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Career shift advice
I've worked in adult education for several years in multiple states. While the job description is teaching the skills necessary for people 16+ to earn their high school diploma, most of what I do is counseling students, helping them balance life and academics as they attempt to move through keeping the family safe, maintaining their jobs, past and current trauma, stress, and feelings of failure for "not getting it the first time."
I have a M.Ed. in Interdisciplinary Studies and experience teaching and coordinating a variety of content, grade levels, and abilities. I've designed and implemented professional development for colleagues across counties, states, and regions. I have worked with people twice and three times my age, functioning at levels from early elementary through college-level.
And yet, I can't seem to figure out how to transition into working in a college or university as an academic advisor or coordinator. In the two years since completing my M.Ed., I've applied to almost 150 jobs, and nearly 50% of those jobs involved coordinating with students. What am I doing wrong?
Do hiring managers see "adult education instructor" and not realize how much counseling, coordinating, and relationship-building that takes? How do I help them take a chance on me?
Is the various "teacher" titles on my resume give the impression I don't know how to coordinate details and students? Since having two short-term positions with the title "Coordinator," I am not automatically disregarded as quickly as I was before by the automatic sorting machines and my rejections have become more personal and less form-letter.
Or is it my degree? Interdisciplinary Studies doesn't give off the same vibe as one in higher education admissions or academic advising. It's not concrete, and neither is my experience. My job history has been colorful and varied. To me, that reflects my flexibility, adaptability, and empathy.
How do I work with these concerns? How do I tell someone in a cover letter that on paper I might not have the title for the job, but I certainly have the experience, the heart, and the passion to do so?
Thank you!
No problem, Jen! I think you'll be surprised by the pay-off when you pause and add a few extra worthwhile steps to your process. I know you're gonna land that job!
Hi Jen,
It sound like you have the skills and experience that would make you perfect for a job as an academic advisor or coordinator. The fact that you've applied to 150 jobs gives me a hint as to what may be keeping you from landing an interview: You must customize your resume to fit the position you desire. This includes:
* Researching the company
* Noting the key words/phrases listed in the job posting
* Ensuring that your resume includes these words
* Re-framing your resume to highlight overlapping skills
It's also the case that most hires stem from a personal connection within a company. Have you personally reached out to any employees there in person, over the phone or through LinkedIn?
I hope this helps, Jen. Feel free to reach out to me via LinkedIn, through my email or my website: CareerSequel.com. I'm cheering you on!
Best,
Lee
Hi, Lee. Thank you for commenting on my post. There have been times in the past two years where all I could think about was "GET A JOB ASAP," so I'd apply to numerous jobs. I have not customized my resume as much as I should have with each position I've applied to. Thank you for the reminder that I need to connect with actual people behind the job descriptions. I appreciate that a lot.
Hi Jen!
I'm a young professional and I've worked in higher education since I began my career. I don't think it's so much the title of the degree that is of utmost importance. My bachelor's is in Chinese Language and Literature. *shrugs*
I was fortunate enough to stumble into an admissions counselor position at a community college and then grew from there and I absolutely love working with students as well.
Anyway, I've found that having good connections in higher education definitely helps! Something I've done in the past to set myself apart is look at the college/university's website, find out who the department supervisor is (or best guess) and send an introductory e-mail with my resume.
I think this helps increase the chance of your resume being considered because the supervisor can tell HR to pull your resume from the application pool.
Unfortunately, it's not such a great time for hiring in higher ed right now. I'm based in Georgia and I know the University System of Georgia was going through major changes for getting jobs approved and the pandemic probably didn't help.
Where are you based?
I hope this helps! I would love to connect with you on LinkedIn or e-mail.
Best,
Jessica
Thanks, Jessica. I love working with adults as well, but am looking to transition into more of a college environment. I appreciate your feedback. I'll start working on pre-introducing myself before sending an application.
Right now, I am based in Vermont, but I am certainly willing to move. Thanks for your help and advice!