Some people join Promise Corps thinking they want to be teacher. Some have no idea what they want to do, but want to get some experience in education. It doesn’t take long for members to figure out if they want to be teachers or not. If they do not, some still know they want to stay in education, but with so many pathways to a career in education, it can be daunting to figure out which way to go. Especially when there are so many little-talked-about careers in the education world!

So, we rounded up experts in all various fields of education to participate in an “Alternative Careers in Education Panel” event late this May, as members were in the wake of figuring out which career step to take next.

Panelists ranged from teachers, to school administrators, to those who work in behavioral health and housing. They were asked questions such as what advice they had for people just starting to plan a career path in education. Panelists encouraged people to embrace their strengths, as well as always being on the hunt for new ones. They recommended to be humble and get comfortable accepting criticism, as it’s a great way to find problem areas and quickly address them.

All the panelists emphasized the importance of people skills. They urged new educators to network and connect with as many people as possible. This advice helps bring confidence into the interview process. Talking to more people allows you to feel comfortable with being yourself and communicating who you are as a person, which is the best strategy in an interview. The panelists all frequently interview new people for positions at their schools and organizations, and they wanted everyone attending the panel to know that it’s easy for them to tell when someone is being inauthentic. They also offered that it helps to do your research beforehand and assure your interviewer that you are familiar with the organization and their mission.

Finally, the panelists stated that learning to forgive yourself and knowing that you are worthy of a fantastic job opportunity builds confidence, which will show in your interview. Additionally, going outside of your comfort zone will not only expand your horizons, but it could potentially earn you valuable new skills, as well as showing your work ethic.

After the formal part of the panel, there was time for networking. Attendees had time for more personal conversations with panelists and more directed advice based on their individual interests and situations. All in all, it was a successful event that we are hoping to continue in the future!