Career Pathways

Career Pathways are an organized sequence of classes and activities that contribute to preparation for occupations of a similar kind. Pathways provide students with a method for setting broad, flexible goals for the future, prepare them for the post-secondary world, and direct them toward opportunities in higher education and the skilled workforce. Pathways help students see why they are in school and help them become motivated to reach their fullest potential.

There are six Pathways identified by WaNIC and its member school districts: Arts and Communication, Business and Marketing Management, Business, Finance and Operations, Science and Engineering, Social and Health Services, and Technology, Trades, and Manufacturing.

Arts and Communication

People who are artistic and creative are employed in this pathway. These pathways may include fashion design, graphic design and production, film and cinema studies fine arts, journalism foreign languages, radio and television broadcasting, advertising and music production.

Business and Marketing Management

These pathways may include careers that appeal to those individuals who are enterprising and persuasive in nature including careers of public relations, sales, marketing, hospitality and tourism, computer/information systems, retailing, small business ownership, and management.

Business Finance and Operations

These career pathways appeal to those who value organization and detail work. Careers may include accounting, research and assessment, operations management, finance, stocks and bonds, and economics.

Science and Engineering

People who are realistic and enjoy getting things accomplished are found in this career pathway. These pathways may include engineering, computer programming, drafting, scientific research, management, landscaping, forestry, turf management, and related horticulture occupations.

Social and Health Services

People who put the education and well being of others at the top of what is important to them are drawn to this career pathway. It may include careers related to health and community support related to economic, political, and social systems. It may also include law enforcement, nursing, counseling, childcare, cosmetology, and medicine.

Technology, Trades and Manufacturing

People who are attracted to careers in this pathway are inquisitive and like to ponder data and issues. Pathway careers include those related to the technologies necessary to design, develop, install, or maintain physical systems. This pathway may include engineering, welding, mechanics, electronics, computer technology, videography, web related services, automotive related occupations, and telecommunications.

There are WaNIC courses in every Pathway, regardless of which Pathways your school or district is using. So, whatever career you may be considering, there may be a related WaNIC course for you. See you Counselor or Career Specialist for more information.