Education: It’s Not Just About Teaching…

Many people consider a career in education because they want to teach. Their desire to teach may have been the result of an impression left by a favorite teacher or professor, or, their interest in teaching is driven by the fact that they have a life-long desire to continue learning. While that is true for many seeking jobs in education, a career in education need not be all about teaching.

As an example, I, myself have spent my entire working career within the field of education and have yet to formerly teach in a traditional classroom. The closest I came to that was when I was a software instructor teaching university administrators how to manage their newly installed student administration system. Along the way, I have worked at several other positions within or supporting education including working as:

• a director of admissions
• a consultant supporting colleges implementing new software
• a director of development services, supporting the fundraising efforts
• a higher education consultant.

Just as in the corporate world, there are many types of job specializations that are needed to support an educational institution’s infrastructure and day-to-day operations. Some of my closest colleagues have worked their entire careers within education as network engineers, software programmers, tax accountants, human resource specialists, architects, health care professionals, lawyers and even culinary chefs.

Regardless of the type or size of the institution, virtually all require the same sort of support as any other organization. Education is not an industry that is going away any time soon. In fact, there are strong moves by the current administration to overhaul education and place more emphasis on turning out better prepared students to more effectively compete in the world marketplace.

The key to a career in education is understanding the culture into which you are bringing your skill set. Educational institutions typically operate within a different timeline and cycle than most other private or public sectors. In addition, there are varying hierarchies and management levels across many institutions.

While some people shy away from job opportunities in education, primarily due to lower pay scales, this is changing more and more as educational organizations must compete with the private sector to recruit and retain qualified individuals with a specific skill set. This is being seen particularly in the information technology sector.

There will always be a need for education, particularly in our latest economic downturn as people make career changes, whether by their choice or not. While there will always be a need for good teachers to meet these needs, there will also be just as much need for people with the skills to support the ongoing efforts of education. If you are interested in career within education, check out www.educationjobsite.com.

Marc was once introduced as a "Higher Education consultant, Enrollment Management and Development specialist, haphazard adventurer and a buccaneer for the exciting side of life." Having grown up in a military family, Marc began his life, traveling the world. His zest for travel only continued throughout his career as he has crossed the globe working within and supporting the many facets of education. He has a passion for excellence and is a strong believer that the many connections we make throughout our lives are what help to guide and shape us along the roads we travel.