A teaching degree provides graduates with transferable skills that are highly valued across many industries and sectors. While classroom teaching is a popular career path for those with an education qualification, it is not the only option available. There are many non-traditional jobs that teaching graduates can pursue using their degrees.
Training and Workforce Development
You can train both individuals and organisations with teaching skills and subject matter expertise. Potential roles include:
Corporate Trainer: Develop and deliver custom training programs to build employee skills. Topics range from technical to soft skills depending on company needs.
Technical Trainer: Train end-users and technicians on complex systems, software, machinery or technologies. Produce user guides and provide ongoing support.
E-Learning Developer: Design interactive online and multimedia training courses. Responsibilities involve instructional design, multimedia production and platform management.
Workforce Development Specialist: Collaborate with employers, educators and government to address skills gaps. My duties involve program coordination, grants management, and career advice.
These roles require teaching experience plus industry certifications or additional education. Training skills like instructional design, public speaking and adult education principles are valuable. Networking within your industry exposes you to corporate and organizational training opportunities. Consider building an online portfolio as well.
Educational Publishing
With solid writing abilities, consider educational publishing careers like:
Textbook Author: Research and write K-12 textbooks, workbooks and supplementary materials for publishers. Topics depend on your areas of expertise.
Curriculum Developer: Conceptualize new curricula and accompanying materials. Collaborate with subject experts and instructional designers to create comprehensive programs.
Editor: Oversee manuscript development and ensure high editorial standards. Responsibilities involve copyediting, fact-checking, collaborating with authors and project management.
Instructional Designer: Develop interactive digital content and online courses. Apply principles of learning science to create effective educational materials.
These roles require a teaching background in relevant subject areas, plus vital research and writing skills. An advanced degree expands opportunities. Build your portfolio and network with educational publishers to explore openings in this specialized field. Freelancing is also an option.
Online Tutoring and Instruction
Leverage your teaching skills through online and distance learning roles:
Online Tutor: Provide one-on-one or small group instruction in academic subjects through video platforms. Develop personalized lesson plans and materials.
Virtual Teacher: Teach synchronous online classes to students around the world. Record lectures and facilitate interactive class discussions through meeting software.
Instructional Designer: Conceptualize engaging, self-paced online courses. Apply principles of online pedagogy to create interactive multimedia lessons.
Curriculum Developer: Adapt in-person curricula and materials for blended or fully online use. Collaborate with subject experts and designers.
These roles require teaching qualifications, learning management systems experience, and educational technology comfort. Specialized certification in online teaching expands opportunities. To enter this growing field, build your technical skills and online teaching portfolio through freelancing.
Education Technology
For those passionate about technology, education technology careers allow you to innovate at the intersection of learning and tech:
Instructional Technologist: Support digital pedagogy adoption. Provide training, troubleshooting and strategic guidance on educational tools.
EdTech Developer: Design and code educational software, apps, games and simulations. Collaborate with subject experts to build engaging learning experiences.
Digital Curriculum Developer: Adapt existing or create new curricula optimized for digital delivery. Integrate interactive elements like simulations, multimedia and games.
Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality Specialist: Develop and implement VR/AR learning experiences. Responsibilities involve instructional design, 3D modelling, programming and more.
These roles require teaching experience plus technology skills. Relevant backgrounds include instructional design, computer science, multimedia production or engineering. Pursue coding boot camps or additional education in areas like educational psychology to enter this innovative field.
Education Policy and Research
Make an impact through education research and policy roles:
Education Researcher: Conduct quantitative and qualitative studies on teaching and learning effectiveness. Analyze data and communicate implications for practice.
Policy Analyst: Research education issues and advise on policy solutions—draft recommendations and briefings on various K-12 and higher education topics.
Program Evaluator: Design and implement studies to assess the impact of education initiatives. Analyze outcomes and ensure accountability and continuous improvement.
Accreditation Reviewer: Evaluate schools, programs and education providers against quality standards. Provide strategic guidance and recommendations.
These roles require a teaching background plus a master’s or doctoral degree. Develop robust research methodology and data analysis skills—network within research organizations, government agencies, and advocacy non-profits to explore opportunities in this impactful field.
Educational Content Creator
With solid communication abilities, you can share your expertise as an educational content creator. Potential roles include:
Educational Blogger: Launch a website or blog focused on teaching strategies, curriculum ideas, or other education topics. Produce engaging written and multimedia content.
Online Course Instructor: Teach self-paced online courses on Coursera, Udemy or edX platforms. Develop interactive video lessons and curriculum around your areas of expertise.
Podcast/YouTube Host: Produce audio or video podcasts and YouTube shows sharing insights, advice and lessons with educators worldwide. Develop production skills to engage audiences.
Freelance Writer: Pitch written articles, reports, newsletters and other materials to educational publications and organizations. Topics depend on your background and research interests.
These entrepreneurial paths require strong communication abilities and comfort in producing multimedia content. Build an audience by sharing your expertise freely online first. Eventually, I will develop business skills to monetize through sponsorships, affiliates, or paid content.
Read More: Advice for Students Who Want to Pursue a Career in Medicine
Transitioning to a Non-Teaching Career
Making the shift from teaching to a non-traditional role requires strategic planning. Here are some tips:
Highlight transferable skills – Your degree cultivates leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities valued across sectors. Emphasize these on your resume.
Pursue additional training – Targeted courses help qualify for roles outside teaching, such as instructional design, data analysis, coding, or multimedia production.
Build experience – Seek part-time education support roles, internships, volunteering or freelancing for expertise in your desired field.
Leverage networks – Connect with professional organizations, alum groups and colleagues to learn about opportunities outside traditional hiring channels.
Research demand – Analyze labour market projections and job postings to identify growing, in-demand roles matching your qualifications and interests.
Consider location – Some roles require relocating to education hubs with concentrated opportunities like publishing, research or ed-tech companies.
With creativity and persistence, your teaching background provides a strong foundation for diverse, rewarding careers beyond the classroom. Research options thoroughly and market your transferable skills to access the possibilities ahead.
