While many people associate education degrees with being a teacher, there are numerous other career paths available to education graduates. The common thread among these alternative career paths is that they utilize many of the same skills that education majors develop. Those include organizational abilities, communication skills, guidance, and a host of other qualities that aid in helping others achieve their goals. Rather than focusing on the existence of opportunity, we will focus on identifying the career path that aligns best with each education major’s strengths and interests.
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Some of the most rewarding and viable alternatives to teaching include:
Classroom Teaching
Elementary School/Secondary School Teachers
Teaching is the most traditional form of employment available to education graduates. As elementary and secondary school teachers, education graduates provide instruction to students, evaluate student progress, and assist in developing their learning capabilities. One of the greatest advantages of pursuing a career as an educator is the relatively stable nature of this profession. Whether at the local, state, or national level, schools always require qualified instructors. Additionally, as a teacher, one has the unique opportunity to positively affect a child’s life throughout his/her educational journey. For example, as an elementary school teacher, one has the ability to establish foundational skills (i.e., reading and mathematics) for young children, whereas as a secondary school teacher, one may prepare students for future career endeavors.
A disadvantage of becoming an educator is that teaching requires great amounts of patience, flexibility, and classroom management skills. However, when combined with the rewards of assisting children in achieving their potential, this combination creates a very fulfilling career path.
Educational Administration
School Administrator/Vice-Principal/Principal
Those who desire to pursue a leadership role within an educational setting may want to consider a career in educational administration. In roles such as school administrators, vice principals, or principals, individuals manage the day-to-day functions of a school district, supervise faculty/staff members, and monitor academic achievement within that district. Most roles in educational administration begin as teachers and then transition into administrative positions after receiving additional training/certifications. A significant advantage of working in educational administration is that one influences an entire school system, rather than influencing one classroom. Educational administrators perform a variety of tasks, including budgeting, implementing policies, and communicating with parents/community groups. Therefore, this position is highly varied, yet equally responsible.
Guidance and Counseling
School Counselors
Many education graduates choose to pursue careers as school counselors because they wish to support students beyond academics. School counselors provide students with support regarding academic issues, career exploration, and general wellness issues. To work as a school counselor, one typically needs to possess a number of attributes, including empathy, excellent listening skills, and in many cases, further certification/training in counseling/psychology. For example, a counselor may work with students experiencing test anxiety or assist students in determining what course(s) best serve their academic goals.
As mentioned earlier, this role is a blend of educating students academically and providing them with mental/emotional support; therefore, it can be both emotionally taxing and extremely fulfilling.
Curriculum Development/Instructional Design
Curriculum Specialists
Not all education professionals interact with students directly. Curriculum developers/designers are charged with creating materials used by educators to instruct students. They develop lesson plans and ensure that the curricula developed adhere to established standards. This area would be suitable for those who appreciate research and planning. For instance, a curriculum developer could create new teaching manuals for schools or create digital learning content for companies offering online courses. Due to the rapid expansion of distance learning programs (e.g., MOOCs), instructional designers have become increasingly sought-after by companies/schools/universities requiring high-quality instructional materials.
Corporate Training & Development
Training & Development Officers
Many employers seek out education graduates for roles as corporate trainers. Corporate trainers teach employees new skill sets through workshops, seminars, etc., and also promote improved employee performance. This career path is particularly appealing to those desiring to work in a corporate/business environment. An example of how an education graduate could function as a trainer in a corporate setting includes organizing seminars/workshops related to topics such as communication skills and/or leadership development.
Due to their ability to explain complex ideas in simple terms and to connect with their audiences, education graduates can bring value to virtually any industry employing corporate trainers.
Special Education
Teachers/Special Needs Educators
In special education, students receive specific teaching tailored to address their unique learning difficulties/disabilities. Special educators must demonstrate incredible levels of patience and commitment towards meeting the needs of each student. In addition to requiring specialized training, special educators must modify their teaching techniques based on the individualized needs of each student. Examples of areas where special educators may work include students who have hearing impairments, autism, or various types of learning disabilities.
While this career path can be incredibly challenging due to its physical demands, long hours, etc., it provides a deeper sense of purpose and impact than nearly any other field.
Educational Technology
Ed Tech Specialists
The increasing presence of technology in education has resulted in new opportunities for education graduates. Specifically, EdTech specialists work closely with digital tools/e-learning platforms/software, etc., designed to enhance learning environments for students. An example of how an education graduate may contribute as an EdTech specialist includes helping schools adopt new learning management systems or facilitating professional development workshops for teachers so they can better integrate technology into their classrooms.
Combining their knowledge of pedagogy with technological skills creates a highly relevant career path in today’s digital age.
Writing & Content Creation
Educational Writers
A rapidly emerging field for education graduates involves writing educational content. Education graduates can create textbooks, online courses, blog posts, exam study guides, etc.
Specifically designed for individuals who enjoy writing/researching as part of their daily activities. An educational writer may write content specifically for students studying for exams or develop guides for teachers. Additionally, much like writers in non-academic fields (i.e., journalism/news), educational writers have flexible schedules allowing them to work remotely/freelance.
The right path for you will be based on many of the things listed below:
Your personal interest (Do you like being around students? Or do you like doing the background/behind-the-scenes type work?
Your Skills (Are your strong points in communication?) Do you have good analytical skills?)
Additional Education/Certifications/Degrees (Some jobs require them.)
Where you want to work (Schools, Offices, Home Office)
If you take some time to think about all of the above and how they relate to each other, this could really give you a lot more confidence in making your decision.
To conclude, it may seem at first that an education degree does not offer much diversity. But in reality, there are so many different ways to use your education degree. There is teaching in a classroom and/or leading a school, training in corporations, counseling, developing and implementing new technologies for the world of education, and many other activities. Each one of these types of jobs allows you to develop and utilize the basic skills that you learned through the process of obtaining your degree. The most important thing is finding a way to direct yourself into a job/career that fits what you feel are your greatest assets/strengths and also reflects your longer-term goals. In the end, an education graduate has the ability to create a very fulfilling and productive career that makes a positive impact on individuals and our society.
