Career Explorer

Explore Technology Careers

Badgie Academy helps students discover careers in technology, AI, cybersecurity, cloud, networking, skilled trades, military technology, and entrepreneurship. Students can connect what they learn in Badgie modules to real work, real tools, and realistic next steps.

Browse Careers Find Your Path
Career Cards

See what different tech paths actually do.

Each card gives students a plain-language overview, learning connections, possible education routes, and Badgie modules that help build relevant foundations.

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Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity
What They Do
Monitor systems, investigate alerts, analyze logs, and help stop attacks before they spread.
Why It Matters
Protects schools, hospitals, businesses, and public services from data theft and disruption.
Typical Salary Range
General educational range: $55K-$120K+ depending on role, region, and experience.
Certifications
Security+, CySA+, Splunk, Microsoft security fundamentals.
Education Paths
Career technical education, associate degree, bachelor's degree, bootcamps, home labs, internships.
Military Equivalents
Cyber operations, cyber defense, information assurance, signals intelligence support.
Related Badgie Modules
C2 ThreatsC3 DefenseC8 Blue TeamC9 Threat Intelligence
🌐

Network Engineer

Networking
What They Do
Design, configure, troubleshoot, and secure the networks that connect devices and organizations.
Why It Matters
Keeps communication, internet access, cloud systems, and business operations running reliably.
Typical Salary Range
General educational range: $60K-$125K+ depending on specialization and location.
Certifications
Network+, Cisco CCNA foundations, Juniper, cloud networking credentials.
Education Paths
CTE networking courses, community college, bachelor's degree, vendor labs, apprenticeships.
Military Equivalents
Network systems operator, tactical network specialist, communications systems support.
Related Badgie Modules
C1 NetworkingC6 Network SecurityC12 Cloud Security
🧠

AI Specialist

AI
What They Do
Build, evaluate, prompt, test, and govern AI systems that help people solve problems.
Why It Matters
AI is reshaping work, learning, healthcare, security, and creativity. Responsible use matters.
Typical Salary Range
General educational range: $70K-$150K+ depending on technical depth and industry.
Certifications
Cloud AI fundamentals, data analytics, responsible AI, vendor AI credentials.
Education Paths
Computer science, data science, math, ethics, AI literacy courses, portfolio projects.
Military Equivalents
Data systems, intelligence analysis, autonomous systems support, cyber mission analytics.
Related Badgie Modules
C5 Privacy & DataC10 AutomationAI Governance
☁️

Cloud Engineer

Cloud
What They Do
Build and maintain cloud infrastructure, storage, identity, monitoring, and deployment systems.
Why It Matters
Most modern apps, schools, companies, and public systems depend on cloud platforms.
Typical Salary Range
General educational range: $70K-$140K+ depending on platform and experience.
Certifications
AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Linux, Terraform foundations.
Education Paths
Cloud labs, IT support pathway, networking courses, computer science, platform credentials.
Military Equivalents
Cloud systems support, network operations, data center operations, cyber infrastructure roles.
Related Badgie Modules
C1 NetworkingC6 Network SecurityC12 Cloud Security
🎮

Game Developer

Technology
What They Do
Create gameplay systems, interfaces, worlds, simulations, and interactive learning experiences.
Why It Matters
Games teach problem-solving, storytelling, collaboration, simulation, and technical creativity.
Typical Salary Range
General educational range: $50K-$120K+ depending on studio, skills, and portfolio.
Certifications
Not always required. Engine, programming, art, and portfolio proof often matter most.
Education Paths
Game design, computer science, digital art, animation, math, modding, portfolio projects.
Military Equivalents
Simulation training support, virtual reality training, technical media, modeling and simulation.
Related Badgie Modules
C1 NetworkingC5 Privacy & DataC10 Automation
📊

Business Analyst

Technology
What They Do
Translate business needs into requirements, workflows, dashboards, and technology decisions.
Why It Matters
Helps teams build the right solution, reduce waste, and make better decisions with data.
Typical Salary Range
General educational range: $55K-$110K+ depending on industry and experience.
Certifications
Business analysis, project management, data analytics, agile fundamentals.
Education Paths
Business, information systems, analytics, communication, spreadsheets, SQL, process mapping.
Military Equivalents
Operations analysis, program support, logistics systems, intelligence reporting.
Related Badgie Modules
C5 Privacy & DataC9 Threat IntelligenceC10 Automation
📡

Military Communications Specialist

Government & Military
What They Do
Operate, secure, and troubleshoot communication systems used by teams in the field.
Why It Matters
Reliable communication supports safety, coordination, emergency response, and mission success.
Typical Salary Range
General educational range varies widely by service, rank, benefits, and civilian transition path.
Certifications
Network+, Security+, radio systems, satellite communications, vendor credentials.
Education Paths
Military technical training, CTE networking, electronics, cybersecurity, telecommunications.
Military Equivalents
Communications systems operator, signal support specialist, tactical network technician.
Related Badgie Modules
C1 NetworkingC3 DefenseC6 Network Security
🌡️

HVAC Controls Technician

Skilled Trades
What They Do
Install, program, and troubleshoot smart HVAC systems, sensors, controllers, and building networks.
Why It Matters
Keeps buildings safe, efficient, comfortable, and connected while reducing energy waste.
Typical Salary Range
General educational range: $45K-$95K+ depending on licensing, region, and experience.
Certifications
EPA 608, HVAC apprenticeships, building controls, OSHA safety, manufacturer credentials.
Education Paths
Trade school, apprenticeship, electronics, networking basics, facilities operations.
Military Equivalents
Utilities equipment repair, facilities maintenance, environmental control systems technician.
Related Badgie Modules
C1 NetworkingC3 DefenseC12 Cloud Security
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Building Automation Technician

Skilled Trades
What They Do
Connect and manage smart building systems: HVAC, lighting, access control, sensors, and dashboards.
Why It Matters
Modern buildings are networks. Automation improves safety, comfort, energy use, and operations.
Typical Salary Range
General educational range: $50K-$100K+ depending on controls expertise and region.
Certifications
Building automation systems, networking fundamentals, OSHA, manufacturer credentials.
Education Paths
Trade programs, mechatronics, electronics, IT networking, facilities technology.
Military Equivalents
Facilities systems technician, electronics maintenance, energy systems operations.
Related Badgie Modules
C1 NetworkingC6 Network SecurityC10 Automation
🚀

Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurship
What They Do
Identify problems, build products or services, test ideas, sell solutions, and lead teams.
Why It Matters
Entrepreneurs turn technical knowledge into tools, companies, jobs, and community impact.
Typical Salary Range
Highly variable. Income depends on business model, market, risk, execution, and timing.
Certifications
Not required. Business, cybersecurity, cloud, and project credentials can help.
Education Paths
Business, product design, coding, finance, marketing, apprenticeships, startup programs.
Military Equivalents
Veteran entrepreneurship, technical leadership, operations planning, small-team command experience.
Related Badgie Modules
C5 Privacy & DataC10 AutomationC12 Cloud Security
For Students

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For Teachers

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For Parents

Use the education paths to talk about college, trades, military, and entrepreneurship options.