Higher Education: Career Path Options in Higher Education
Higher Education Institutions offer several forms of employment for educators. Think about everything that goes into running a university or college campus, from registration to accounting to housing and communications. There are many options for educators wanting to teach outside the traditional classroom.
Many higher education professionals also have an advanced degree or two! Potential candidates with a master’s degree or a doctorate degree have opportunities within higher education for administration, leadership, and teaching. There are also several opportunities outside of a traditional higher education position, such as working for a large corporation or nonprofit organization, getting involved with a specific niche in their field, and building a career within that niche.
Outside of being a college professor or administrative leader, there are many other routes educators within Higher Ed can consider exploring.
PR & Communications Professionals already working in higher ed typically know how to write well while clearly explaining themselves. They’ve been taught to think critically and write professionally, especially if they completed a graduate degree program. Educators with a strong writing background may fit well in a public relations or communications role within higher ed or for another organization.
For-profit or Nonprofit Leadership With a doctorate degree, several positions are available for leadership within different organizations, both in and outside of higher education. For example, someone with a Ph.D. In Health Sciences, may have the opportunity to step into a director role at a state or local level with various organizations.
Content Creator There are ample opportunities for higher education professionals to create content for education companies or otherwise. Writing a book, e-book, or hosting a podcast in their specific field are also great ideas for higher ed professionals to utilize their knowledge and experience.
Research & Assessment Research positions at the University level, as well as for various companies, are often available. Higher education educators who are experienced in research may have the opportunity to join multiple research teams.
Student Affairs If an educator loves working with students but is burnt out with teaching, consider working in student affairs on campus or remotely for an online program. In education, in general, student issues always need to be resolved. Student affairs is a fantastic opportunity to still work with adult students and help them but in a different capacity.
Business Owner Owning a business, whether a side hustle or a primary job, is a trend that continues to grow in popularity. There are several different reasons for this, including people wanting to work for themselves, the need for additional income, and freedom or flex scheduling is more desired than ever. Educators can create a business within their specific niche field and capitalize on it. Through social media and overall digital marketing, the options are truly endless.
Higher Education professionals have the opportunity to learn new things daily by engaging with new ideas, innovations, and research. There are endless opportunities for higher education professionals to thrive within or outside of education if they venture out.
Written By: Meredith Biesinger
Professional Writer/ Education Specialist
Meredith Biesinger is a licensed dyslexia therapist in Mississippi, in addition to being an experienced classroom teacher and K-12 administrator. Meredith also works as a consultant, where she bridges the bridge the gap between K-12 school districts and ed-tech organizations. With a passion for literacy, she is also a professional writer and syndicated author. With a M.Ed in Educational Leadership and a B.S. in English Education and Creative Writing, she has had rich and diverse opportunities to teach students and education professionals in different parts of the country as well as overseas.
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