Breaking Into Tech As A High School Student
A Product of SuccessBaseMass and the Yale School of Medicine
The tech industry has not only brought a myriad of new changes, but the opportunities for people to get into the industry have expanded, not only in engineering and computer science, but in the arts, humanities, and the social sciences. No matter your interests, there is certainly a place for you in tech, even in high school!
What kinds of roles are there in tech?
There are several kind of tech roles related to not only engineering and computer science, but also design, art, writing, law, finance, and much more!
Why in high school?
Career exploration starting as early as high school can tremendously accelerate your career, as you will have early exposure to various skills needed for the roles that interest you. Internships and jobs in your desired field will be much easier to obtain once you explore as many paths as possible while narrowing down what you really want to do based on your experiences
The Basic
Technical Roles
Computer Science
Computer Science is the ability to understand how and why technologies work, along with the ability to create solutions for real-world problems.
Careers
- Software Engineering (Average Salary: $119,214 per year)
- Game Developer (Average Salary: $115, 846)
Engineering
Engineering is the use of scientific principles to design and build machines and other technological innovations
Careers
- Robotics Engineering (Average Salary: $84,966 per year)
- Hardware Engineer (Average Salary: $88,618)
Mathematics
Analyzing data + developing methodologies and techniques to solve problems in the technology field.
Careers
- Data Scientist (Average Salary: $84,966 per year)
Creative
Art - Creating user-friendly graphics, icons, and buttons to help players understand the functions of digital products
Careers
- UI Artist (Average Salary: $87,631 per year)
- Motion Designer (Average Salary: $70, 474)
Design - Responsible for the experience of a product, usually taking direction on the business goals and objectives from product management. As a product grows and adds more features and functionality, they can ensure the experience is intuitive and reduce points of friction.
Careers
- UX Designer (Average Salary: $87,631 per year)
- UI Designer (Average Salary: $70, 474)
Business
Research + Strategy - Studying a wide variety of target users to collect and analyze data that will help inform the design and overall experience of a product
Careers
- UX Researcher (Average Salary: $87,631 per year)
- Product Strategist
(Average Salary: $70, 474)
Marketing + Growth - Creating demand for products through effective positioning, messaging and marketing programs
Careers
- Product Marketer (Average Salary: $95,833 per year)
- Growth Marketer
(Average Salary: $79, 295)
Sales - Working closely with customers to promote or sell digital products for a company or organization
Careers
- Tech Sales (Average Salary: $77,357 per year)
Writing + Communication
UX Writing + Content Strategy
Using research insights to develop intuitive and persuasive written content that guide users through a product
Careers
- UX Writer (Average Salary: $112,726 per year)
-Content Strategist (Average Salary: $101,061)
- Conversation Designer (Average Salary: $71, 415)
Getting Started: Pursuing Your Interests in Tech
Eva's Anecdote:
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“I founded the newspaper club at my high school, and the English department head at my school found out about my endeavors and connected me with one of her contacts at the Boston Globe, Mr. Joe Sullivan. Mr. Sullivan joined the newspaper staff team as an advisor and guided us toward a professional direction as the paper expanded. It was really helpful to have someone with professional experience be a part of the team. I learned more about professional journalism, and was opened to a new way of thinking about the world.”
1. Reach out to professionals
Networking involves establishing and building relationships that will help you grow over over a significant period of time. You can use sites like LinkedIn or even search for the employees at companies you're interested in through Google
2. Start A Passion Project
A passion project is a project-based learning activity in which students research any topic they are passionate about and create a project to share with the class, the school, the community....the world! ... Google allows their developers to spend up to 20% of their work week to pursue projects of personal interest.
Daysia’s anecdote:
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“Once, I volunteered for a museum event. Another volunteer happened to be an environmental engineer from the EPA! I was (nervously) able to get his email, and asked him about his career path. He gave thorough answers to my questions, and advice on how to get through my environmental studies. The correspondence solidified my interest in the field.”
Daysia’s Anecdote:
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“I had always been interested in environmental engineering, but didn’t know much about the field. A bit nervous, I emailed New England Women in Energy and the Environment (NEWIEE) to ask how I, and other high school students, could learn more about environmental careers. Together, we made a career mailing group for high school students, and I’ve been able to communicate with environmental engineers, access workshops, and attend galas along the way.”
3. Join Online Communities
By joining a community, you will get access to valuable mentorship and wisdom related to your desired field. A community also provides a rich network and an opportunity to make friends!
Additional Resources:
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