Step 1 of 1 — Career Selection
Your career determines your starting salary and any student loan debt you'll need to manage throughout the simulation. Choose wisely — this is your financial life!
⚡ No College Degree
Electrician Skilled Trades
Install and maintain electrical systems in homes, businesses, and factories. Requires an apprenticeship and state license.
🔧 No College Degree
Plumber Skilled Trades
Install and repair water, gas, and drainage systems. One of the most in-demand trades with strong earning potential.
💻 No College Degree
Web Developer (Self-Taught) Technology
Build websites and web apps using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and modern frameworks. Many developers enter the field through bootcamps or self-study.
🏠 No College Degree
Real Estate Agent Sales & Business
Help clients buy, sell, and rent properties. Requires a state license exam but no college degree. Income is commission-based.
🔥 No College Degree
Firefighter Public Safety
Respond to fires, accidents, and medical emergencies. Requires physical fitness tests and fire academy training.
🩺 No College Degree
Medical Assistant Healthcare
Support physicians by taking vitals, drawing blood, and managing patient records. Typically requires a certificate program (1 year).
👨🍳 No College Degree
Chef / Head Cook Culinary Arts
Lead kitchen operations, design menus, and manage food preparation. Culinary school is optional — many chefs advance through experience.
❄️ No College Degree
HVAC Technician Skilled Trades
Install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. High demand year-round with strong overtime pay.
✂️ No College Degree
Cosmetologist Personal Services
Provide hair, skin, and nail services to clients. Requires a state cosmetology license after completing a training program.
🦷 2-Year Associate's Degree
Dental Hygienist Healthcare
Clean teeth, examine patients for oral diseases, and provide preventive care. One of the best-paying associate's degree jobs available.
🔩 2-Year Associate's Degree
Welder Skilled Trades
Join metal parts using heat and specialized equipment. Welders are in high demand in manufacturing, construction, and aerospace.
👮 2-Year Associate's Degree
Police Officer Public Safety
Protect communities, enforce laws, respond to emergencies, and investigate crimes. Many departments require an associate's degree or police academy completion.
🩻 2-Year Associate's Degree
Radiologic Technologist Healthcare
Perform X-rays, CT scans, and other imaging procedures to help physicians diagnose injuries and illness. Requires an associate's degree and state certification.
📋 2-Year Associate's Degree
Paralegal Law
Assist attorneys with legal research, drafting documents, and case preparation. A fast-growing field with a clear path to advancement.
📊 4-Year Degree
Accountant Finance & Business
Prepare financial records, file taxes, and advise businesses on financial decisions. A CPA license boosts earning potential significantly.
💊 4-Year Degree
Registered Nurse Healthcare
Provide direct patient care, administer medications, and coordinate with physicians. One of the most stable and in-demand careers.
🖥️ 4-Year Degree
Software Engineer Technology
Design and build software systems, apps, and platforms. One of the highest-paying fields for bachelor's degree holders.
📚 4-Year Degree
High School Teacher Education
Educate students in a specific subject area. Requires a state teaching license in addition to a bachelor's degree.
📣 4-Year Degree
Marketing Manager Business & Media
Develop and execute marketing strategies to promote products and services. Combines creativity with data analysis.
🏗️ 4-Year Degree
Civil Engineer Engineering
Design and oversee construction of roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems. Strong job stability and government demand.
🎨 4-Year Degree
Graphic Designer Creative Arts
Create visual content for brands, websites, and media. Combines artistic skill with software tools like Adobe Creative Suite.
💰 4-Year Degree
Financial Advisor Finance & Business
Help individuals and families plan for retirement, manage investments, and reach financial goals. Requires a Series 65 or CFP license.
🏥 Graduate / Professional Degree
Physician (Family Medicine) Healthcare
Diagnose and treat patients across all ages. Requires 4 years of medical school plus 3+ years of residency. Highest earning potential of any career here.
⚖️ Graduate / Professional Degree
Attorney Law
Represent clients in legal matters, draft contracts, and argue cases in court. Requires passing the bar exam after law school.
💉 Graduate / Professional Degree
Pharmacist Healthcare
Dispense medications, counsel patients, and review prescriptions for safety. Requires a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree.
🧠 Graduate / Professional Degree
Psychologist Mental Health
Assess and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Requires a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and state licensure.
🦷 Graduate / Professional Degree
Dentist Healthcare
Diagnose and treat oral health conditions, perform procedures, and promote dental hygiene. Requires a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.
🏛️ Graduate / Professional Degree
Architect Design & Engineering
Design buildings and structures, balancing aesthetics, function, and safety codes. Requires a professional degree and licensure.
🏃 Graduate / Professional Degree
Physical Therapist Healthcare
Help patients recover from injuries and surgeries through targeted exercise and rehabilitation. Requires a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.