Across all CAST Schools, students are encouraged to reflect on four powerful questions:
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What am I great at?
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What do I love?
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What does the world need?
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And what can I get paid for?
For many 9th graders, that question can feel overwhelming as they prepare to select a pathway that will guide their next three years. CAST Tech High School’s first Industry Day was designed to make the answer clearer by connecting passions, skills, and opportunities. This year’s event brought together professionals from CPS Energy, H-E-B, Accenture, Whataburger, AO Globe Life, San Antonio ISD, and Centre Club San Antonio, to help students explore CAST Tech’s three pathways: User Experience, Business & Entrepreneurship, and Cybersecurity.
“Industry Day actually started as a student’s idea,” explained Analisa Vasquez, CAST Tech’s Partnership Coordinator. “Robert Gonzales, now a student at UTSA, wanted his peers to better understand the careers and opportunities available within each pathway. Today, his idea continues to grow.”
Throughout the event, students heard from industry professionals who shared not only what they do, but also why they do it—their inspirations, challenges, and lessons learned. Students also met with their counselor to learn about the different classes within each pathway including dual credit opportunities and electives.
For some, the answers came into focus quickly. Oliver Waters, who already leaned toward computer science, found new energy in cybersecurity after hearing from H-E-B’s Brandon Jaste, who described real-world digital threats. “Instead of a textbook explanation,” Oliver said, “I got to hear firsthand why people chose their careers and how it changed their lives.”
Others, like Sergio Gomez, found themselves rethinking their future. “I wasn’t sure about my path, but now I’m leaning into cybersecurity,” he said. “One speaker told us, ‘You want your job to feel like a hobby—it should be something fun.’ That really stuck with me.”
For Evelyn Cordova, Industry Day opened her eyes to the business pathway. “I liked how proud they were of their jobs and how many opportunities there are for internships,” she reflected. “It made me want to explore more.”
And for Rashid Buford, already committed to cybersecurity, the day reinforced his passion: “I learned a lot about the different roles in cybersecurity and how diverse the field really is. There are hackers everywhere—it made me realize just how important this work is.”
Industry Day is not about choosing a job—it’s about learning how to make informed decisions about a future that is both fulfilling and sustainable. By reflecting on what they’re good at, what excites them, what the world needs, and what careers can support them, students begin to see how their interests connect to real opportunities.