental hygienist Radiation therapy technician Chemical technician |
Professional: Engineer: biomedical, electrical Physician and related specialties Respiratory therapist Veterinarian Marine biologist Zoologist Chemist Geneticist Nurse and related subspecialties |
~~~ Beneficial Courses ~~~
Science: Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics Human Biology Sports Medicine Advanced Human Anatomy Applied Microbiology Principles of Technology Material Science Art: Introductory Art Design Introductory Visual Art Beginning Photography Business: Accounting Business Procedures Family and Consumer Sciences: Food and Nutrition |
Foreign Language: 2 or more years required for college admission English: English 9, 10, 11, 12 AP English Social Studies: World and US History, Senior Social Studies Honors and AP highly recommended Technology Education Any technology course would be beneficial NMVSC: Advanced Computer Education Automotive Service Technology Collision Repair Technology Computer Pre-engineering Digi-Pen Computer Science Information System Technology Professional Medical Careers Pre-veterinary Technician |
Social Service Pathway
People in this pathway often:
- Have a concern for people and their problems and are empathetic and patient
- Get along well with others
- Enjoy helping others to learn new things
- Are friendly and good at explaining things
- Have strong verbal and writing skills
- Enjoy sharing ideas with others
- Like to provide services for others
- Are intuitive
~~~ Career Examples ~~~
Skilled: Border Guard Cosmetologist Daycare Worker Dental Assistant Disc Jockey Home Health Aid Mail Carrier Licensed Practical Nurse Orderly Respiratory Therapy aide |
Advanced: Athletic trainer Correction Officer Dental Hygienist Deaf Interpreter Medical Assistant Paralegal Assistant Probation/Parole Officer Police Officer Real Estate Appraiser Technical Support Specialist |
Professional: Child Development Specialist Social Services Case Worker Counselor Librarian Minister/Priest/Rabbi Teacher Wildlife Agent Psychologist Therapist |
~~~ Beneficial Courses ~~~
Art: Introductory Visual Art Beginning Photography Business: Accounting Business Procedures Family and Consumer Sciences: Any class would be beneficial If considering teaching, take Careers in Education Math: As much as possible 3-4 years for college entrance English: English 9, 10, 11, 12 Honors and AP as able Annual Drama Journalism |
Science: Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Human Biology/Sports Medicine Social Studies: World and US History, Senior Social Studies, Honors and AP highly recommended Technology Education: An technology course would beneficial Foreign Language: 2 or more years required for college admission |
Technical Pathway
People in this pathway often:
- Like to tinker with objects and figure out how they work
- Have the ability to work accurately and precisely
- Are interested in mechanical activities
- Prefer working with their hands
- Have good hand-eye coordination
- Are comfortable with machines or equipment
- Enjoy solving problems using facts
- Have the ability to work as part of a team
- Pay close attention to standards
- Have good communication skills
~~~ Career Examples ~~~
Skilled: Animal Caretaker Appliance Repair Automobile mechanic Automobile body repair Baker/cook Bus driver Carpenter Construction laborer Electrician Gardner Heavy equipment operator Jeweler |
Advanced: Aircraft mechanic Audiovisual technician Fire fighter Machinist Micro-electronics technician Optician Airline pilot Refrigeration mechanic Sound-effects technician |
Professional: Engineer Ship captain Solar energy system designer Ultrasound technician Computer system designer |
~~~ Beneficial Courses ~~~
Business: Accounting Advanced Accounting Computer Skills Business Procedures Technical Communications Applied Business Communications Technology Education: Any technology course would beneficial especially Drafting Technology courses for technical drawing Graphic communications skills, Computer Aided Design, Architecture, Engineering. NMVSC: Any New Marked Vocational Skills Center course |
Math: Four years-regardless where sequence started English: English 9, 10, 11, 12 Honors and PA recommended Science: Physical Science Biology Chemistry Physics, Honors Physics Social Studies: World and US History Senior Social Studies Foreign Language: 2 or more years required for college admission |