PLAnning YOur CArEEr
WH
AT
A
RE
Career Clusters
& Programs of Study
?
in texas, taps (texas achievement plans) will guide students’ high school and college
experiences (see next page). as part of this process, students focus their studies within
a chosen career cluster and program of study.
A
career cluster is a group of related Occupations review Your TAP Each Year
occupations and broad industries Each program of study includes Don’t get locked into a cluster and program
that share certain features. The a range of related occupations; of study you don’t like. You should reexamine
Finance cluster, for example, includes financial manager is an example of an your TAP at least once a year and change
actuary and financial controller. occupation that falls within Financial programs or clusters if your interests have
Texas has adopted 16 career clusters & Investment Planning. changed. Choosing a cluster and program
(see back cover), the same ones Choosing a career cluster and of study, even if it changes later, means that
designated and developed by the U.S. program of study will help you you’ll have a direction in life. The idea is to be
Department of Education. acquire the knowledge and skills you’ll aware of what’s going on in your life and take
As the graphic below shows, within need to enter your chosen career. It control of your future. When you know where
each cluster are programs of study, which will allow you to follow a seamless your education is going and why, your classes
are more specific groupings of similar course of study from high school will become more meaningful. You’ll make
occupations. Think of a program of study into college or other postsecondary contact with students, teachers, and employers
as being like a college major. In Finance, education or training. The electives who share your interest in a particular career
you might choose to focus on Financial you choose can complement your core area. You’ll have experiences that are fun and
& Investment Planning in high school academic classes to prepare you for the exciting. You’ll be on your way to success in
and college. challenges of the real world of work. school, in a career, and in life.
P R O G R A M S O F S T U D Y E X A M P L E O C C U P A T I O N S
Banking & Related Services Credit Analyst
Business Financial Management Auditor
C L U S T E R
Finance
Financial & Investment Planning Commodities Agent
Insurance Services Actuary
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