Summit School Career Compass
Discover your ideal career path with the Summit School’s Career Compass. Our concise, targeted guide helps you navigate the world of potential professions. You’ll find crucial data on training requirements, skills, and salary, all tailored to align with your unique interests.
Animal Caretaker
Passionate about animals? Embrace a fulfilling career as an Animal Caretaker, where you’ll be the hero behind the scenes, providing essential care and comfort to our beloved companions. From feeding and grooming to playtime and cuddles, you’ll ensure every animal feels safe and loved.
- Training Options: On-the-job learning as an apprentice or relevant coursework/certification in animal care or veterinary assistance.
- Key Skills: Genuine love and empathy for animals, basic understanding of animal behavior, proficiency in handling various animals with care, physical fitness and stamina, attention to detail, strong communication skills.
- Median Starting Salary: $25,000 to $30,000 per year.
Art Therapist
Channel your artistic flair and empathy to make a meaningful difference – Embark on a rewarding journey as an Art Therapist! Transform lives by merging creativity and therapeutic practices for the betterment of mental health and well-being.
- Training/Education: Obtain a bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Psychology, Art), followed by a master’s degree in Art Therapy
- Key Skills: Strong interpersonal skills, artistic ability, and a thorough understanding of psychological principles
- Median Salary: $48,600/year
Baker
Wake up to the aroma of fresh bread and pastries – Discover the satisfying and creative career of a professional Baker.
- Training Options: On-the-job learning as an apprentice or attend a 1-2 year trade school or 2-year college for a Culinary Arts associate’s degree
- Key Skills: Proficiency in math, reading, and communication
- Median Starting Salary: $32,700/year
Biological Technician
Ignite your curiosity and dive into the intricate world of life sciences – Explore a stimulating career as a Biological Technician! Play a crucial role in ground-breaking research and make a tangible impact on the understanding of life and its processes.
- Training/Education: A bachelor’s degree in Biology or a closely related field
- Key Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, proficiency in laboratory techniques, and attention to detail
- Median Salary: $45,860/year
Community Health Worker
Make a difference in the lives of others by becoming a Community Health Worker! Empower communities to lead healthier lives by providing crucial health education, support, and advocacy. As a compassionate bridge between healthcare services and the people you serve, you’ll play a vital role in fostering wellness and promoting preventive care.
- Training/Education: Complete formal training in community health work or a related field and obtain relevant certifications such as Certified Community Health Worker (CCHW) or equivalent.
- Key Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, proficiency in health education and resource navigation, and cultural competence to understand and embrace community diversity.
- Median Salary: $40,000 to $45,000 per year.
Cook
Love the aroma of freshly prepared dishes? Embrace the heat of the kitchen as a Cook at a Restaurant, where your culinary prowess will shine. From crafting comforting classics to experimenting with innovative flavors, you’ll take diners on a delightful gastronomic journey.
- Training Options: On-the-job learning as a kitchen apprentice, culinary arts program, or relevant cooking courses.
- Key Skills: Proficiency in cooking techniques and food preparation, time management, ability to work in a fast-paced environment, creativity in developing recipes, attention to detail, teamwork, and communication.
- Median Starting Salary: $30,000 to $40,000 per year.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Illuminate the medical field with your expertise as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. Your role involves utilizing advanced imaging technology to visualize internal body structures, aiding physicians in accurate diagnoses and comprehensive patient care.
- Training/Education: Complete an accredited program in diagnostic medical sonography, typically a 2-year associate’s degree, and obtain professional certification, such as Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS).
- Key Skills: Proficiency in operating ultrasound equipment, keen attention to detail in capturing high-quality images, effective communication with patients and medical teams, and deep understanding of anatomy and medical terminology.
- Median Salary: $75,920 per year (May vary based on specialization and location).
Dental Assistant
Brighten smiles and support oral health as a Dental Assistant. Your role revolves around assisting dentists, ensuring seamless patient care, and maintaining a comfortable dental office environment.
- Training/Education: Complete a dental assisting program or receive on-the-job training. Some states may require formal certification or registration.
- Key Skills: Proficiency in chairside assisting, dental equipment sterilization, patient communication, and recordkeeping. Attention to detail, empathy for patient comfort, and organizational abilities are crucial.
- Median Salary: $40,080 per year (May vary based on experience and location).
Hairstylist/
Cosmetologist
Craft beauty and boost confidence as a Hairdresser, Hairstylist, or Cosmetologist. Your expertise transforms hair and enhances appearances, making clients feel their best.
- Training/Education: Completion of a state-approved cosmetology program and obtaining a license is typically required. Continuous learning keeps you updated on industry trends.
- Key Skills: Proficiency in hair cutting, styling, coloring, and treatments. Creativity, interpersonal skills, customer service, and staying up-to-date with beauty trends.
- Median Salary: $27,040 per year
Maintenance Worker, Machinery
Keep the gears of industry turning as a Maintenance Worker specializing in Machinery. Your role ensures the smooth operation of various equipment and machinery, contributing to the efficiency and productivity of the production process.
- Training/Education: Acquire hands-on experience through on-the-job training or complete specialized courses in machinery maintenance. A solid understanding of mechanical systems is essential.
- Key Skills: Proficiency in diagnosing and troubleshooting machinery issues, performing routine maintenance tasks, following safety protocols, effective communication with maintenance teams, and adaptability to evolving technologies.
- Median Salary: $52,860 per year (May vary based on industry and machinery complexity).
Manufacturing Engineer
Shape the future of production as a Manufacturing Engineer, innovating processes and technologies to optimize efficiency and quality in manufacturing operations.
- Education/Training: A bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field is typically required, with additional specialized training in manufacturing processes and technologies.
- Key Skills: Proficiency in process design, automation, quality control, data analysis, project management, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.
- Median Salary: $98,440 per year
Medical Assistant
Support healthcare excellence as a Medical Assistant. Your role involves providing valuable administrative and clinical assistance, ensuring smooth medical operations and quality patient care.
- Training/Education: Complete a medical assisting program, often resulting in a diploma or associate’s degree. Some states may require certification.
- Key Skills: Proficiency in patient scheduling, medical records management, clinical procedures like taking vital signs and assisting in minor procedures, effective communication, and a caring bedside manner.
- Median Salary: $35,850 per year (May vary based on experience and location).
Nursing Assistant
Set forth on a compassionate path as a Nursing Assistant, delivering essential care to patients and bolstering healthcare teams across diverse medical environments.
- Training/Education: Complete a state-approved nursing assistant program and pass a competency exam to become certified. Training typically takes a few months.
- Key Skills: Proficiency in basic patient care tasks like bathing, feeding, and mobility assistance. Effective communication, empathy, and the ability to work well under the guidance of nursing staff.
- Median Salary: $30,830 per year
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Join the impactful field of occupational therapy as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, where your dedication facilitates remarkable transformations, aiding individuals in learning and refining essential skills for a fulfilling life across various life stages and circumstances.
- Training/Education: Complete an accredited occupational therapy assistant program, usually resulting in an associate’s degree. Licensure or certification may be required in some states.
- Key Skills: Proficiency in implementing diverse therapy plans, creating engaging therapeutic activities, documenting progress, excellent communication, empathy, and adaptability to individual patient needs.
- Median Salary: $62,940 per year
Office Clerk
Navigate the world of administrative efficiency as an Office Clerk, providing crucial support in maintaining organized and smooth-running office operations.
- Training/Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required. On-the-job training hones essential office skills.
- Key Skills: Proficiency in data entry, recordkeeping, office software, communication, attention to detail, and time management.
- Median Salary: $34,040 per year
Online Merchant
Navigate the digital marketplace as an Online Merchant, curating a virtual shopping experience that connects customers with products and services from the comfort of their screens.
- Training/Education: While formal education isn’t always required, gaining expertise in e-commerce platforms, digital marketing, and customer service can be advantageous.
- Key Skills: Proficiency in online sales platforms, strategic digital marketing, customer relationship management, inventory management, and adapting to evolving online consumer trends.
- Median Earnings: Income varies widely based on the type of products or services, marketing strategies, and business success.
Paralegal
Unlock the world of law as a Paralegal, an essential pillar of legal teams. Your role involves providing crucial support in legal research, documentation, and client communication, contributing to the efficient functioning of legal proceedings.
- Training/Education: Complete a paralegal studies program or earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field. Some paralegals may also obtain certification.
- Key Skills: Proficiency in legal research, drafting legal documents, excellent organizational abilities, effective communication with clients and legal professionals, attention to detail, and familiarity with legal technology.
- Median Salary: $52,920 per year
Truck Driver
Navigate the roads as a Light Truck Driver, contributing to the smooth flow of goods and services. Your role involves transporting cargo and deliveries efficiently and safely to their destinations.
- Training/Education: Obtain a valid driver’s license for the appropriate class of vehicle and undergo on-the-job training to learn vehicle operation, safety protocols, and navigation skills.
- Key Skills: Proficient driving skills, attention to road safety, time management for timely deliveries, ability to follow directions, basic vehicle maintenance knowledge, and excellent communication with dispatch and clients.
- Median Salary: $31,450 per year (May vary based on factors such as the type of cargo and geographic location).