For many students, business-related careers remain the most popular option. As college counselor Brian Summers explains, “a lot of students want to study some aspect of business,” especially those planning to study abroad . Meanwhile, students who remain in Colombia often pursue more traditional fields such as “medicine, law, and engineering” . These patterns suggest that stability and opportunity still play a major role in shaping decisions.
Pedro Gonzalez, a TCS alumnus now studying Financial Engineering, represents this more traditional path. Reflecting on his decision, he explains, “I chose Financial Engineering at EIA because of some specific experiences at school” . His exposure to courses like AP Computer Science and economics helped him discover a strong interest in finance and technology. He adds that “my strengths and interests in software development, technology, and math as a whole helped me develop that interest in finance” .
Although finance is often associated with high salaries, Pedro emphasizes that money was not his main motivation. “I didn’t choose it because of the salary. I didn’t choose it because of the money,” he says . Instead, his decision reflects a balance between passion and practicality, showing that traditional careers are not always chosen purely for financial reasons.
However, not all students are drawn to conventional fields. Violeta Eastman, a junior interested in fashion design, represents a different perspective. For her, creativity is central to her identity. “Since I was little I have always loved art, creative things, design, and also mathematics and logical subjects,” she explains . Over time, she realized that this passion was not just a hobby but something she wants to pursue professionally.
Despite her passion, Violeta recognizes the risks of choosing a creative career. “I think creative careers can be riskier because there is a smaller chance of getting a good job,” she admits . Still, she believes passion is essential for success, adding that “if you study something you are not passionate about, you probably won’t be the best at it” . Her perspective highlights the tension many students feel between following their interests and ensuring financial stability.
Geography also plays a role in shaping opportunities. Violeta notes that “fashion design has better job opportunities outside the country than in Colombia” , pointing to global cities like New York and Paris as centers of the fashion industry. This adds another layer to students’ decisions, as they must consider not only what to study but also where their chosen field is most viable.
At the same time, external influences continue to shape students’ choices. According to Summers, “a lot of that comes from family expectations,” particularly for students entering business fields to take over family companies . This suggests that even when students have personal interests, their decisions may still be guided by long-term family goals.
Still, Summers challenges the idea that schools are responsible for pushing students toward certain careers. He argues, “I don’t feel like TCS pushes prestigious or high-income careers on anyone” . Instead, he emphasizes that the school provides opportunities for exploration, including exposure to creative institutions and programs.
Beyond pressure and passion, uncertainty about the future adds another challenge. Summers points out that “we don’t know what jobs will exist in five or ten years” , especially with the rapid development of artificial intelligence. This uncertainty makes it difficult for students to choose a “safe” career path, as industries continue to evolve.
Even students like Pedro, who feel confident in their choices, experience moments of doubt. While studying for a difficult exam, he recalls thinking, “if this is the level and what it demands from me, am I really going to be able to do this?” . However, he ultimately reaffirmed his decision, demonstrating the resilience required to pursue any career path.
Ultimately, the experiences of these students reveal that career choices are rarely simple. They are shaped by a combination of personal passion, external expectations, and an unpredictable future. While TCS provides the tools and opportunities for exploration, the final decision rests on each student’s ability to balance what they love with what they believe will secure their future.
As students continue to navigate these choices, one thing remains clear: there is no single “right” path. Whether pursuing finance, fashion, or something entirely different, the challenge lies in finding a direction that is both personally meaningful and adaptable to a rapidly changing world.