Are you on the lookout for a new job? Perhaps you’re looking to change careers entirely. If you have an interest in the education sector, you may believe that this is the direction for you.
Education is made up of a variety of different roles and responsibilities and is generally a vocation in which you direct a great deal of your time and attention to the teaching of others, so realistically, it needs to be a career that you’re interested in and passionate about.
In this blog, we’re going to look at some of the key ways you can improve your career prospects.
Study a new program
Studying for a new degree program will dramatically improve your marketability on the job hunt, but most educational roles do require a bachelor’s degree at minimum.
When up against other candidates holding valuable qualifications, it’s possible that you may be overlooked in a crowded market without one, so it would be best to research the program you require.
With that said, studying takes a great deal of time and responsibility, so you need to think about the best study options for you. You could attend traditional in-person lectures or opt for the more flexible approach of a stem teacher certification, for example, which can be completed online.
Determine which role is for you
There are many different roles in the education sector, and it’s essential to research which one is best for you due to the variety available. Here are some of the educational roles you may wish to consider:
- Lecturer
- Primary education teacher
- Secondary education teacher
- Teaching assistant
- SEN (special educational needs)
All educational roles will require different qualifications and skill sets, as well as different day-to-day duties. Therefore, understanding which role is best for you will give you a focus. With that said, it is often easy to switch between different roles if you require the correct qualifications, which can pave the way for new opportunities in the future.
Find a mentor
No one said that working in the education sector was easy. In fact, it could be considered one of the most challenging careers. You’re responsible for other people’s learning, and you’ll be faced with lots of administration roles, too, including marking and emailing. What’s more, it may be the case that you’re faced with behavioral issues that you have never dealt with before.
Going it alone can be tough if you have never worked in education. Therefore, you may find it useful to seek a mentor to guide you through the toughest situations and give you advice when you need it most.
Make use of job agency platforms
While there are usually a large number of teaching roles available in all states, it’s wise to make use of a job agency platform to find the ideal role for you. Many job agencies have sectors that specialize in education and have a variety of roles available in different locations. Once you have registered for a platform such as this, you’ll gain access to the job adverts that come up. This will make the job search much easier for you and ensure you don’t miss any opportunities that arise.
Acquire key skills
In the teaching sector, you will be required to have several different soft skills under your belt. You’re going to need to prove you have a good all-round skill set in order to catch the eye of the employer so that they believe you could be the suitable individual for the job. Some of the key skills you need include:
- Organization
- Leadership
- Resilience
- Independence
- Adaptability
Create the perfect resume
A great resume is essential for all individuals looking to get into the education sector – especially teachers. It should list all your qualifications and experience clearly so that employers can get an immediate idea of what you can offer.
Resumes should never really date back 10-15 years, as employers are much more interested in your most recent achievements. Therefore, don’t try and shove everything into one page if it isn’t relevant, as your best accomplishments may be overlooked.
Also, be sure to add the contact details of professional referees to the bottom of the resume, provided you have asked them for permission first. This may be your university lecturer, internship manager, or teachers of schools you have volunteered at.
Create the perfect cover letter
Most educational jobs will require you to attach a cover letter to your CV. Cover letters should be specific to the actual job role and not sent out to every role you apply for. Why? Simply because employers want to be able to see that you have carefully read the job description and see you have what it takes to fill the role.
As with any educational job, you want to make it clear why working at their school would be perfect for you, based on their principles and values.
Get prepared for the interview
An interview is the employer’s opportunity to gain insight into your teaching experience and training and explore your CV and cover letter in more detail.
During the interview, you’re likely to be taken on a tour of the school, witness lessons, and even participate in class activities to prove to the employer how you conduct yourself in an educational setting.
As with any interview, ensure that you dress smartly and present positive body language with a straight posture, a firm handshake, and a smile. Remember, first impressions really do matter.
Final note
Getting into the education sector isn’t always straightforward, and it may take months or even years to get to where you want to be on the career ladder. However, there is the opportunity to explore options and move into different roles should you wish to, which gives you greater options based on your interests and job stability. While teaching may be the obvious option in education, be sure to research the sector in greater detail, and you may just come across the perfect role for you.
Jack Griffiths
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