Everyone knows that a Master’s in Education degree opens opportunities to teach. Not everyone who earns a master’s degree in education wants to be a teacher. The skills obtained in this programs opens new doors outside of the education industry. The hard work put into a master’s of education, or any other graduate program provides you with skills in the writing, public speaking, and leadership that employers from many different industries will want. If you’re looking for an alternative to working in the classroom, see the following descriptions.
Resource: Top 10 Best Online Master’s in Education Degree Programs (M.Ed.) 2016
Nanny
A nanny is more than a glorified babysitter. Many of the wealthiest families in urban areas like New York City look for older, experienced nannies who have extensive knowledge of children and education. Nannies are responsible for creating schedules, light housework, and preparing meals. They also help with homework and transporting the children to and from their activities. Nannies are fully involved with the family and children. This separates them from babysitters who only spend a few hours with the children on an as needed basis. Many nannies are part of the families they work for, some living with them full time. They earn higher salaries than babysitters and work year-round.
Museum Education
Museums are educational settings. No matter what your age is, it’s impossible to visit a museum without learning something. That’s why is no surprise that museums have education programs that need to be managed. A master’s in education will prepare you for leadership in one of these roles. Many former teachers work in museum education programs. There’s a museum for just about anything nowadays, so you can find something no matter what your interest is.
Non-Profit Program Manager
Your Master’s degree can prepare you to work for non-profit organizations. City Year, an Americorps program, is an example of a non-profit education organization. A program manager for an organization like this is responsible for managing volunteers, forming relationships with other organizations such as schools (this is where an education background is useful), providing resources and planning programs. If you’re passionate about making improvements in your community, a non-profit position would be a good fit.
Government
Many different government positions are available for someone with a Master’s in Education. Some examples include working as a school district administrator or working on the school board. You can work with the state in places like adoption or foster care agencies, or in federal agencies like the Department of Education. If you’re good with numbers, you can find a job as a budget and spending analyst, monitoring the spending of educational funds. While many of these jobs are with the Department of Education, some positions are available with Congress or even the White House. You can also work as an educational advisor, helping to shape education law and policies.
Educational Sales
Many companies that sell educational materials need someone experienced in education. Your expertise will help customers, who will be teachers, parents, coaches, and more find the best materials for their children. You can also work to create educational materials to sell. Many former teachers write textbooks and create websites and other educational resources. If you have expertise in art or graphic design, or if you’re a good writer, this may be a good fit for you. The good thing about sales positions that you can work full time or online part time.
A Master’s in Education will prepare you for many different careers. If you have different interests or talents, think outside the box to find where you can best use them. You may end up making a big difference beyond the classroom.
