Which Career Track Fits You? Find the Right Job Training Program

What do you envision doing for the rest of your life? It seems like a straightforward question, but it carries significant weight, doesn’t it?

At Merit America, we equip you with all the tools necessary to excel in a new career. However, one crucial element of your journey is a decision that only you can make: choosing the right career path for yourself.

To assist you in making this important choice, we’ve crafted a guide designed to help you choose a career path that is perfect for you. Keep reading.

Why It’s Important to Choose the Right Career

It’s a simple question, “How do I find the right career path?” but 51% percent of workers are satisfied with their jobs overall, according to the Pew Research Center.

Think about it: 51% of workers surveyed feel fulfilled by their jobs. However, the remaining 49%—nearly half of the workforce—report experiencing some level of dissatisfaction, which can manifest as discontent and unhappiness.

Do you see now why deciding on a career is important?

Such feelings of dissatisfaction can lead to significant consequences, including an increased risk of burnout. This chronic state of fatigue and disengagement can affect your job performance and productivity. It can also spill over into your personal life, leading to strained relationships and diminished quality of life.

Choosing the right career path can enhance job satisfaction and support your well-being inside and outside of work.

Not sure where to begin? Google’s Career Dreamer tool is a helpful tool to explore different career paths, including opportunities to break into tech through Google Career Certificates and other in-demand fields.

Which Career Path Is Right For You? 6 Merit America Job Training Programs

There’s a lot we don’t know. Why do zebras have stripes? What’s the purpose of pocket square? Who created sushi—and why?

We do, however, know a lot about job training and changing careers. That’s why we built Career Tracks—structured, fast-paced programs designed to take you from coursework to workforce, even if you have no prior experience in the field. Each track provides hands-on learning, career coaching, and job search support, helping you transition into an in-demand career in months, not years.

More than 14,000 learners have completed a Merit America Career Track, and many have seen an average annual wage increase of $24,000 – 3 months or more after completing the program.

Simply put, these programs don’t just teach technical skills—they position you for success with personalized coaching and job placement support. Take a look at our premier Career Track programs to figure out which program and career is right for you.

📌 Related reading: Is Merit America Legit? And Other Job Training Questions

IT Support

Our 14-week IT Support Career Track is a comprehensive training initiative designed specifically for lifelong learners with no prior experience in technology.

Throughout the program, you will engage in hands-on learning sessions that cover essential IT concepts and practical skills, including troubleshooting, customer service, and network basics. You’ll earn the Google IT Support Certificate as proof of your knowledge and success.

IT Support isn’t for the faint of heart. It combines troubleshooting, network management, customer service, software installation, and cybersecurity basics. However, for people who love tech and helping people, this might be the program and career for you.

If you enjoy fixing things, whether it’s troubleshooting your own phone issues or setting up Wi-Fi routers for friends, IT Support could be the perfect career transition. Many of our learners come from roles where they already solve problems—delivery drivers keeping track of orders, warehouse workers handling inventory software, or customer service reps helping people navigate tech frustrations. If you love hands-on work and helping others, IT Support is calling your name!

Data Analytics

Data Analytics is a thriving and in-demand career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the data science profession is projected to grow 36%—faster than the national average—by 2033, which is why we created the Data Analytics Career Track. It is an immersive 19-week job training program designed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge in the field of data analytics.

In the program, you’ll delve into key concepts such as data visualization, statistical analysis, and data storytelling. Participants will also gain proficiency in industry-standard tools and programming languages such as Python and SQL, preparing them for real-world applications in various sectors.

We know that sounds like a lot, but rest assured, we will guide you from the first lesson to job offer!

The Data Analytics program is ideal for individuals who enjoy working with data to uncover insights and solve real-world problems. If you find yourself tracking expenses, optimizing schedules, or analyzing sports stats for fun, you might already have the skills for this field. Many former warehouse workers, delivery drivers, and retail associates use data daily—whether tracking sales, inventory trends, or customer behaviors—without realizing it. If you love spotting patterns and making data-driven decisions, Data Analytics could be your next step.

UX Design

The UX Design Career Track is an intensive 22-week training program that teaches learners how to design intuitive and user-friendly digital experiences.

The Google Data Analytics certificate and training curriculum covers key topics such as user research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to create user-centered designs that enhance digital experiences.

UX Design is a technical profession, however, it also allows you to use your right-brain creativity. You have the ability to solve user problems with unique designs.

If you’ve ever thought, “Why is this app so hard to use?” or found yourself rearranging a store layout in your head for better flow, UX design might be for you. Many of our learners come from roles where understanding user experience is key—baristas crafting the perfect workflow, cashiers spotting inefficiencies in checkout processes, or hospitality workers ensuring guests have seamless interactions. If you love problem-solving and creativity, UX Design might be your ideal career move.

Cybersecurity

The Cybersecurity Career Track is an intensive 21-week job training program designed to prepare you for a successful career in cybersecurity.

The program covers essential topics such as network security, threat analysis, cryptography, and incident response. In addition to theoretical knowledge, you’ll gain hands-on experience with tools like Python, Linux, Splunk, and Wireshark while exploring security frameworks like NIST CSF and RMF. These skills will prepare you for roles such as:

Junior Security Analyst
SOC Technician
Network Security Analyst

Cybersecurity is a field for individuals who enjoy problem-solving, critical thinking, and staying ahead of potential threats. If you’ve ever been the person who double-checks locks, monitors security cameras, or keeps up with online privacy trends, you might already have a cybersecurity mindset. Many of our learners transition from roles like warehouse security officers, delivery drivers tracking secure shipments, or customer service representatives handling fraud prevention. If protecting information and staying ahead of cyber threats sounds like an exciting challenge, Cybersecurity could be the career for you.

Project Management

The Project Management Career Track is an intensive 17-week training program designed to develop skills in project planning, risk management, and team leadership.

The Google Project Management Certificate curriculum is tailored to meet the demands of today’s job market, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to tackle real-world project challenges and effectively lead teams in various industries. You’ll develop expertise in Agile methodologies, stakeholder communication, and process improvement, setting you up for roles like:

Project Coordinator
Operations Manager
Scrum Master

If you’ve ever managed a team, coordinated schedules, or organized events, you may already have the foundation for a successful career in project management. Many of our learners come from backgrounds in retail management, warehouse operations, and restaurant leadership—where multitasking, leadership, and efficiency are key. If you thrive on keeping things running smoothly, project management could be the perfect fit.

Human Resources

The Human Resources Career Track is a comprehensive 18-week training initiative designed for individuals seeking to advance their careers in human resources.

The program covers key HR concepts, practices, and strategies. By the end of the program, you will have the opportunity to earn the Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) certification, which signifies your foundational knowledge and commitment to the HR field.

Human resources professionals play a crucial role in supporting employees, fostering positive work environments, and ensuring organizations run smoothly.

If you’ve ever managed schedules, trained new hires, or acted as the go-to problem solver for workplace issues, HR could be a great fit. Many learners transition from roles like retail supervisors, hospitality managers, or administrative assistants who already have experience in people management and conflict resolution. If you enjoy helping people succeed and improving workplace culture, Human Resources might be the career for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change programs midway through?

Yes, you can switch Career Track programs! We recognize that your career goals and interests may evolve, and we’re here to support you.

The process for transitioning between programs depends on your current stage in the admissions process and may vary accordingly.

For more information on switching programs, reach out to admissions@meritamerica.org for your next steps.

How long does each program take to complete?

Merit America Career Tracks allow you to keep your day job while you complete the program.

Program	Length
IT Support	14 weeks, 20 hours/week
Data Analytics	19 weeks, 25 hours/week
UX Design	22 weeks, 20 hours/week
Cybersecurity	21 weeks, 20~25 hours/week
Project Management	17 weeks, 20 hours/week
Human Resources	18 weeks, weeks 20 hours/week

What are Merit America eligibility requirements?

You have a high school diploma or GED.
Associates and bachelor’s degree holders are welcome.
You do not have a graduate degree and are not currently enrolled in a graduate program.
You are a fluent English speaker, reader, and writer.
You are a resident of the U.S. and authorized to work in the U.S.
DACA and Temporary Residents must have a status/visa that does not expire within six months of the Immersion start date.
Residents of U.S. territories are eligible for our program.
You are 18 years of age or older.
You will be seeking full-time employment upon completion of the program.

Who is Merit America NOT for?

We take a lot of pride in our ability to help low-wage workers acquire new skills and start fulfilling careers. That said, we understand that everyone is at a different stage of life.

Here’s who may not get the same value out of our program as our alumnus:

Professionals with a technically advanced background: Our programs are best suited for beginners with little or no technical experience.
People unwilling or unable to put in the legwork, studying and networking: We’ll provide the materials and support needed to succeed, but just like chemistry class, you won’t learn by osmosis. You have to apply yourself to land the job, or you can get your money back.

How do I apply to Merit America?

We’re happy to have you join the program!

We invite you to apply now and complete an initial questionnaire. No need to study! The assessment focuses on your problem-solving and reading abilities, giving our admission team an understanding of your potential.

You’ll also complete the Merit America Overview where you’ll learn core Merit America components such as the curriculum, learning structure, available support systems, and details about cost and payment options.

After, you’ll confirm your spot in the next available cohort!