(and whether they’re right for you)

If you’re considering a career in the education sector, it’s likely you’re attracted to roles that offer a degree of personal fulfilment, as well as a competitive salary and opportunities for growth. But with such a wide range of roles on offer – both in and outside of the classroom – it can be tricky to get a sense of your options and what might suit you.

Here, we list some popular jobs in Education, along with our insider summary of responsibilities and attributes.

Adult education and training

Adult learners are often highly committed to their studies, making a career in adult education a rewarding choice.

Here are some example jobs within adult education & training:

• Adult Education Instructors teach across a huge range of subjects; designing courses and facilitating learning on everything from computer programming to meditation. Candidates usually have excellent communication skills, patience and empathy.
• Vocational Trainers develop and deliver practical, hands-on courses for specific vocational skills and professions (think welding, food safety, mechanics or even digital marketing). These trainers have deep domain knowledge and a willingness to stay up to date with industry trends.
• Workplace Learning Advisors work alongside employers to identify learning needs and align initiatives with organisational goals. Suits those with strong consulting skills and a strategic mindset.

Career guidance and counselling

A good careers advisor can make a world of difference to a young person as they take their first steps into the world of work.

Here are some example jobs within career guidance and counselling:

• Careers Advisors help students find their feet by providing information on various career paths. Candidates are often good at building rapport and putting others at ease.
• Employability Skills Trainers specialise in equipping students with practical skills, like problem-solving and time management that are tailored to the workplace. Keeping up to date with workplace trends is essential so a proactive mindset is key.
• School Counsellors provide a mixture of academic and personal counselling to students, helping them overcome challenges and make decisions. This role demands excellent active listening skills and suits those with natural empathy.

Corporate training and development

A career in this area allows you to make a direct impact on organisational success by enhancing the skills of its people.

Here are some example jobs within corporate training and development:

• Corporate Trainers design and deliver training that addresses specific learning needs within an organisation. The best are able to create engaging content and really connect with an audience.
• Learning and Development Managers are responsible for overseeing employee training programs, managing the entire process from analysis and planning to evaluation. Candidates are often strong on project and stakeholder management.
• Training Consultants advise organisations on training and development strategies and provide guidance to tailor and optimise training programs for maximum impact. They typically have strong analytical skills and an up to date knowledge of industry best practices.

Curriculum development and assessment

A career in this area can give you an exciting opportunity to influence school curricula in line with student needs.

Here are some example jobs within curriculum development and assessment:

• Assessment Coordinators ensure that exams are administered fairly and efficiently. They collaborate with educators to design assessments and analyse data to enhance future teaching strategies. Ideal candidates are collaborative with great attention to detail and a commitment to the integrity of the exam process.
• Curriculum Coordinators are responsible for designing and updating school curricula to keep things engaging and ensure alignment with standards. They are often highly creative and have a strong understanding of educational pedagogy.
• Exams Officers are essential to the smooth running of the examination process, managing logistics, coordinating exam schedules, and ensuring compliance with regulations. They often have strong organisational skills and perform well under pressure.

Educational Technology and E-Learning

If you’re tech savvy and creative, a career in this area could see you make a real difference to student learning experiences.

Here are some example jobs within educational technology and e-Learning:

• E-Learning Developers create engaging and often highly interactive lessons and assessments for digital learners. They are often creative, adaptable and have strong instructional design skills.
• Educational Technology Specialists play a hands-on role to help educators integrate digital technology into teaching. They are usually technically proficient and great collaborators.
• ICT Coordinators oversee the strategic use of technology across a school. They manage the infrastructure, implement policy, and ensure that digital resources are effectively integrated into teaching. Good candidates have strong organisational and leadership skills and are able to align technology initiatives with educational goals.

Higher and further education

A career in further education gives you the chance to help a diverse range of students to improve their skills after compulsory schooling. Meanwhile, a role in higher (degree-level) education can offer intellectual stimulation and research opportunities in a university setting.

Here are some example jobs within higher and further education:

• University Lecturers and Professors have the exciting dual role of teaching and conducting research at university level. They inspire and mentor students while advancing knowledge through their research. Suits those with a deep passion for their subject and strong research skills.
• College Lecturers deliver engaging lessons, assess student progress, and often help develop curriculum materials. Usually effective communicators who are adept at engaging students.
• Academic Registrars are responsible for the administrative aspects of education, ensuring the accurate recording and management of academic records and student registrations. Often possess strong organisational and stakeholder-management skills.

International education

A career in this area could see you positively impact the academic and cultural experiences of students from around the world.

Here are some example jobs within international education:

• International Admissions Officers manage application processes, assess eligibility and offer guidance to prospective students, helping foster an inclusive community. Requires cultural sensitivity and excellent attention to detail.
• International Student Advisors assist international students with academic and personal matters including visa regulations and cultural adjustment. They often act as a bridge between students and campus services using strong interpersonal and problem solving skills.
• Study Abroad Coordinators specialise in organising study abroad programs for local students. They partner with international institutions and manage logistics to ensure a seamless and enriching educational experience. Candidates are usually strong communicators with a passion for expanding the horizons of the students they serve.

Leadership

School leadership roles offer a platform to lead positive change and make a lasting impact on a school and its community.

Here are some job roles within Leadership:

• Headteachers (or Principals, as they are sometimes called), provide overall leadership to their schools, shaping vision, setting strategic goals, and fostering a positive learning environment. Involves oversight of staff development, student outcomes, and community engagement. Are often excellent decision makers and good at motivating others.
• Deputy Head Teachers support Headteachers in day-to-day school management. They are typically strong collaborators and problem solvers.
• School Business Managers are responsible for overseeing the financial and administrative aspects of the school; managing budgets, allocating resources and ensuring regulatory compliance. Usually have strong financial acumen, organisational skills, and attention to detail.

Librarianship and information services

At the front line of knowledge-sharing, these roles allow you to make a real impact on educational experience and foster a love of learning among students.

Here are some example jobs within librarianship and information services:

• Librarians manage, organise and develop library resources as well as supporting users with their research. Ideal candidates have strong organisational skills and a passion for literature.
• Information Specialists are responsible for managing digital resources, databases, and information systems within an educational setting. They tend to have strong analytical and problem-solving skills and like to stay up to date with technological advancements.

Policy and research

Take a role in this area and you’ll have an opportunity to contribute to positive systemic change.

Here are some example jobs within policy and research:

• Education Policy Analysts focus on analysing and influencing education policies. They conduct research, evaluate the impact of current policies and make recommendations for effective education practices. Calls for strong critical thinking and a deep understanding of the education system.
• Policy and Communications Officers are responsible for communicating education policies to stakeholders. Often competent writers who are proficient in stakeholder engagement.
• Researchers in Education conduct research on sector trends and issues.They design and run studies, collect data, and produce evidence-based insights that inform future practice and policy. Attention to detail and strong empirical research skills are a must.

Special educational needs (SEN)

SEN specialists have the opportunity to make a transformative impact on the lives of individuals with diverse learning needs.

Here are some example jobs within SEN:

• Behaviour Support Officers work closely with students, teachers, and parents to assist with behaviour management and intervention. The focus on behavioural challenges calls for strong interpersonal skills as well as empathy, patience and resilience.
• SEN Coordinators support students with special educational needs; collaborating with teachers, parents, and external agencies to create appropriate individual education plans. Successful candidates have strong organisational and stakeholder skills as well as empathy.
• SEN Teachers deliver specialised instruction to students with SEN, addressing their unique learning challenges. Are typically patient, creative and naturally collaborative.

Teaching

A career in teaching can be incredibly rewarding, offering the opportunity to inspire and empower students, and to witness their personal and academic growth.

Here are some example jobs within teaching:

• Classroom Teachers, as we all recall, are chiefly focused on delivering lessons and facilitating student learning. The best are passionate about their subject, patient, and able to connect with students.
• Heads of Department are responsible for leading and managing specific subject areas.They coordinate curriculum development, mentor teachers, and set departmental standards. Typically possess strong leadership, organisational and subject expertise.
• Teaching Assistants offer vital support to classroom teachers. They provide tailored support for students and help manage resources. They are often highly adaptable with patience and empathy.

Feeling inspired?

If you find the above summary inspiring, we’d love to help you find your dream job in education. Start exploring jobs using our job search tool, powered by Schools Week and FE Week.