Expert: Cheryl Palmer Date: 2/19/2008 Subject: Regarding Future Career
Question Dear Cheryl,
Hello! Thanks for taking my question. I will try to make it as short as possible for you, so as not to rack your brain for too much of the day trying to answer something that may prove difficult. I am a recent college graduate. I earned a degree in elementary education with a certification in special education. I can easily attain a career in education because of that extra SPED certification. There is only one problem: I simply do not want to teach. It has little to do with money as much as it has to do with a simple lack of any further interest. It became this way after my special eduction observation, which is at the end of my degree. After watching how it all works in a school, I must come to terms with that fact that it is not for me.
So here is the million dollar question: What can a guy with a four year degree and advanced year of training in special education do for a career if not teach? I have good communication skills, and I work well with people. I am pretty good at sign language and have a good understanding of crelated to condircumstances related to conditions that might limit a person's capacity to perform at a standard level.
Ideally, I see myself in some form of business, although what I don't know. I don't like sitting in an office (all the time anyway) as much as I do rolling up my sleeves and talking to people. I do however see myself as a guy who demands nothing less of himself than to earn the top position and do whatever is necessary to make whatever business I am in very successful. Again, I don't have a clue what I would be good at, but I have a very keen interest in casino's and financial institutions.
So, does a guy with my credentials stand a chance of getting into business of some sort? If so, what kind do you think I would be able to get into and will I make a living? How can I point out that training as a special education can be very beneficial to those positions in which I am applying?
Yours very truly and respectfully,
Juan
Answer Hi Juan,
The first option that you might consider in terms of using your education degree outside of the classroom is corporate training. Virtually every field needs trainers. You might want to look at ASTD's website (www.astd.org) for ideas since they have special interest groups for different types of training.
Also, you may find these print resources helpful:
101 Career Alternatives for Teachers
Educator's Guide to Alternative Jobs and Careers
Outside the Ivory Tower
