ACTION PLAN
Important! Before I tell you what you should do, I need to emphasize what not to do. The number one mistake I’ve seen teachers making over and over again is updating their resumes and applying to any job they feel qualified for. I can’t stress this enough: Do not leave it to the hiring managers to connect the dots between what you did as a teacher to the job they are trying to fill. No one outside of teaching is going to recognize the countless skills required to do your job as a teacher. I made this same mistake myself at the beginning of this journey. I was so desperate to get out of the classroom. I would have taken any job offered to me as my ticket out. Do not apply until you have thoroughly done your homework. Keep reading for a complete list of homework assignments.
There is no single secret formula to changing careers, but I’m frequently asked for a list of steps to follow. So in this post, I will attempt to reduce the process into action steps teachers can follow.
1) Consider your strengths and positive experiences.
Think about the parts of teaching you truly enjoy doing. Try to separate your responsibilities and experiences from all of the stress-inducing aspects of the job. For example, I loved creating digital instructional materials. I hated the fact that l had to trade my personal life for the time to create them, but I loved the design process, learning new creative technology, and applying pedagogy to create engaging content for my students.
2) Research career options for former teachers.
Consider options beyond tutoring and corporate training. Both are great options, but there are so many more out there that teachers are qualified for. I’ve met a lot of former teachers who have happily transitioned to roles in Ed Tech, especially Customer Success roles. But you also have the skills to become a project manager, account manager, executive assistant, copywriter, editor, sales representative, and program manager just to name a few. You can find an extensive list of options included with former teacher success stories on teachercareercoach.com. Scroll about a third of the way down for the list.
3) Take a close look at each role before choosing one.
Once you have narrowed it down to 2 or 3 possible career paths, it’s important to get a clear idea of what your day-to-day would look like in each role. You can do this by reaching out to people in those roles on LinkedIn, watching “A Day in the Life of a ____” on YouTube, and podcasts specifically for people in those roles.
4) Identify your learning gaps.
No matter what path you choose there will be some upskilling involved. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, podcasts were my go-to method for learning about the instructional design field and identifying what I needed to learn more about. Look through current job postings for the role and make note of any skills, tools, or concepts you need to learn to include them on your resume and be able to demonstrate or discuss them in an interview. You may need a portfolio for roles like ID, UX, or eLearning Design.
5) Decide where, when, and how you will do the upskilling.
I know you’re probably in a hurry to make this happen, but it’s important to have a sound plan before jumping in. Do you have the time and money to put into a degree program? Many people choose that route, but keep in mind that it isn’t necessary to have a degree or certificate to show. Hiring managers are often unconcerned with where you got your skills or experience. The proof is in whether you have the skills, can walk the walk, and can talk the talk of someone with experience in that role.
6) Look for ways to gain experience.
You need to be able to showcase your experience with the role you are applying for (or as close to it as possible). Volunteering is a great way to do this. Want to be a project manager? Chair a committee at school, church, or local organization. When you write and talk about these experiences in corporate terms your resume will stand out.
7) Rewrite your resume.
Include only experiences and responsibilities that pertain to the role you are applying for. Replace education terms with corporate terms. (See Resume Rewrite for detailed tips and examples.)
8) Start applying.
I’ve met former teachers who landed a job after only 5 applications, and I’ve met others who have sent out over 200! How many it takes will depend on the role you are applying for, the time of year, how well you have prepared, how much experience your resume shows, and how you sell yourself in the interviews.
