# Choose Your Future Path

Part of the Robotics Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/robotics/guide/index.md)

*7. Future Paths*

> **7.** Do ONE of the following:

You must choose exactly one option from this requirement.

## Your options

- **[Req 7a — Explore Robotics Careers](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/robotics/guide/req7a/)**: Research three jobs that use robotics skills, then dig deeply into one career path.
- **[Req 7b — Build a Robotics Hobby](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/robotics/guide/req7b/)**: Explore how robotics skills could support a personal hobby and what it would take to grow that interest.

## How to choose

**Choosing your future path option** — Pick the one that gives you the most honest look ahead

- [ ] **Choose 7a** if you want to know what training, pay, and advancement look like in a real robotics-related career.
- [ ] **Choose 7b** if you want to connect robotics to something you already love doing for fun.
- [ ] **What you will gain**: 7a helps you think long-term about work and education. 7b helps you imagine how robotics can stay part of your life even outside a job.
- [ ] **Best starting point**: If you are career-curious, go with 7a. If you are still discovering your interests, 7b may feel more personal.

> **Tip**
>
> There is no wrong choice here. Both options are about seeing robotics as more than a one-time badge project.

Start with the career option first, then compare it with the hobby option.

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- Previous: [Compare Youth Leagues](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/robotics/guide/req6b/index.md)
- Next: [Explore Robotics Careers](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/robotics/guide/req7a/index.md)