COLUMBUS, Ohio — Like many people his age, this last year of college for Brandon Simpson looked a lot different.

”A lot of reading, a lot of podcasts," said Simpson. "A lot of activities of things that I’m generally interested in but aren’t necessarily like seeking a degree for. Alot of science things like astronomy."

It’s his third year at Columbus State Community College. He’s getting his associate’s degree in business. Finance is one of many things that interest this impressive young man.

“I think space is one of the coolest things ever. One of my biggest idols had to have been Carl Sagan," said Simpson.

But navigating his place on this pale blue dot hasn’t always been easy.

Simpson is on the autism spectrum.  

“Getting a degree is just part of it, but being able to know how to navigate the job seeking world is a complete hurdle, especially for those who struggle with interpersonal-related environments” explained Simpson

But Simpson has people in his corner.

His counselor, Jessica Terry, is the senior vocational rehabilitation counselor for Columbus State's “College2Careers” program.

She helps him with resources including mock interviews, academic mapping and career coaching.

“I see Brandon doing a lot of wonderful things," said Terry.

One of those wonderful things is the summer internship brandon landed. He’s working with JP Morgan Chase in the community consuming banking division.

He hopes it will translate into a job that lets him pay it forward.

"I’m hoping to see myself as a personal finance advisor for a fortune 500 top firm, specifically for achieving financial success for those that typically have financial needs, so others that are on the spectrum like myself, that is autism spectrum disorder, or others with atypical neuro disorders or physical disabilities," said Simpson.

Equipped with the tools for success, he’s ready to invest in his future.

“I think its really important that people in the community, especially nowadays, are financially looked after,” said Simpson.