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Which step is right for me?
What area of education are you in? And what pushed your decision to be in that area? I'm a current High school senior trying to decide which step to take in the education field.
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5 answers
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Elyse H.’s Answer
Hi, Mackenzie! I love kids so I started out as a preschool teacher, but I missed discussions and deep diving into subjects (and I wanted to read better books!), so I became a 4th grade teacher. After five years, I realized this still wasn't the right fit -- I needed to use my brain more and feel like I was truly making a difference (and of course I was with the younger kids too but it was harder to see), so I became a Holocaust teacher and remained in that field for 15 years. I loved teaching history and feeling like I was helping a new generation understand the importance of awareness, democratic participation, and empsthisizing with other people.
Thank you so much! I think I want to pursue a career in older elementary education. Not quite sure until I get there but I'm so excited for the next step!
MacKenzie
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Kalkidan’s Answer
Since it would be difficult for you to balance what you love today and what you are capable to do, in short, I would recommend you taking CAREER APTITUDE AND PERSONALITY TESTS online and know more about your personality and what best fits you as a career so you can proceed with it as well. This will help you know yourself and what best fits you to be successful.
After taking the quiz, try to ask further and relate what best to study so as to reach that career. Good luck
Kalkidan recommends the following next steps:
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MANANJO’s Answer
Mechanical
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TLAUREN’s Answer
• Setting goals:During the process, set both short-term and long-term goals for yourself.
• When you're thinking about your next career move, you might be able to negotiate for better pay or better benefits, which can help you stay financially stable in the long run.
• You are much more likely to participate in positive career development activities, such as attending classes and workshops, once you have determined your next career step than you would be if there were no potential career changes.
• Analysis and comprehension:You will acquire a comprehensive understanding of your desires, requirements, capabilities, and potential for advancement as you decide what you want to do next in your job.
• Needs of one's own:You can help yourself establish a job that better meets your personal needs and improves your work-life balance by actively taking steps to promote to a new role or take a different position with a new company.
Develop a personal brand Work on developing a personal brand that is professional, cohesive, and highlights your unique skills and accomplishments. Consider your goals. Participate in informational interviews.
Think creatively Your long-term objectives might not coincide perfectly with your position right now.Find creative ways to get to where you want to be from where you are now.Take into account the short term. Make a list of long-term objectives that you would like to achieve in the upcoming decades, but concentrate on the steps you need to take within the next few years.You can reevaluate and decide what you need to do next after completing those action steps.
Start taking concrete steps to achieve your objectives once you have an idea of what you want to do.Examine your career path.To ensure that they are making the right career choices, most people take a day to reflect and plan once a year.
Keep a list of tasks Keep a list of tasks. When the time comes to actually apply for a new position or negotiate a raise, refer to it.
Participate in professional development. Make it a regular part of your life to attend professional development.Recognize proficient abilities you can improve for your advantage and the advantage of your organization and take classes or go to meetings intended to foster those capacities. Working on your professional development on a regular basis can help you be well-prepared for any next career step.
• When you're thinking about your next career move, you might be able to negotiate for better pay or better benefits, which can help you stay financially stable in the long run.
• You are much more likely to participate in positive career development activities, such as attending classes and workshops, once you have determined your next career step than you would be if there were no potential career changes.
• Analysis and comprehension:You will acquire a comprehensive understanding of your desires, requirements, capabilities, and potential for advancement as you decide what you want to do next in your job.
• Needs of one's own:You can help yourself establish a job that better meets your personal needs and improves your work-life balance by actively taking steps to promote to a new role or take a different position with a new company.
Develop a personal brand Work on developing a personal brand that is professional, cohesive, and highlights your unique skills and accomplishments. Consider your goals. Participate in informational interviews.
Think creatively Your long-term objectives might not coincide perfectly with your position right now.Find creative ways to get to where you want to be from where you are now.Take into account the short term. Make a list of long-term objectives that you would like to achieve in the upcoming decades, but concentrate on the steps you need to take within the next few years.You can reevaluate and decide what you need to do next after completing those action steps.
Start taking concrete steps to achieve your objectives once you have an idea of what you want to do.Examine your career path.To ensure that they are making the right career choices, most people take a day to reflect and plan once a year.
Keep a list of tasks Keep a list of tasks. When the time comes to actually apply for a new position or negotiate a raise, refer to it.
Participate in professional development. Make it a regular part of your life to attend professional development.Recognize proficient abilities you can improve for your advantage and the advantage of your organization and take classes or go to meetings intended to foster those capacities. Working on your professional development on a regular basis can help you be well-prepared for any next career step.
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi MacKenzie, I love your question. So, I am currently a Ph.D. student studying English with the hopes of becoming a college professor. The path I'm on wasn't the most direct path. I was told in 11th grade that I should be a teacher, but maybe I should wait several years to teach high school. I graduated and went to college, but I dropped out. Once I returned in 2012, I still avoided teaching until one of my professors told me that my gift is teaching, which I knew since I even took on teaching roles when I was in the workforce. I went through community college, university, a terminal master's program, and now my current program in the pursuit of being in higher education as a professor. Along my path, I have found mentors and other professors who have encouraged me to continue this trajectory. Also, throughout my journey, I have carved out various avenues of teaching whether it be in the classroom or writing tutoring that has helped cement my commitment to this pursuit. I hope this answers your question and may you find a path that guides you to your own love of education and teaching.