I have a BA in History, a Diploma in Guidance and Counselling, as well as a diploma in Teacher Education. I have worked as a classroom teacher for over 12 years and I do not find this career rewarding anymore. I think that it is time that I make a career change. However, the challenges involved in finding a suitable job is making this difficult. But I believe there is something out there for me. Please advise me on how to make that transition based on the current job market. Thank you.

THE field of education is one which continues to show stability despite the economic recession, and so you may want to carefully explore your options in the area of education.

As an educator, if you do your research, you will find that there are many areas in the field of education that you can pursue outside of the classroom and for which your training in education will be very relevant.

For classroom learning to take place, there are supporting administrative areas. These are more distinct and established at the tertiary level where there are departments, such as registry, faculty offices and departments, including student affairs and/or student services.

For teaching to take place, students must be admitted and so there is the office of admissions, which is managed by qualified personnel, many of whom are trained in the field of education but who have opted to work in the support services. Examinations must be properly planned and administered and students results recorded. That is also the function of the support staff of an educational institution.

The area of student services/student affairs is a growing one internationally in tertiary institutions. Student services/student affairs include areas such as admissions, career services, managing halls of residence, managing student development programmes and activities, sports as well as other student services facilities. Faculties offices must also be properly administered and student matters dealt with properly at that level. There are, for example, meetings to be planned and recordings of meetings and other events required.

An educational institution must also recruit and select as well as organise orientation and training sessions for its staff members. You may, therefore, want to try finding a suitable administrative position in a tertiary-level institution. Do some more research to familarise yourself with the available options. Do a match of your interest with your qualifications and skills.

Your diploma in guidance and counselling, combined with your training and experience in education will be very useful if you decide to work in the support services discussed above.

Other options

If you decide to go outside of the tertiary-level education system, the Ministry of Education and other agencies also utilise the services of teachers. The ministry employs a cadre of professionals in administrative positions as education officers with responsibilities for several areas, including professional development, school supervision, research, planning, curriculum development, public relations, and human resources management.

There are also opportunities within the HEART Trust/NTA for educators to work as lecturers, placement officers and general administrators of various programmes. Finding a career in a public or private sector organisation as a training or human resources manager is also a possibility.

Retooling

I would like to suggest that you try to upgrade your qualifications. The world of work has become very competitive. Upgrading involves planning to pursue a programme of study at the graduate level.

Perhaps you will want to pursue studies in human resources management or educational administration. Many of the positions at the tertiary level or in the ministry will require a master’s degree.

If you qualify for study leave at this time, you may need to make use of this. If not, you may want to consider studying online, on weekends or in an evening programme. The master’s in human resources management at the University of the West Indies, Mona, is offered on a part-time basis and is highly recognised by employers. The School of Education also offers a postgraduate degree in educational administration, which can also be done on a part-time basis.

Ensure that your computer skills are good. You may not be using them currently as a teacher but the positions to which you are aspiring will require such skills. Doing a short course in this area may be useful.

Making a career change in the field of education can be achieved, but you must be aware of the various options and their limitations. Also, ensure that your choice is based on your interest, ability and availability of the position. Afterwards, you will need to acquire the necessary training and qualifications required for the position, and then pursue your passion.

Merrit Henry is the student services manager at the University of the West Indies, Mona. Send your questions to merrit.henry@uwimona.edu.jm