When you think of a successful businessperson, whom do you think of? High-powered Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon, the most successful internet-age business of the 21st century? Or is it social media influencers, who National Geographic named the “modern entrepreneur.”? Do you think of your student and the future they could have?
Suits with pocket squares. Office cubicles. The typical 9 AM to 5 PM. These are things that come to mind when thinking about the "business world." Today's businesses are breaking that mold. We're in a digital world now, and businesses have adapted to keep up with how technology is changing our everyday lives.
The change in how businesses run means changes for the workforce also. Job opportunities are competitive. Everyone is looking for a way to ensure they stand out as the best person for the job. Still, traditional education hasn't adapted to help prepare today's students for those opportunities. This is where K12's career readiness education program, Destinations Careers Academy, can help set your high school student apart. With career readiness education, students combine high school subjects with business-focused electives and real-world learning experiences. They'll be ahead of the curve when it comes time for them to take that next step, whether that's toward college or the working world.
LEARNING BUSINESS IN HIGH SCHOOL
From giant corporations to small nonprofits, the fundamentals of business exist in every industry.
Business skills are some of the most transferable skills in today's job market, so why should your student wait to learn them? The K12-powered Destinations Career Academy offers career readiness education (CRE) courses and a modern learning experience designed to prepare students for the working world. The business pathways at Destinations are composed of seven business specialties like accounting or hospitality. Each student has the opportunity to explore these pathways and discover a fit for their strengths. If your student dreams of their own corner office or traveling the world, learning business in high school can jumpstart their way there.
CHOOSING A BUSINESS PATHWAY
Students already planning their corner office decor and students who don't even know what they want for lunch all have to start somewhere. In the Business pathway, the starting point is our Business and Marketing Explorations class. This project-based learning course takes students on a tour of all the business pathways available at Destinations. Here, they might discover a new dream job or a strength they didn't know they had. From there, they can choose to pursue a pathway or continue exploring.
Accounting Pathway
Accounting is the backbone of every business, no matter how big or small. Students learn the inner workings of business finances through this pathway that prepares them to work in any type of business. This pathway is the perfect way to get a head start on becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or start a career in basic accounting. Courses in this pathway may include:
Business and Marketing Explorations (Project-Based Learning or PBL)
Accounting 1 & 2
Computer Literacy (PBL)
Microsoft® Office® 1 & 2 (PBL)
Administrative Support Pathway
What do sports teams, Broadway shows, makeup companies, and charities all have in common? They need administrative support! Through this versatile pathway, students gain the knowledge to manage tasks and communication to keep a business thriving efficiently. Courses in this pathway may include:
Business and Marketing Explorations (PBL)
Accounting 1 & 2
Computer Literacy (PBL)
Microsoft® Office® 1 & 2 (PBL)
Business Finance Pathway
Students can help businesses reach new heights with their analytical expertise and numbers know-how through a career in business finance. This pathway guides students through courses that teach them the fundamentals of business, accounting, and useful computer programs. Courses in this pathway may include:
Business and Marketing Explorations (PBL)
Accounting 1 & 2
Computer Literacy (PBL)
Microsoft® Office® 1 & 2 (PBL)
Entrepreneurship Pathway
Is your student's dream to launch the next Microsoft® or sell an idea on Shark Tank? Our Entrepreneurship pathway will help them get there. They'll learn the process of starting their own business, from concept to execution. Courses in this pathway may include:
Business and Marketing Explorations (PBL)
Marketing 1 & 2 (PBL)
Computer Literacy (PBL)
Entrepreneurship 1 & 2 (PBL)
Microsoft® Office® 1 & 2 (PBL)
General Management Pathway
Is your student a natural-born leader? Then they are perfect for the General Management pathway. They'll learn how to manage a team of employees to help a business become more profitable and efficient. Project-based learning is intertwined throughout these courses to give your student an up-close look at management. Courses in this pathway may include:
Business and Marketing Explorations (PBL)
Accounting 1 & 2
Computer Literacy (PBL)
Microsoft® Office® 1 & 2 (PBL)
Hospitality: Food and Beverage Pathway
If your teen is using your kitchen to host their own imaginary Food Network show, the Hospitality: Food and Beverage pathway might be a fit for them. They'll explore the business side of hotels, restaurants, and food service and gain the knowledge and skills needed to have a successful career in the hospitality industry. Courses in this pathway may include:
Business and Marketing Explorations (PBL)
Introduction to Culinary Arts
Introduction to Restaurant Management
Food Production 1 (PBL)
Marketing 1 (PBL)
Computer Literacy 1 (PBL)
Microsoft® Office® 1 (PBL)
Marketing Communication Pathway
From social media to billboards, marketing is all around us. If your student is a creative spirit, they can develop their craft through the Marketing Communication pathway. Courses in this pathway dive into the art and science of advertising and brand building for businesses. Courses in this pathway may include:
Business and Marketing Explorations (PBL)
Marketing 1 & 2 (PBL)
Advertising and Sales Promotions (PBL)
Computer Literacy (PBL)
Microsoft® Office® 1 & 2 (PBL)
Destinations Career Academy's business pathways are a surefire way to get a head start for students ready to start the next Amazon or those who simply want a career that could take them around the world. Whether they plan to pursue college or go straight into the workforce, the experience, network, and virtual skills they'll develop will open many incredible possibilities in business. While their peers balance schoolwork, applications, and self-guided learning, Destinations marries the benefits of these in a practical and easy-to-follow learning platform that will make their high school education stand out.
*Opportunities vary by school. Please visit your school page or check with your school counselor.
