Careers and majors for Maker kids
Makers are drawn to hands, tools, machines, materials and the physical world. They would rather try it than talk about it, and they often understand a thing by taking it apart. You may notice them building something nobody asked for, or choosing the garage over the couch.
What they need is real tools, real stakes, failure that costs little, and at least one other kid who does the same. What tends to bore them is work with no visible result: long explanations, worksheets about things they could be holding, and practice that never turns into an object.
Careers to explore
- Trade: Electrician, Carpenter, Farmer
- Degree: Mechanical engineer, Surgeon
- Creative or own business: Robotics builder, Set builder
College majors to look at
- Mechanical Engineering: Design and build machines, from robots to engines.
- Civil Engineering: Build the big stuff: bridges, roads and buildings.
- Aerospace Engineering: Build things that fly.
- Architecture: Design buildings people live and work in.
- Viticulture and Enology: Learn how to grow grapes and make wine.
- Landscape Architecture: Design parks, gardens and outdoor spaces.
- Materials Science: Invent new stuff, from stronger metals to better batteries.
- Biological Systems Engineering: Build machines and systems for food, farms and nature.
- Food Science: Figure out how food is made, kept safe and made to taste good.
- Bioengineering: Build tools for medicine and the human body.
- NanoEngineering: Build things too small to see.
- Environmental Horticulture: Grow and care for plants and city trees.
In high school
Shop, engineering or robotics classes, career and technical education tracks, stage crew, and robotics or maker clubs.
Ask the counselor which hands-on classes are open next year, and whether the district has a career and technical education pathway.
Not sure this is your kid?
Most kids don't fit one box, and interests change.
Figure-outerCreatorHelperPersuaderOrganizer
Guide My Kid is independent. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the University of California.