EDUCATION

What can I do with this major?

AREAS EMPLOYERS STRATEGIES
K-12
Teaching: Elementary, middle, and secondary schools: Obtain experience working with target age group
Pre-school Public, private, Montessori, magnet, charter through volunteer or part-time positions.
Elementary Day care centers Demonstrate patience, creativity, and the ability to
Middle Nursery schools work well with people of various backgrounds.
Secondary Boards of education Develop strong communications skills to deal effec-
Administration: Tutoring and learning centers tively with students, staff, and parents.
Principal Test preparation companies Complete a college level teacher preparation program
Superintendent Overseas schools for military to obtain certification for desired subject area or
Special services: dependents grade level. Requirements vary by state.
Reading Private schools may not require certification.
Guidance counseling Pursue multiple certifications to increase employ-
School psychology ability.
School social work Alternative or non-traditional certification programs exist
Occupational therapy to fill areas of critical need and vary by state.
Physical therapy Earn master's degree for higher pay and for a hiring
Audiology and speech pathology edge in some districts.
Library/information services Join related organizations such as National Education
Instructional/Educational Association, International Reading Association,
technology National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, etc.
Special education to learn about current issues in the field.
Career/Technical education Research school administration graduate programs
Self-enrichment and certification requirements for principal posi-
English as a second language tions.
Curriculum supervision Graduate study is required for "special service" fields.
Subject area supervision Obtain master's degree in area to become a
Tutoring services specialist.
Test preparation
(Education, Page 2)

AREAS EMPLOYERS STRATEGIES

HIGHER EDUCATION
Teaching Four-year colleges and universities Earn Ph.D. in content area for teaching and
Research Two-year and community colleges research at four-year institutions. A master's
Information/Library services Technical schools degree may be sufficient for teaching at two-
Instructional/Educational technology Medical and professional schools year schools.
Administration and student support services: Pursue Ph.D. or Ed.D. in higher education for
Admissions upper level positions in university
Financial aid administration.
Academic advising Acquire minimum of a master’s degree in student
Disability services personnel, student development, counseling,
Development or a related field for student affairs positions.
Alumni affairs Seek experience in higher education through
Distance education student positions such as Resident Assistant,
International education and study abroad Orientation Leader, Peer Mentor, etc.
Student affairs, (e.g., Residence life, Student Secure significant experience in related field for
activities, Orientation, Leadership, Greek technical school positions.
life, Multicultural affairs, Recreational Obtain a master’s degree in library or information
sports, Career services, Tutors/Learning sciences from a program accredited by the
resources.). American Library Association (ALA).
Acquire a master’s degree in
instructional/educational technology for
associated roles.

ADULT AND CONTINUING EDUCATION
Boards of education
In-service education
Colleges and universities
Staff development
Two-year and technical schools
Professional development
Community organizations: YMCA, Red Cross, etc.
Leisure-oriented education
Correctional institutions
Career/Technical education
Museums
GED preparation
Professional associations
Literacy development
Residential care facilities
English as a second language
Adult day healthcare centers
Vocational services
K-12 school systems
Language schools: overseas and domestic
Develop strong communication skills and the desire to
help others.
Seek volunteer or paid experience in area of inter-
est, (e.g. English as a second language training,
GED preparation, literacy development, etc.).
Research certification and accreditation standards
for instructional areas of interest.
Attain master’s or Ph.D. degree in adult education
or a graduate degree in a subject or specialized
area.
Earn a reputation of expertise and experience in a
subject, profession, art, craft, or trade.
Demonstrate a repertoire of strategies for teaching
learners with varied life experiences including
age, skills and abilities, educational level,
culture, and socioeconomic status.
Research certification options, visa requirements
and overseas schools, and programs abroad.
(Education, Page 3)

AREAS EMPLOYERS STRATEGIES

BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATION
Training Bookstores Stay current with business and industry literature
Curriculum development Publishers: textbook, online textbook, newspaper, and news.
Publishing, editing, and technical writing magazine, book, educational websites Research companies that utilize teaching/educa-
Sales Test-preparation companies tion experience or those that are open to hiring
Customer service Software companies students from “any major."
Management Education-related businesses: toy retailers, educa- Conduct informational interviews to learn about
tional supply companies career paths and to build a network of contacts.
Public and private corporations Seek experience through part-time jobs and intern-
ships in business; experience in sales may be
necessary for some positions.
Join related student associations and pursue lead-
ership positions.
Be prepared to start in entry-level positions such as
management trainee programs.
Learn webpage design and software packages
relevant to publishing and media. Develop a
portfolio.
Consider earning an advanced degree to specialize
in business or communications fields.

GOVERNMENT
Administration Federal government agencies: Seek involvement in student government, local politi-
Planning Department of Education cal groups, local campaigns, civic organizations,
Evaluation Department of Defense community service projects, etc.
Management Overseas schools for military dependents Acquire experience through volunteering or complet-
Research and writing Department of Labor ing an internship in a government agency.
Teaching Educational Resources Information Center Develop strong analytical, verbal, research, writing
Community affairs (ERIC) and leadership skills.
Health and Human Services Build a network of contacts through referrals and
Library of Congress informational interviews.
National Archives and Records Administration Become familiar with the government application
National Science Foundation process. Utilize applicable websites and seek
National Endowment for the Arts assistance from your college career center.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Peace Corps
Americorps
Social service agencies
State and local government
(Education, Page 4)

AREAS EMPLOYERS STRATEGIES

NONPROFIT
Direct service Service organizations: United Way, Red Cross, Research organizations’ values to find a good fit
Programming Goodwill Industries, Salvation Army, etc. with yours.
Administration Youth organizations and camps: YMCA, YWCA, Seek experience as a volunteer, intern or paid em-
Management Young Life, Scouts, etc. ployee with social service or non-profit organiza-
Public relations Community recreation centers tions.
Fund raising/Development Immigrant and refugee service providers Become familiar with government and community
Policy analysis Shelters resources available for those in need.
Research Hospitals and hospices Develop a wide range of skills such as presenting,
Grant writing Residential treatment facilities grant writing, and fund raising, as professionals
Adult day healthcare centers in nonprofit organizations may fill multiple roles.
Correctional institutions Develop writing, research, and public speaking
Nursing homes skills and the ability to work with people from
Adoption agencies diverse backgrounds.
Churches, synagogues, and mosques Supplement coursework in with areas of interest
such as business, human services,
counseling, or psychology.
Demonstrate knowledge and experience in a
specialty area, (e.g. public health,
environment, urban issues).

GENERAL INFORMATION
• Develop excellent communication skills, verbal and written. Become skilled in various teaching strategies and technologies.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm and energy for the field, particularly the desire to work with and help others.
• Obtain part-time, summer, internship or volunteer experience with the intended age group in various settings such as pre-schools, day cares, camps,
community agencies, adult centers, YMCA's, etc.
• Participate in co-curricular activities and related organizations to broaden skills, interests and networking opportunities.
• Bachelor's degree is sufficient for certification to teach K-12 in most states. Obtain a master's degree for advancement and to increase earning potential.
Advanced degrees are required for specialists, education administration, college teaching and some other professional positions.
• Maintain current knowledge of state and national legislation regarding teacher certification.
• Identify transferable skills learned in teaching applicable to alternative careers:
Verbal and written communication, teaching and instruction, program planning, organization and record-keeping, working under pressure, meeting dead-
lines, motivating others, creativity, working autonomously, decision-making, problem solving, and research.

© 1996 The University of Tennessee

Center for Career Development (1996, Revised 2002, 2007, 2012,
2017) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA /ADEA
Employer