Job Discussion Forums

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

Some EFL teachers retire after many years of service. But what about those of you who hope to make a move into another field sometime in the future? If this is your situation, what career path do you have your sights set on, and which of your skills and abilities do you believe would transfer well into your desired, future profession? Additionally, do any of you expect to return to university for further education in order to make that career change happen?

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

May one ask what the purpose of asking this is? Are you truly a "nomadic soul", who is seeking answers to a mid-life correction? People here are often willing to give advice, but they require some background to help them guide their answers.

What field are you looking at? What abilities and qualifications/experience do you bring to it?

Here's a good book for some.
http://www.amazon.com/What-Color-Your-Parachute-2011/dp/158008270X

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

Just general questions for those contemplating a career change after TEFL, Glenski. I already have my third (and final) career phase in mind for when I hit my early 60s, which is instructional technology design. I'm presently working on a graduate cert. in this field. I plan to gradually move from TEFL into IT design over the next 4 years, even though I'm in my early 50s right now. Anyway, I'm always interested in what others' plans are for their future professional goals. (I have an MA in HR Development, among other credentials.) It might be helpful to share this info with those who aren't sure how to transfer their teaching experience and skills into a different field or position when they're ready to make a change. For others, however, TEFL is their one-and-only career choice and that's okay too. BTW, What Color is Your Parachute? is a great resource for career planning. Thanks for mentioning it.

Teacher in Rome · Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Posts: 1286

I think that whatever your current profession, having an "Exit Plan" is wise. If nothing else, an understanding of what skills you can transfer. (Even though during times of recession, "career change" is an even tougher proposition than just changing jobs.)

But more than having an awareness of your strengths and capabilities, I think it's who you know (both in and out of your sector) that is the real marker of career success. ELT teachers, like any other professionals, need to be visible to others in their community (whether that's schools, institutes, universities, other teachers in other countries etc) and strive to build their reputation. For many other sectors, this increasingly means having an online profile (i.e. LinkedIn) but also being present in social communities like the blogosphere and Twitter. It's a lot easier to be hired if you're already known to the hiring manager, and they can see your work / influence online.

I'm not sure that paying for more uni education is always the way to go. There's a lot you can do for free online, even if it's collaborating on projects with other like-minded people. But I would say that lifelong learning is crucial: the more you stay current, the more employable you are.

Not completely on-topic, but a few other ideas to throw out there!

(And I agree 100% with the opinions on What Color is Your Parachute - really helpful book.)

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

You could try a career choice test. One well-known one is
www.careersteer.org - a free career test.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

I'd like to move into another field. I'm not sure what or when. Maybe administration or organisational managment, maybe accounting. I don't know.

I'm pretty sure that lots of skills can carry over to other careers.

I've got 2 MAs and don't really want to do another to be honest. I'm hoping experience or on the job training will get my foot in the door.

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

If you are intending to use your current qualifications and TEFL experience to get into a different area, you may want to consider changing your cv (resume) from the usual chronological one to a targeted or functional cv - see http://www.careersteer.org/chapters/13.html for some general points and then perhaps find a suitable book on the subject.