Anyone taking a master’s degree will be looking to make themselves a ‘master’ in their field. Often, a student who has completed an honors degree in a particular subject might study their master’s degree as a bonus to the same subject. An increasing number of people are considering looking for masters in completely different subjects, though. Education is a good example of this.
An education degree offers honor holders a way to progress into the educational industry in any subject. This does not necessarily mean that they will be teachers in the future, but they will have the principal understandings of the educational sector, the complexities of different learning, and alternative teaching methods. Some of the jobs that these masters can offer are:
- Work in Schools
Of course, when you consider the educational industry, the brain automatically thinks of schools. A master’s degree may not mean regular teaching for you, but instead working with children with learning difficulties or even looking into work as a school counselor.
- Work in Attractions
University of Exeter offers an online masters degree in education that can be used to access work in the schools’ sector but also in museums and other attractions. From understanding how people learn, it can be extremely helpful to create educational games, activities, and learning materials that could be used in an interactive museum or for school and family visits in any other visitor attraction. Carnegie Museum of Art is a good example of this as it provides a variety of educational activities to support the learning of school students.
- Work for an Examination or Testing organization
For those that want to work more behind the scenes, an online master’s degree in education could be immensely helpful for accessing work for an education organization that works specifically within the testing environment. Working to develop, administer and provide guidance for the tests is an especially significant role that will benefit from a great understanding of learning needs and how teaching can be guided to directly impact on test results.
- Work for a Publisher
Like the previous point, a master’s in education could provide a good footing to work for a publisher in educational materials or even children’s books. Writing, editing, graphics, distribution, and sales could all be potential roles in this work. There are so many publishers in the industry on the search for good stories and content for their material. Publishing your own children’s book could equally be within reach, with the qualification of a master’s in education under your belt.
- Work as a Trainer or Coach
Prefer to educate adults? Becoming a life coach of some kind is becoming increasingly popular, with people popping up across platforms on the internet, on the television, and in magazines constantly. Year on year growth was reported to be over 8% in 2020. If you want to be more focused on skills rather than personal attributes, then a master’s degree in education could lead you to be a professional trainer in certain subjects.
This involves being hired by a company to train staff in a new system, a new piece of legislation, or a specific skill that they need to perform their role properly. As a trainer, you could work for yourself or be part of an agency or training center. It is important to find a subject that is in demand and that you can specialize in the teaching of. This might be something like Microsoft Excel training, which is constantly being called for by employers.
- Work for Rehabilitation Programs
There is always a call for more education for adults that are looking to rehabilitate into society. This might be for people incarcerated in prison or those who have struggled with addiction. While this might be a stressful work environment compared to a school (although this could be debated), it would certainly be a rewarding role.
Around 75% of state inmates did not complete their high school education, but those who spend time in the educational programs in prison are significantly less likely to return to prison. These programs can offer an opportunity for better jobs after their release and more self-confidence to live a happier and healthier lifestyle.
- Work for Charities
Education within a charity can be wide-ranging. It could mean getting involved in awareness campaigns to educate the public or a targeted audience about a specific issue. Perhaps you would get involved in working with schools or the emergency services to provide information about work the charity is doing or problems that are becoming a trend.
There are also specific charities that focus solely on educational services, such as courses and assistance for refugees or victims of abuse or neglect. These roles can again be heartwarming, as you help restore someone’s confidence and independence and make them feel safe and established in their community.
- Work as a Policy Maker
Whether you are working as an elected official or as a civil servant within the education ministry, a master’s degree in education can only help to inform your role. The skills learned from a master’s in education can be used when communicating with people of unique needs and explaining important policy issues in a way that is easy to understand for all.
Of course, if the role is within the department of education, the degree will also inform decisions made. You will have full knowledge of the structures of the education system and the pressures and challenges of teaching.
- Work as a Consultant
An education master’s degree can benefit a consultant that wants to pivot into supporting or partnering with an educational institution. For example, an organization that wants to deliver an outreach program with a school nearby may consider doing an education course to better understand the terminology, systems, and teaching styles currently in use.
- Work for a Sports Club
Anyone that wants to run a high-quality hobby club, especially those teaching sports, should consider a master’s in education. It will offer effective delivery methods and would be particularly useful when teaching a specific skill such as a professional standard of dance or gymnastics where precision is key.
Overall, this list only scratches the surface of what a master’s in education could offer to those looking to pass their knowledge on through one form or another. With more courses now available online, it is easier than ever to get this degree to top up your resume.
