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 occupations and broad industries career. It will allow you to follow a seamless course of study from
that share certain features. The Marketing, Sales & Service high school into college or other postsecondary education or
cluster, for example, includes entrepreneur and advertising training. The electives you choose can complement your core
manager. Texas has adopted 16 career clusters (see back cover), academic classes to prepare you for the challenges of the real
the same ones designated and developed by the U.S. Department world of work.
of Education.
As the graphic below shows, within each cluster are review your TAP Each year
programs of study, which are more specific groupings of similar Don’t get locked into a cluster and program of study you don’t
occupations. Think of a program of study as being like a college like. You should reexamine your TAP at least once a year and
major. In Marketing, Sales & Service, you might choose to focus change programs or clusters if your interests have changed.
on Buying & Merchandising in high school and college. Choosing a cluster and program of study, even if it changes later,
means that you’ll have a direction in life. The idea is to be aware of
related Occupations what’s going on in your life and take control of your future. When
Each program of study includes a range of related occupations; you know where your education is going and why, your classes
sales manager is an example of an occupation that falls within will become more meaningful. You’ll make contact with students,
Buying & Merchandising. teachers, and employers who share your interest in a particular
Choosing a career cluster and program of study will help you career area. You’ll have experiences that are fun and exciting.
acquire the knowledge and skills you’ll need to enter your chosen You’ll be on your way to success in 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
Buying & Merchandising Sales Manager
Distribution & Logistics Storage & Distribution Mgr.
E-Marketing Marketing Manager
C L U S T E R
Marketing, Sales Management & Entrepreneurship Entrepreneur
& Service
Marketing Communications & Promotion Advertising Manager
Marketing Information Mgmt. & Research Market Research Analyst
Professional Sales & Marketing Exhibit Designer
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