Seattle Public Schools

Programs and Career Pathways

Business and Marketing Pathway

Business and Marketing Career Pathway

Is this the right pathway for me?

  • Do you enjoy identifying and solving problems? 
  • Are you interested in why people buy some things and not others (consumer behavior)? 
  • Do you have good communication and interpersonal skills? 

What is the Business and Marketing Pathway?

Business and Marketing pathway is designed to introduce students to the world of commerce and prepare them for future careers in business. Through a series of courses, students learn essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. The pathway incorporates practical experiences like creating marketing campaigns and managing mock businesses, providing a hands-on understanding of how businesses operate. Opportunities for internships, guest speakers, and industry visits make for a rich and exciting learning experience.  

What sort of work would I do?

Three students in suits at DECA Business and Marketing Competition

People in business and marketing do many different jobs to help companies succeed. Some focus on advertising and selling products, like marketing specialists and sales reps. Others, like business analysts, look at data to make smart decisions. Entrepreneurs run their own businesses, while public relations specialists manage a company’s image. Brand managers keep everything consistent, social media managers boost online presence, and event planners organize special occasions. All these jobs work together to make sure companies grow and do well by being creative, thinking strategically, and communicating effectively.

Leads to these Careers

  • Marketing Specialist
  • Sales Representative
  • Business Analyst
  • Entrepreneur
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Advertising Executive
  • Marketing Research Analyst
  • Brand Manager
  • Social Media Manager
  • Retail Manager
  • Event Planner
  • Digital Marketing Specialist
  • Content Marketing Manager
  • Product Manager
  • Customer Relationship Manager

In-Demand Occupations

Typical Education Required Career Title Average Annual Salary Job Outlook in WA State (2020-2030) 
High School Business Operations Specialists $100,131 20% increase 
Associate Degree (or Certificate) Tax Preparer $94,388 18% increase 
Bachelor’s Degree Advertising and Promotion Manager $92,708 17% increase 
Master’s Degree Data Scientist $128,369 36% increase 
Check Career One Stop, Bureau of Labor Statistics for update career prospects

What Courses can I take now?

Check with your school counselor and administrators to find out which classes are available at your school.

Clubs and Activities at SPS

Interested in learning more about business and marketing? SPS students have the opportunity to deepen and expand their knowledge alongside their peers through DECA. DECA hosts competitive events, provides leadership opportunities, and helps students prepare for career and college. Find a chapter at your school here

What training do I need after high school?

Below are examples of training and education programs that students interested in Business and Marketing can access after graduation:

North Seattle College (Certificates and Associate’s Degrees): 

  • Accounting  
  • Marketing Certificate 
  • Project Management Certificate  
  • Associate degree in general business 

Central Washington University (Bachelor’s Degrees) 

  • Accounting  
  • Business administration  (with business analytics and finance specialization options) 
  • Economics & Business forecasting specialization  
  • Entrepreneurship 
  • Hospitality, Tourism and event management  
  • Marketing  

University of Washington –Foster School of Business (Bachelor’s Degrees)

Various business related bachelors degree to include: 

  • Accounting  
  • Entrepreneurship 
  • Finance 
  • Human resources 
  • Marketing 
  • Operations and supply chain 

Explore the right fit post-secondary pathway for you using the SuperMatch college feature on Naviance

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact content area specialist Maria Herrera-Lofton at cte@zlmmc8.com