38
02/05/21 at 2:01PM UTC
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How do I break out of education and into corporate?
I have a masters degree in education for ALL ages and populations (which includes adult learning!), and I’m a learning tech and assistive tech professional. I work a lot with learning, training, and coaching for adults in all areas and have expertise in tech and accommodations.
27 Comments
Lesa EdwardsTHE career expert for high achievers
778
02/05/21 at 2:15PM UTC
Sophia, would love to help you! Can you tell us more about what type of corporate job you want?
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Sophia L. Education, training, & tech in CLE or Remote
38
02/05/21 at 3:37PM UTC
Hi, Lesa! In a perfect setting, I would be able to work remotely and travel as needed. I “think” I want to work in learning/training, but that could be in employee development, customer education, product training/development, or on an end user research team. I think I would alternatively enjoy being involved in disability accommodations, as that’s something I do now on a contractual basis. I like working with people, I can break down complex processes, and I’m happy to do research and prep. I kind of feel like there’s so much out there, that I don’t know where to head even though I know I can’t stay still where I am.
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Lesa EdwardsTHE career expert for high achievers
778
02/09/21 at 4:16PM UTC
Thanks for the additional information Sophia! There are two points I would like to share:
1) Your resume must show the transferable skills you developed in the classroom to the adult education you now want to do. I highly recommend using a credentialed, professional resume writer for this, as it is very difficult to look at yourself objectively and see the transferability of what you've done thus far in your career.
2) Networking. You are talking about what I call a career "pivot," meaning you are changing your industry (but staying in your job function of teaching). Because so many candidates in your applicant pools will have industry AND job function experience, you need something more to stand out. Making personal connections, so the prospective employer can see your fit with the organization, is so important.
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Sophia L. Education, training, & tech in CLE or Remote
38
02/09/21 at 10:48PM UTC
Lesa, I’ve been going back and forth about hiring a resume writer and it sounds like now is the time to do it. Yes, networking... a few people in here have suggested some new ways to get involved so off I go! Thank you so much for your input.
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Barb HansenAsk me anything about Startups
3.32k
02/05/21 at 3:18PM UTC
I pivoted from a hospital laboratory job into tech more than a few years ago. I found my path through some girt and serendipity but also through finding a tech job where my vast medical experience shone above my "lack of tech/business" skills.
When asked the exact question that you asked above, I always suggest this: Look for jobs in a technology company that rely heavily on your previous experience.
If I had a masters in education, I would be applying for the following job titles in an EdTech company: account management, product, business analyst, sales support, customer service, QA. Many (read; most) tech company value real-world experience and will hire subject matter experts.
Once you have a foot in the door, you will gain experience in business/tech and you can always move to another department or another EdTech company .
Also, if you don't know what you want to do in tech, there are plenty of short free classes on the web that can give you an overview of what each job in tech does. What's the difference between a product and a project manager? What does QA do? etc
Good Luck!
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Sophia L. Education, training, & tech in CLE or Remote
38
02/05/21 at 3:31PM UTC
Thank you so much, Barb! I’m sifting through EdTech companies and positions now, and I think I might have started my search on the wrong end of EdTech; you’re totally right, the titles you shared would absolutely align with my experience. Thank you, again!
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Robin Hendricks, M.Ed., CECAmbition Enabler
247
02/05/21 at 4:02PM UTC
Hi Sophia! Have you considered looking in learning & development? You have a specialty that would be a welcome addition to a large L&D function since so much organizational learning is moving online. ✌
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Sophia L. Education, training, & tech in CLE or Remote
38
02/05/21 at 4:06PM UTC
Hi, Robin! Thank you for your reply. Yes, I have been looking and applying to L&D positions but I can’t seem to get my foot in the door. I try to highlight my experiences and strengths in cover letters and my resume, but something isn’t clicking yet. I’m sure there’s something I’ve missed... I think I could really contribute in an L&D role!
1 Reply
Robin Hendricks, M.Ed., CECAmbition Enabler
247
02/05/21 at 4:11PM UTC
Ah, frustrating! I spent many years in talent and L&D. I'd be happy to take a look at your submission materials and give you some feedback if you like. Feel free to message me.
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Anonymous
02/05/21 at 4:35PM UTC
I agree with Barb. There are companies like maybe edX or Coursera that specialize in online learning. I have heard that during covid times, you should apply even if it's out of state or out of country (and just specify in your cover letter that you're available to work in the other timezone, just remotely).
I have seen a variety of jobs that could relate. For example, https://jobs.lever.co/coursera/54076f23-51e7-435f-a543-4b6f555e74d2 is about helping to convert traditional classes to online classes. Or https://jobs.lever.co/coursera/4aa31947-b96b-4ece-be47-596537b1ef3b is about helping tech support get better by improving their processes and training tools.
Maybe these are not "exactly" the jobs you want, but could be interesting thought experiments on what else you might consider.
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Sophia L. Education, training, & tech in CLE or Remote
38
02/05/21 at 9PM UTC
Thank you! I like that approach to getting in the door.. what a good thought! If it’s all remote right now, I could definitely shift my schedule to that of a different time zone.
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MelissaHelping women unlock their potential
178
02/05/21 at 5PM UTC
Sophia - Thanks for sharing today and letting us in to your world. I'm going to take it from a different angle. Yes, it makes sense to focus in areas that align with your background. However, if you want to try something different, most manufacturers need people with your skills. I come from the foodservice industry and my previous company had a training department that trains service technicians globally. These training sessions included remote technology and curriculum based systems. If you want to go a different direction, try searching manufacturing training. I can always get you in touch with a colleague who may be able to help connect you with training associations for manufacturers. Let me know. Thanks!
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Sophia L. Education, training, & tech in CLE or Remote
38
02/05/21 at 8:57PM UTC
Thank you, Melissa! This is a great idea, too. I definitely need to start opening up my options.
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Danielle BudenzNew Career Seeker
21
02/06/21 at 1:21PM UTC
Following your post as I am in the same boat. Left the education field with expertise in online learning, curriculum and assessment design, etc. but cannot get a foot hold in business sector especially if you cannot afford an entry level position which many places seem to want you to start at).
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Taylor AdamsT & D Manager, EQ Fanatic and Wellness Advocate
62
02/06/21 at 1:38PM UTC
I have a degree in education and I’m currently a Training & Development Manager for a global manufacturing company. It’s been suggested above, but manufacturing is definitely an industry that needs education support in this business climate. Manufacturers are growing quickly and need standardized approaches to their training programs, not to mention the elevated attrition that generally occurs in our industry. Maybe consider other roles such as training coordinator or specialist. Do you have your mind set on strictly remote opportunities? It might be beneficial to open up to in person roles while you’re growing this experience, with a goal of getting into remote work.
Getting exposure to content and course development (if you don’t have it already) might also give you a leg up. Depending on the company size that you’re targeting, you may have to develop the content you ultimately train from. I utilize Articulate 360 for some of my content development. They usually offer a 30 or 60 day free trial so you could get some exposure without needing to purchase a full license. I also tend to see content development roles with remote offerings.
Side note: consider TD.org for roles in the talent development industry.
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Sophia L. Education, training, & tech in CLE or Remote
38
02/06/21 at 8:02PM UTC
Thank you! I will check out TD.org right now. No, I’m totally open to in-person, location-bound roles but am not in a position to relocate, so they’d have to be in the Cleveland-Akron-Canton area in Ohio. We have plenty of manufacturing, so maybe I’m not looking for positions through the right lens or in the right places. Thank you for the tip about becoming more familiar with the software, too- I could definitely do a deeper dive and some extra training on my own.
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Linda Warren
12
02/08/21 at 2:37PM UTC
Sophia, when you check out td.org, look at the local chapters. There is a Cleveland and a Cuyahoga chapter. Participation in a local chapter will allow you to network with learning and development professionals in your area.
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Sophia L. Education, training, & tech in CLE or Remote
38
02/09/21 at 3:24PM UTC
Thank you for the pro tip about chapters- there are two close to me so I’ll reach out to them both before hoping to commit and join.
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Anonymous
02/06/21 at 2:36PM UTC
Hi, Lesa. You don't mention whether your employer is an .edu-type organization or not. Just thought I'd mention that if it is, you may want to think twice before going corporate. All my friends in the public sector happily retired in their 50s with pensions. The rest of us are slugging it out still in their 60s and 70s hoping to retire some day. I started in an .edu and wish I'd stayed. I'd have been done at least 10 years ago. Two of my friends retired at 50! Of course, if you just love to work, that's another thing. :)
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Rika M PhippsAdministrative Assistant in S.E. Wisconsin
55
02/06/21 at 3:44PM UTC
I'm having the same type of question. I have a ton of unintended experience in healthcare, which I never wanted to get into. I'm still pigeon holed, and it seems as if I have to go into human services type jobs 1st, before I can get into either the legal field or anything else. At my age, time is not on my side.
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Sarah LarsonImproving lives by implementing research.
86
02/06/21 at 5:47PM UTC
After reading your other comments and post, it may be best for you to make a list of exactly what you want in your next role. Items such as, autonomy, remote work, etc. along with what truly drives you. If you don’t know yet, that’s okay! Try something that seems like a fit, such as employee development, give it a year or two. If you don’t love it. Move on.
That said, I would recommend buffing up your LinkedIn and reaching out to those in the fields your interested in for an informational interview.
If you’re interested in professional development, I’m in that field and wouldn’t mind being interviewed. Reach out to me on LinkedIn, in/sarahllarson.
Otherwise, good luck and good job taking the time to figure out what you want/that you need a change.
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Sophia L. Education, training, & tech in CLE or Remote
38
02/06/21 at 8:04PM UTC
Thank you, Sarah! I will take you up on the connection and informational interview suggestion. I think you’re right- I need to try on some roles and see if they’re a good fit. It’s tricky!
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Joshua ElzyHR, writer, & coach promoting equal opportunity
114
02/06/21 at 6:58PM UTC
Hi, Sophia. Many of the companies that make resources for schools (like my employer, a textbook company called Macmillan Learning) like to hire experienced educators looking for a way to still have an impact on education while working a more corporate job. Good luck with your search!
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Sophia L. Education, training, & tech in CLE or Remote
38
02/06/21 at 8:05PM UTC
Thanks, Joshua! I appreciate your thoughts and, yes, I hope to still feel like I’m making a positive impact :)
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Anonymous
02/07/21 at 2:32PM UTC
Thank you for the question, Sophia and to everyone for the feedback. I think that there are many in this position right now; I certainly am. I've been in the private sector, the government, and I now teach (2 Masters degrees). I am looking at how my experience, education, and skillset will translate upon retirement, as I will be ready to leave education at age 60 but not ready to retire.
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Meagan Rothschild
13
02/08/21 at 6:15PM UTC
Hi! Check out our careers pages, because I think there will be a number of new roles over the next few weeks. https://www.ageoflearning.com/careers/
I went from K12 education to getting a PhD to moving into the edtech industry, and I can tell you that there are pros and cons to all employment areas. BUT I can also tell you that I LOVE the people I work with, and I know we're making a difference for kiddos and families. There may be hard hours, but there is definitely reward. (And it definitely pays better...)
If you're looking at more traditional instructional design, I suggest also looking at Canvas as an LMS. Many schools are moving that direction these days. As a company, they certainly seem to be staking their market claim.
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Sophia L. Education, training, & tech in CLE or Remote
38
02/08/21 at 10:03PM UTC
Thank you, Meagan! I’ll head over and check out the site now. Honestly, the pay is a big part considering changing things up. I work in a specialized role through a private school and service contracts all over for all populations, but the pay gap is starting to get to me. But, like you said, knowing I’m making a difference is a big part of my current (and hopefully future!) role.
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