Careers in Education
The education industry offers a wide range of meaningful career paths for individuals who are passionate about helping others learn and grow. The industry is comprised of public, non-profit, and for-profit organizations with professional roles in daycare and early learning centers, elementary schools, secondary schools, community colleges, universities, charter schools, Montessori schools, vocational centers, and corporate educational support services in both teaching and non-teaching roles. From classroom teaching and student support roles to curriculum design, educational technology, administration, and community-based learning programs, the field provides opportunities to make a lasting impact.
What Can I Do With an Education Career?
There are a variety of career options available to those in the Education industry. Focus areas in Education include:
Teaching
Professionals interested in teaching can find themselves employed in childcare centers, pre-schools, elementary schools, middle schools, secondary schools, and at colleges/universities.
Education Administration
Education Administrators have a variety of duties including developing educational goals, strategic planning, curriculum oversight, positive behavioral interventions and support, special education services, teacher evaluations, professional development, budget management, resource procurement, community partnerships, compliance, data analysis, emergency response, and safety protocols. Some common types of education administrators include Preschool Director, Assistant School Principal, School Principal, School Business Administrator, Superintendent, College Dean, College Provost, Education Program Director, College Admission Director, and Career Services Director.
Support Services
In many educational institutions, there are support services for students that may include counseling, therapy, and academic or career advising. Examples of these roles include Guidance Counselor, School Social Worker, School Psychologist, ABA Therapist, Academic Advisor, and Career Counselor. These types of positions overlap with the counseling and helping professions. For more info on those types of roles, see our page on Counseling & Human Services.
Gaining Experience in Education
Students can gain valuable experience in the education industry through a variety of hands-on opportunities both on and off campus. Many start by working or volunteering in local schools, tutoring centers, after-school programs, or youth organizations. On campus, roles such as peer tutoring, orientation leadership, or serving as a teaching assistant provide direct exposure to teaching and student development.
Students can also explore education from different angles by participating in internships with nonprofits, community agencies, and educational technology companies, or by joining clubs focused on mentoring, literacy, or youth outreach. These experiences help students understand the many career paths within the education field while developing practical skills that translate into future roles whether in the classroom, administration, counseling, or educational support services.
