Question

Choose Two Careers You’re Curious About - they can be ones you want to work in or that you are just interested in.
Career #1 Research: _________________________
Category
What to Find
Answers
Career Title & Description
What is the official name of the career? Write 1–2 sentences describing what this job does.


High School Classes That Help
What classes in high school would help prepare you? (Think: computer science, business, digital media, math, etc.)


Certifications or Degrees Needed for the Job
What education is required or recommended? (High school diploma, 2-year, 4-year degree, or certifications)


Internships or First Jobs
What are common starting points? (Entry-level roles, internships, apprenticeships, freelance work)


Average Salary (US)
Look for an average or starting salary (entry-level is fine). Include where you found the info. (give the webpage and link)


Job Outlook
Is this job growing? Will there be more jobs in the future? Use “faster than average,” “average,” etc.


Tools/
Technology Used
List at least 2–3 tools, apps, software, or tech that people in this role typically use.


Fun Fact or Surprising Detail
Include one cool, weird, or unexpected fact about this job.


Why This Career Interests You
Write 2–3 sentences explaining what attracts you to this career.

Answer 1

### Career #1 Research: Software Developer

#### Career Title & Description
**Career Title:** Software Developer
**Description:** Software developers design, create, and maintain software applications or systems that operate on computers and devices. They work with programming languages and utilize various tools to ensure software functions properly and meets user requirements.

#### High School Classes That Help
1. Computer Science
2. Mathematics (especially calculus and algebra)
3. Digital Media or Graphic Design (for game or app development)
4. Physics (helps with logic and problem-solving)

#### Certifications or Degrees Needed for the Job
- Typically, a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering is recommended.
- Certifications in specific programming languages or software development methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum) can be beneficial.

#### Internships or First Jobs
- Common starting points include internships with tech companies or entry-level positions as junior developers or software testers.
- Apprenticeships in coding bootcamps can also serve as effective entry paths.

#### Average Salary (US)
- The average starting salary for a software developer is around $80,000 annually, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics [BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm).

#### Job Outlook
- The job outlook for software developers is projected to grow much faster than average, with an expected growth rate of about 22% from 2020 to 2030 according to BLS.

#### Tools/ Technology Used
1. Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) like Visual Studio or Eclipse
2. Version control systems like Git
3. Collaboration tools such as Jira or Trello

#### Fun Fact or Surprising Detail
A surprising detail about this role is that many software developers often work on open-source projects in their free time, contributing to software that is available for anyone to use and modify.

#### Why This Career Interests You
I am drawn to software development because of my passion for problem-solving and creativity. The ability to build applications that can positively impact people's lives excites me, and I love the continual learning involved in keeping up with technological advancements.


### Career #2 Research: Graphic Designer

#### Career Title & Description
**Career Title:** Graphic Designer
**Description:** Graphic designers create visual content to communicate messages effectively. They use typography, imagery, color, and layout strategies to create designs for branding, advertising, websites, and print media.

#### High School Classes That Help
1. Art and Design
2. Computer Graphics
3. Digital Media
4. Photography (helps with visual composition)

#### Certifications or Degrees Needed for the Job
- An associate or bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or a related field is commonly required.
- Proficiency in design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) is essential, and certifications in these programs can enhance job prospects.

#### Internships or First Jobs
- Common entry points are internships with advertising agencies, entry-level graphic design positions, or freelance projects that help build a portfolio.

#### Average Salary (US)
- The average starting salary for graphic designers is about $52,000 annually, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics [BLS](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-design/graphical-designers.htm).

#### Job Outlook
- The job outlook for graphic designers is expected to grow at an average rate of 3% from 2020 to 2030, according to BLS.

#### Tools/ Technology Used
1. Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
2. Sketch or Figma (for UI/UX design)
3. Microsoft Office Suite (for presentations and collaboration)

#### Fun Fact or Surprising Detail
A fun fact is that many graphic designers thrive on collaboration and interdisciplinary work, often teaming up with marketers, writers, and brand strategists to develop cohesive campaigns.

#### Why This Career Interests You
I am interested in graphic design because it combines my love for art and visual storytelling. The ability to transform concepts into impactful visuals and communicate ideas creatively fascinates me, making this career both exciting and fulfilling.