Taking initiative is an essential ability for students who want to take charge and direction of their career. The Magner Career Center has dedicated staff eager to help students in pursuit of a career in education. The below resources have been prepared for students who are committed to being future educators.
Career Opportunities
A Career in Education can lead you to different pathways which include, Teaching, School Psychology, School Counseling, School Leadership and Politics; to name a few. However, pursuing a Degree in Education at Brooklyn College you will have to choose one of the following Degree Paths:
- Childhood, Bilingual, and Special Education
- Early Childhood Education/Art Education
- School Psychology, Counseling and Leadership
- Secondary Education
- Some possible places you can work F/T
- Some possible places you can work P/T and F/T:
Preparing For Your Search
- Utilize HireBC or the Magner Center LinkedIn Group to find job and internship opportunities
- Network with professionals in your industry of interest by conducting informational interviews (LinkedIn is a great tool)
- Attend related events (click link and login to see upcoming events)
- Organize a peer-support group or join a Brooklyn College Club or Organization (See Club List at bottom of document)
- Create a great resume and cover letter (check out this Resume Guide)
- Stay organized by keeping track of opportunities (check out this Opportunity Tracker.xlsx)
- Prepare for interviews (check out these interview resources)
Receiving an Offer
- Don’t renege on an offer once you have accepted another offer. You’ve made a commitment in which employers expect you to follow your word. Usage of the Center assumes you will abide by our terms & conditions where reneging is explicitly not allowed
- Don’t create a bad reputation for yourself, your peers, or the college. You are expected to be professional. Watch this video to learn more about what you should do if you have multiple offers
Clubs and Organizations
Clubs give students leadership skills, create opportunities for networking and establishing connections. Start your own today or join a club that is already active. Below is an active club on campus that is associated with Education:
Resume Guide
Having an excellent resume will help you capture the attention of potential employers. Refer to the Magner Career Center Resume Guide to ensure your resume is the best it can be.
This is a sample Education resume provided by New York City Public Schools. Please note it is an example and should be looked at for content.
Here is an important exercise for you to follow and complete to identify strong bullet points for entries in your resume!
Interview Tips
Like any career, you will be interviewed for a job in education and should be prepared to possibly conduct a demo lesson plan and/ or answer complex questions about how you are best fit for the role. Start practicing answering complex questions you may certainly face as an education professional with the Sample Education Interview Questions found below.
Networking Guide
Networking with professionals in education is critical in your advancement in your career. Additionally, having a professional network may offer guidance and wisdom of what you can expect as you navigate through your career. Requesting an informational interview can make the difference between where you are and where you are trying to be. Check out this resource which can help you plan the approach, questions and next steps to networking someone with experience in the field
LinkedIn Tips:
Having a online presence is valuable in a world that is constantly changing, LinkedIn is a great way to leverage and network in current times. Below please find the link for: How Can I Optimize my LinkedIn Profile?
Elevator Pitch Guide
Crafting an elevator pitch is crucial for being confident when meeting people at job fairs, events and workshops where you can network with professionals. Preparing a brief on who you are and what you are currently doing will help introduce yourself strongly. Remember, first impressions are lasting impressions.
Scheduling an Appointment
Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment to review these resources and for further exploration with Kendra Lewis, the liaison of the School of Education.
She can be reached by email at: klewis@brooklyn.cuny.edu
If you have any questions, please call the Magner Career Center at 718.951.5696 or email careernews@brooklyn.cuny.edu