New Career for a Teacher

[shandi76]

As a few of you may remember, I live in the UK and am a Lecturer at the UK equivalent of a Community College.

Due to the huge public spending cuts and the way our education system is funded, we have been hit really badly and I am almost certainly going to be made redundant in June (the entire subject area I teach is being culled: if they were salami-slicing I would be more optimistic of my survival chances).

Given that the cuts are the same across the entire country, all Colleges are laying people off and none are hiring. Universities are in the same position, though not quite as severe. Getting a new job in post-secondary education is therefore not possible, and I will need to find a new career avenue.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Has anyone on here successfully made the leap from teaching to industry? I am a computer programmer, but all employers seem to be of the opinion that people who teach programming can't program to industry standard. (I can, or at least could, but am a little out of practice having taught only to sophomore year level for the past decade.)

Other than my subject specialty, I'm not sure what career avenues would be best suited to a former educator. I'm rather worried as it is a very tough job market out there just now.

[Deleted]

What would someone who majored in your field while in college do when he/she graduated besides teaching? Surely, you or someone in your department has contacts outside the profession . . . networking, intern supervisors, etc. Maybe one of them could give you a lead.

[shandi76]

My major isn't actually in my field... I started out as a Life Sciences student and most of the people I have stayed in touch with are in that field: though actually only a few of them were successful as such. Once you are out of biology for 2 years you can't get back in, and I've been out for 12.

My major is actually Sociology, and of the few people I stayed in touch with, one works as a Senior Policy Advisor for a Government Quango that is about to be axed, another re-trained as a nurse, one is a teacher and the other is a PA. From my Masters course, a lot of the people ended up doing non-graduate jobs (it wasn't a great university and it was just as the .com bubble burst). One or two got onto graduate training schemes and are doing okay, one is in Finance, and the rest are working as Research Assistants or University Lecturers, and praying they keep their jobs.

I have a lot of contacts in my profession and good links with other Colleges, but of course that doesn't help at this point in time...

[Savoir Faire-Demogague in NJ]

Shandi,
as a teacher and lecturer, it is my belief you would be an ideal candidate to work as a sales rep for a software company, who goes out in the field and gives software demo's/presentations.
Just an idea.

[The J]

If you want to try to get a job programming, then you should take this time to work on certifications, to show you're capable of programming at a professional level.

SF's idea is a good one as well.

[Savoir Faire-Demogague in NJ]

If you want to try to get a job programming, then you should take this time to work on certifications, to show you're capable of programming at a professional level.

Most, if not all certifications are garbage, in my opinion. I have seven Microsoft certs including the MCSD and MCIT Pro, both in the development, database and business intelligence disciplines.
Companies want experience.
Microsoft will tell you on the Cert web site that companies are looking for people who are certified, and most if not all training centers will give you the same line of BS.
The certification track is a huge gravy train for Microsoft. It costs $125 per exam. Tens of 1000s take exams every month. Training centers charge $1000s and $1000s for training programs and boot camps which can go for $6000 for a week of intensvie training. This is a huge income stream.

[shandi76]

I quite like the idea of being a sales rep for a software company, but working for commission only would scare me. I like stability. Also, do you have to be physically attractive to get hired to work in sales?

That's depressing about employers not caring about certification and only wanting experience. How do you get the experience without a job?

I have a small portfolio of programs I have written just for fun, which I can show to employers to demonstrate my programming abilities. I'm hoping that adding to that will help. I'm also wondering whether it is possible to get an internship to get some commercial experience, or are they more for fresh-faced 20 year olds?

[Savoir Faire-Demogague in NJ]

I quite like the idea of being a sales rep for a software company, but working for commission only would scare me. I like stability. Also, do you have to be physically attractive to get hired to work in sales?

Someone working as a rep for a software purveyor would also have a base salary. You would also need to be knowledgable in the functionality and may also be doing training. You'd be earning an interesting salary.

That's depressing about employers not caring about certification and only wanting experience. How do you get the experience without a job?

It has been this way in IT for 40 years. IT used to be a good career to get into. I would say the last 15 years it has gone way downhill with regards to lack of professionalism, many people in it are very arrogant, sanctimonious, pompous etc. Certifications do not mean much. It is not like someone getting their CPA license, an attorney passing the Bar, or an engineer or architect being license, and a doctor passing their state boards.

[Abby Normal]

You could look into being a Corporate trainer. I have had to attend several training sessions with tech companies to learn how to use software. The have dedicated trainers.

[debtheaven]

Since you have over a decade of experience teaching, could you apply for certification to teach in HS?

I don't know how it works in the UK, but I was validated to teach MS / HS on the basis of my diploma, after a one-hour interview, because the Board of Ed needed English teachers.

My first teaching job (in a MS) was a total and utter disaster. But, if there is an equivalent program in the UK, I'm sure yours wouldn't be, because of all your experience.

I wish I knew more about how this works in the UK so that I could give you better advice.

The other thing I could suggest is looking into ESL teaching. I'm sure it pays much less than what you do, but it could be a starting point.

Also, could you reinvent yourself as a science or maths teacher (since that is generally where the shortages are)? I'm not sure how you could do that in the UK, but maybe that's something to pursue?

I realize I'm just posting my thoughts out loud. Best of luck to you.

ETA: How about teaching computer skills to ESL students?

[Tennesseer]

Look at any type of corporate training. You taught at a college level so you should have excellent classroom and platform skills.

[phil5185]

made the leap from teaching to industry?

No, I've always been in industry. I agree with SF about certifications, not very useful - in industry we look for people that have the skills to do the task at hand - we are not credential based (as opposed to education that is mostly based on credentials).

a small portfolio of programs I have written just for fun, which I can show to employers to demonstrate my programming abilities. I'm hoping that adding to that will help.

Well, maybe. But only if it applies directly to the requirements of the job. It's not like you are trying to get an 'A' in programming - it is 'can you lead an 8-person team to build a program that will do optimization analysis of available power sources - petro, nuclear, electric - to provide the most cost efficient mix in real time, based on 'spot' prices as well as near-term 'futures' prices. (I made that up, it's not a real task.) And in your case, highlite your life experiences - you won't be competing with 20-yr old fresh outs. They need someone to tell them what to break the work into bite-sized packages, ie provide the daily boundary conditions & priorities - someone who grasps the macro business prior ties. So, tell what you can do that will make the company more productive and more profitable - don't just depend on credentials (but show them anyway).

Recruitment and Employers Confederation (REC), the Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC), the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) and the Engineering Employers Federation (EEF). They have a wealth of experience in supporting engineering, defence, aerospace and nuclear companies that are located throughout the world, including Airbus, BAe Systems, Rolls-Royce and many other blue-chip organisations.

[shandi76]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm going to look into Corporate Training. I might also do a couple of certifications as I am getting mixed messages from contacts regarding whether or not these would be useful: some say they are, so if I can get the courses partially paid for by my current employer then it might be worth doing.

I'm also thinking of retraining in a completely different area, but that would require BF to have a stable enough job first.

[phil5185]

I'm going to look into Corporate Training. I might also do a couple of certifications

I'm also thinking of retraining in a completely different area,

I'm not sure if this will be helpful - or discounted out of hand - but the above are the reasons many of us in industry do not hire educators.

I'm a retired corporate engineer. The educators that we see are credential based - their goal setting revolves on accumulating credits/certifications (as opposed to tasking). And, in fact, the hostility toward 'business' and 'profit' often shows thru.

Conversely, in business, profit is the primary organizational and motivational tool - it is extremely powerful - you can focus an entire corporation to work toward a common goal. That is why for-profit businesses are statistically about 110% more productive than non-profits.

That leap in ideology is difficult for many educators to make. (And a couple certs and an extra 32 credits won't help you with it)

[Clifford]

I am a former teacher and current manufacturing manager. I can tell you with confidence that the skills I developed in the classroom helped me succeed in my current role. However, they were mostly the "soft skills" of people management, time management, conflict resolution, stress management, etc.

Every manufacturing plant has multiple departmental managers, and many plants include on-site trainers. Each manager (at least in my experience over the last 10 years) is expected to bring a college education with them to the role (this is not always what is most beneficial, but I do not make the policy). I would say look to manufacturing plants as well as sales and other roles, but highlight what you have over the other applicants regarding the soft skills I mentioned.

I hire people all the time who were teachers because I believe that classroom experience is great for the people side of the business. Most industry jobs require a degree that at least somewhat suits the role's responsibilities, so everyone who applies for the job will have the degree. That said, the ones that I choose highlight their non-technical capabilities in their interviews.

It should also be said that managers at manufacturing plants make very solid salaries. Your lower starting salary requirements based on teaching at a small college may make you more attractive to the hiring manager. Use this to your advantage as well. Best of luck in your search.

[shandi76]

Clifford, it is nice to know that some jobs in industry might appreciate my skills.

phil5185 - Telling my why I will not be able to get another job is not particularly helpful. I can understand that getting vendor certification might not land me a job, but I don't see how it could hinder my chances. I see it as a way to show that I have kept my technical skills up to date, which often does not happen enough with educators. I also can't see where I have expressed any hostility towards business or profit.

Finally, if you think I am not going to be able to get into any industry via retraining (I was thinking of becoming a Financial Planner maybe, or at least something completely different to my present field which is declining), then could you offer some constructive advice on what you think I should be doing in order to enable me to remain a productive, tax-paying citizen.

[shandi76]

@debtheaven - I could do a 1 year PGCE to qualify as a HS teacher, which would cost about £6K. You are then guaranteed a one year Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) placement at a school which pays about £19K. After that, only around 10% of NQTs get permanent posts: most end up on short term (maybe a day at a time) supply teaching, with sporadic income and no chance to build a rapport with the pupils. A lot of schools have cut their computing courses. I can't qualify as a Maths teacher as I don't have enough Maths credits from University to be able to do so. I would rather do something else if possible.

[phil5185]

Telling my why I will not be able to get another job is not particularly helpful. I can understand that getting vendor certification might not land me a job, but I don't see how it could hinder my chances. I see it as a way to show that I have kept my technical skills up to date, which often does not happen enough with educators. I also can't see where I have expressed any hostility towards business or profit.

That did come across a bit negative, didn't it? Maybe I can do better. My intent was to steer you away from spending your personal energy, resources, and time on getting more credentials. My point was that your time will be better spent by in self evaluation - listing your talents and how each talent will result in added corporate revenue/profit. Making that list is more beneficial than having the list - ie, a self-help thing.

You would be surprised at the number of employees that we have who do not grasp how their work translates to corporate goals. When employees ask for a raise - and I ask why - they might say 'because we have more kids and need more money'. But their salary isn't based on social needs, it is based on their value to the business. (Altho I sometimes concede the social aspect under the heading of 'loyalty'). Eg, a researcher who gives us a new patented product each year has a higher value to a business than a line worker who assembles 100 widgets each day. Both are good dedicated & loyal employees, both are necessary to run the business but one has a higher business value than the other (due to availability, supply/demand).

IMO, your ability to clearly articulate how your work output will pay your salary, pay your overhead, pay your benefits, plus a profit for the business, will make you a more successful candidate that a couple more certs.

[stats45]

I agree with Phil a thousand times over. I'm finishing a doctorate in statistics (three months to go), and there is an enormous range of research interests in the social sciences. There are people who do work very similar to mine, creating statistical models to assist in making business and financial decisions, and people who spend their time doing research with no applicability to anything in business and of marginal importance (e.g. 'examining' how lesbian Hispanic workers are portrayed in the media - a research agenda I discussed with a student). If you have strong quantiative skills that you can describe in the ways that Phil has laid out above, these can be incredibly useful.

You have to prove that you are a serious candidate that understands the practical concerns and goals of business.

[debtheaven]

Shandi
Given what you have said I agree, it's certainly not worth putting your money or energy into that. Here you would have a hard time finding a long-term "permanent" post, but as a sciences or maths teacher, you would definitely be a "long-term" sub / supply teacher, and could end up staying in the same school for years.

Again, all the best.

[shandi76]

That did come across a bit negative, didn't it? Maybe I can do better. My intent was to steer you away from spending your personal energy, resources, and time on getting more credentials. My point was that your time will be better spent by in self evaluation - listing your talents and how each talent will result in added corporate revenue/profit. Making that list is more beneficial than having the list - ie, a self-help thing.

phil5185 - This was a lot more helpful I am in the process of doing this. I have also essentially written my own reference by doing so, and am hoping my current boss would be happy to sign his name to it if needs be (it will save him the effort of writing one for me, along with all the other staff who will be looking for work).

Also, I know a lot of people like the ones you are describing, who think organisations should base their decisions on the 'needs' of their employees rather than the needs of the business. So I have co-workers who think they should not be considered for redundancy because they 'need' the job because of their kids, whereas I should be let go even though I meet the needs of our employer more than some of them, because I am childless and in a better position to move across the country to get a new job