How you can land that dream job in education
A career or job in education is a non-stop learning journey, and it is one that will enable you to meet people from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Education is one of the foundations to a successful career and life, and it is constantly changing, growing and developing, so it is important to know which role you want to fulfil within the education arena.
What do you want to achieve?
Knowing as early as you can what job you see yourself in will help you plan out your route. When planning your journey and route into a job in education, you will want to find the learning path that is right for you, your life, your family, and any other commitments you may currently have.
What training or development do you need?
If you wish to become a teacher, you will need a University degree plus other training and courses such as a PGCE or MA. If you are returning to learning after time in the workplace, you would probably be best to consider studying for an ma in education based online from the University of Exeter.
Learning online provides you with a great deal of flexibility as to when and how you study, and it can also allow you to maintain a job should you need to.
What experience do you need?
To get a job in education you will ideally need experience working within the education sector. The job you wish to get will of course affect the experience you require.
For example, if you wish to be a teacher, having hands on classroom experience will prove essential. You will be able to get real life work experience when you are studying, if you choose to and if you have time, but it will prove an invaluable experience.
Studying while working
It is possible to carry on working and earning while studying, but you must consider how much time you cancreate to fit in your studies.You will have to create and make time, as your life will be busier than before, so initially when you begin studying expect your life to be purely stressful and chaotic, then if it is anything else you will be pleasantly surprised.
You will have to use any support and assistance from friends and family to gain the education you require (especially if you are returning to studying while raising a family).
Choosing a learning provider
When it comes to choosing a provider for your learning experience, there are a number of factors you will want to consider, such as how long the course lasts, how much it will cost, and what learning options there are available to you.
Factoring in any travel time will also affect which provider you choose. If the provider only offers on site learning, and it is miles away from your home and workplace, then it is probably not going to be the right choice for you.
You may find learning online the best option for you as it provides that all important flexibility, in that you can fit it into and around your current life and commitments. Reviews and recommendations are also important when it comes to choosing a provider.
For example: what are previous learners saying and what are the key points you need to take away. Take your time to ensure that the educational establishment fulfils all of your criteria before you commit any money. Taking time to research your options before committing will obviously be beneficial to you moving forwards.
Benefits of online learning
In addition to the flexibility online learning provides you, there is also the time factor and cost to consider. You will save both money and time by not commuting to a place of study. Time is valuable so you do not want to spend yours stuck in traffic while travelling to an education centre.
Money is also important, especially if you are holding down a job while studying. Why waste money on travel if you can learn from the comfort of your home or workplace.
The next step
After establishing how you want to learn, when and where, it is now time to get studying and realising your dreams, and your full potential. At times studying will be draining and tiring, and this is especially true if you are fitting studying in around your current work and/or home life.
Balance is key, and finding the right work-life-study balance is essential. Trying to do too much will ultimately lead to you burning out and potentially having a breakdown (mentally or physically), so do not try and do it.
Use support and help networks around you, whether this is friends, colleagues or family members, and do not be afraid to reach out and seek assistance or help. Studying is a journey that ideally should be enjoyable, so try to get the most out of it without it negatively affecting your mental health and physical wellbeing.
Landing your dream job
After studying and achieving the qualifications you desire, it is now time to land that dream job. To get the job you want you may require work experience, so keep this in mind during your studies, and try to gain experience alongside your studying when and where you can, try not to turn down opportunities that present themselves as experience is vital.
To find your dream job you will probably start your search online. When searching online for a job you need to think about where the job is based, for example is it within a commutable distance, or would you need to relocate to take up the position should you be offered it.
When it comes to nailing that job, your CV/Resume is going to do the job of selling you – it is the first thing that potential employers will see, they won’t know you any other way. Do not underestimate the power of your CV/Resume, and if it is not selling you or getting you interviews, consider rewriting it or getting a professional CV writer on board to do it for you.
