18 early career jobs that map well to education majors

Career mapping is the process of strategically planning your professional journey by identifying career options, the skills you’ll need, and the steps to reach your goals. For education majors, career mapping is especially useful because the field offers a range of opportunities beyond the traditional classroom, including leadership, curriculum development, and corporate training. Having a clear plan helps ensure that your career aligns with your passions and long-term objectives.

With a degree in education, you might start as a teacher in elementary, middle, or high school, specializing in subjects like math, science, or English. If you’re interested in leadership, you could pursue roles such as school administrator, instructional coordinator, or principal. Other career paths include corporate training, educational consulting, curriculum design, or even edtech, where you could help develop learning tools and platforms. Career mapping helps you determine what certifications, advanced degrees, or additional experiences you’ll need to move forward. It’s not just about becoming a teacher—it’s about shaping an educational career that keeps you motivated and allows you to make a meaningful impact.

We recently reached out to 18 hiring experts to ask them to share with us some of the jobs that they feel map well for candidates who have education majors and are searching for early career job opportunities:

• Explore Para-Academic Roles for Holistic Student Support
• Gain Classroom Insight Through Teaching Programs
• Create Educational Content Online for Real Skills
• Coordinate Virtual Peer Learning for Pedagogical Skills
• Become an Orton-Gillingham Literacy Expert
• Support Learning in Online or Hybrid Environments
• Engage Visitors as a Museum Educator
• Build Key Skills Through Tutoring
• Pursue Teaching Credentials in Major Disciplines
• Work in Preschool for Classroom Management Experience
• Organize Events as a Community Outreach Coordinator
• Assist in Research to Understand Education Better
• Gain Classroom Experience as a Teacher’s Assistant
• Test EdTech Tools as a Curriculum Tester
• Work as a Library Assistant for Resource Familiarity
• Gain Real-World Experience in Youth Programs
• Support Students as a Student Support Specialist
• Help Homeschool Families with Lesson Planning

Explore Para-Academic Roles for Holistic Student Support

Any Education major needs to be aware that traditional careers in higher academia such as tenure track positions are increasingly rare in an overcrowded market, even for highly skilled and credentialed individuals. Concurrently, there is massive growth in “para-academic” work that focuses on holistic student support and development. 

An education major could readily find employment in multiple campus departments including advising and career centers, registrars offices, or admissions. Some of these jobs include teaching responsibilities or offer them as supplemental pay. Instead of worrying about job availability, prospects in this field should concern themselves about work-life balance and adequate compensation for their talent. 

I strongly recommend that anyone studying Education includes a minor in another academic discipline. The strongest candidates for Education-related jobs combine the academic and the practical, so it is crucial for interested students to not get overly bogged down in theory nor fixated on spreadsheets and databases but rather take an integrative approach.

Christopher Moreland, Academic Advisor, UNCW

Gain Classroom Insight Through Teaching Programs

It’s always helpful to teach for a few years to really understand what it takes to move kids forward. If a graduate did not study education or receive a teaching degree, he/she can join an alternative pathway program like Teach for America, Urban City Teaching Alliance, Relay Graduate School, or any number of regional teacher residency programs (see Urban Teacher Residency for programs across the country). 

Understanding classroom curriculum, standards, assessments, behavior management, and pedagogy is critical to all work in education whether it’s with a charter network, school district, nonprofit, and/or philanthropy. Internships also are very helpful. A graduate can often find a paid internship at an education nonprofit, foundation, etc. Education Pioneers offers paid internships and apprentice opportunities.

Jacquelyn Davis, Founder, Clever Noodle

Create Educational Content Online for Real Skills

One of the best jobs for a college student studying Education is creating educational content online. Teaching does not just happen in a classroom. It happens anywhere people are learning, and social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok have become huge spaces for education. Making videos, writing blog posts, or designing interactive lessons helps build real teaching skills while giving the freedom to experiment with different styles. It provides hands-on experience in explaining concepts, engaging an audience, and making learning interesting in a way that textbooks often do not.

Creating content forces you to think about how students actually process information. A good lesson needs structure, clear explanations, and examples that connect with learners. Filming a tutorial or writing a step-by-step guide makes you analyze the best way to communicate an idea. If something is not clicking with viewers, adjusting the approach helps refine delivery and pacing. This process is the same as what happens in a classroom when a lesson needs tweaking to reach students better. Learning to adapt explanations based on feedback makes a stronger teacher.

Interacting with an online audience builds real-world teaching experience. Comments and questions highlight common struggles, helping future educators understand what students find challenging. Responding to these questions and improving content based on feedback builds adaptability, which is one of the most important skills a teacher can develop. The ability to explain something in multiple ways and connect with learners in different formats makes a big impact in both digital and in-person teaching.

Content creation opens doors beyond traditional classroom teaching. Many educators expand into tutoring, developing online courses, or collaborating with educational platforms. Some turn it into a full-time career, while others use it as a way to sharpen their skills before stepping into a classroom. Either way, it builds confidence, creativity, and a strong foundation for becoming an effective teacher.

Steve Nixon, Founder, Free Jazz Lessons

Coordinate Virtual Peer Learning for Pedagogical Skills

A promising yet often overlooked position for education majors is the “Virtual Peer Learning Coordinator.” While most students default to the more traditional tutoring roles, I’ve found that helping classmates navigate online learning resources and small-group study sessions can be an especially effective way to sharpen pedagogical skills.

Unlike standard tutoring, this coordinator role involves organizing virtual study gatherings, sharing best practices for time management, and adapting digital tools that motivate peers to collaborate in more meaningful ways. By spearheading these online workshops, you’ll learn to design engaging lesson plans and fine-tune your leadership capabilities—skills that directly transfer to classroom or administrative roles after graduation.

Some students partner with university learning centers or set up their own digital “help desk.” Others collaborate with professors to host supplemental Zoom study halls, effectively acting as an assistant teacher who can connect with peers more informally.

Dennis Shirshikov, Head of Education, iTutor.com

Become an Orton-Gillingham Literacy Expert

Becoming an Orton-Gillingham (OG) literacy expert is an excellent career choice for education majors, particularly those passionate about helping students with dyslexia and other reading challenges. The OG approach is a structured, multisensory, and evidence-based method of literacy instruction that has been shown to improve reading skills in struggling learners (Joshi, Dahlgren, & Boulware-Gooden, 2002). By pursuing certification in OG, educators can enhance their professional credentials, improve student outcomes, and meet the growing demand for specialized literacy instruction.

We are often asked to work with children who are dyslexic and struggling to learn to read. When we founded the company, Orton-based tutoring was a small niche in the world of education, nevertheless we pursued it because we understood that it is the gold standard for literacy education. Today, it’s become much more popular.

The prevalence of dyslexia and reading difficulties underscores the need for skilled literacy educators. According to the International Dyslexia Association (IDA), dyslexia affects approximately 15-20% of the population, making it one of the most common learning disabilities (Shaywitz, 2003). Without appropriate intervention, students with dyslexia often experience academic struggles and lower self-esteem. The OG approach, originally developed in the 1930s by Dr. Samuel Orton and educator Anna Gillingham, remains one of the most effective interventions for these students (Torgesen et al., 2001).

Educators with OG certification are highly sought after in both public and private school settings, as well as in tutoring and clinical environments. Many states have adopted dyslexia screening mandates and intervention requirements, increasing the demand for trained OG practitioners (Washburn, Binks-Cantrell, & Joshi, 2014). Additionally, OG-certified educators often earn higher salaries and have more career advancement opportunities compared to general education teachers.

Of course, perhaps the most compelling reason to become an OG literacy expert is the potential to make a lasting impact on students’ lives. Literacy is a fundamental skill that affects academic achievement and career success. Educators trained in the OG approach empower struggling readers to gain confidence and independence in their learning.

Michael Wallach, Founder, Central Park Tutors

Support Learning in Online or Hybrid Environments

I’d say a role that fits very well for a college or university student studying education is that of an online or hybrid environment learning support assistant or tutor. As I consider how fast the world of education is evolving, I see that the upsurge in online schools is a significant factor. Students studying education have a unique position from which to shape the way we will learn in the future.

We have many times witnessed how efficient some students are when put into a position to help a teacher and/or actively participate in working with students themselves. Their fresh perspectives, combined with their academic training, can bring new energy and approaches to the table. For example, an education student can work with students needing extra support, either through academic tutoring or by adapting lessons to different learning styles.

I believe the roles I just mentioned provide real-life experiences and a deeper understanding of educational theory while nurturing critical skills in communication, problem-solving, and adaptability—valuable in today’s fast-changing educational setting. It’s a good opportunity to meaningfully contribute to the learning journey and pursue their own degree at the same time—a great win-win!

Vasilii Kiselev, CEO & Co-Founder, Legacy Online School

Engage Visitors as a Museum Educator

A museum educator role is a unique fit for students studying education. It blends teaching with storytelling, allowing them to engage visitors of all ages and create interactive learning experiences.

I once worked part-time at a children’s museum, leading science demonstrations. It was incredibly rewarding and gave me a creative edge when designing lessons later in my career. It’s an enriching experience for any education major.

Christopher Pappas, Founder, eLearning Industry Inc

Build Key Skills Through Tutoring

A college or university student majoring in education in the United States might fit into the tutoring scene. They get to use teaching theories and methods right on the front lines, helping learners out. These tutors might fly solo or link up with tutoring firms offering help in different study areas.

Now, tutoring gives these students a chance to build super important abilities, for example:

• Talking and getting along with people well: making a good connection with students, saying things in a way that’s easy to understand, and giving helpful advice.

• Teaching everyone: Changing the way you teach so it works for each student’s own way of learning and what they need.

• Checking how much students know: Figuring out what students do well and where they struggle, and making plans that help them learn better.

• Keeping the classroom in good shape: Making sure the place where we learn is happy and helps us get work done.

By tutoring, students pick up real skills in how to educate. They get more sure of themselves and get the United States Curriculum and the stuff that makes learning tough for students.

Shambhu Kadel, Founder, KBA Global

Pursue Teaching Credentials in Major Disciplines

Students can pursue teaching credentials within any of the major disciplines (math, science, English, humanities, history, languages, physical education) as well as others like special education and remediation. Further, students can bridge education with other areas—like psychology and counseling, further graduate work in education to become professors at a higher education level, or combining it with technology to become instructional designers, curriculum developers, etc.

Julie Ann Howlett, Edtech Professional & Instructional Designer, Julie Ann H Digital

Work in Preschool for Classroom Management Experience

As a previous educator, I can say that the job most beneficial to that future career was working in a preschool setting. While I had babysat in the past, the reality of having multiple children’s behaviors and personalities to manage, while also expected to stick to a “set” schedule and to impart some sort of academic knowledge, was much more akin to working within an actual classroom. 

This experience required me to differentiate (though I didn’t know that word existed at the time), collaborate with colleagues regularly as I was seldom the only adult in the room, and interface regularly with parents. This experience opened my eyes to the reality of children developing at different stages and was a unique window into the utilization of several behavior management techniques. Despite the fact that I ended up in a high school setting, the lessons learned in this preschool classroom carried through (and helped me parent better too!).

Ashley E. Poklar, Clinical Director, Sentinel Foundation

Organize Events as a Community Outreach Coordinator

Being a Community Outreach Coordinator is a job that could be perfect for a college or university student studying Education. In this role, you would be responsible for organizing events like literacy drives, educational workshops, or career fairs. This involves not just the logistics but also designing content that’s educational and engaging. You’d work on creating partnerships with local businesses, schools, and community leaders, which teaches you about the broader ecosystem of education beyond the classroom.

Moreover, this position is a great way to develop practical skills you’ll need as an educator. You learn how to communicate effectively with diverse groups, plan and execute projects, and think on your feet when things don’t go as planned. These are all things you’ll take with you into the classroom and beyond. Plus, the connections you build with families, schools, and other organizations could open doors for internships or full-time roles after graduation.

Gal Cohen, Business Development Leader & Field Area Manager, JDM Sliding Doors

Assist in Research to Understand Education Better

Working as an Educational Research Assistant is a smart way for an Education student to dig deeper into how learning actually works. Universities, school districts, and education nonprofits are always running studies on what helps students succeed, and they need people to help gather and analyze data. This could mean sitting in on classrooms to observe teaching methods, reviewing student test scores, or conducting interviews with teachers and students. It’s a hands-on way to see how different teaching styles, classroom setups, and even technology affect learning. This kind of work goes beyond what you get in a textbook, giving you a clearer picture of the challenges and opportunities in education today.

This job is more than just crunching numbers or writing reports—it teaches you how to think critically about education. You might work on projects that explore learning disabilities, the impact of class size, or the effectiveness of different teaching strategies. Being part of this kind of research builds strong problem-solving skills and helps you see education from a broader perspective. It’s especially helpful if you’re considering roles in curriculum design, education policy, or even school administration. Even if you plan to be a classroom teacher, understanding how research shapes education makes you better at adapting your methods to fit what actually helps students learn.

Jean Christophe Gabler, Publisher & Founder, YOGI TIMES

Gain Classroom Experience as a Teacher’s Assistant

Choosing a career is a personal decision, but for education majors, working as a teacher’s assistant (TA) is an excellent choice. It provides first hand classroom experience, helping students develop skills in lesson planning, classroom management, and student engagement.

This role allows future educators to work closely with experienced teachers, gain insight into different teaching methods, and understand the challenges of working in an educational setting. It also strengthens communication, organization, and leadership skills that are essential for a successful teaching career.

Seek positions that offer hands-on experience with students. Whether in a classroom, tutoring center, or after-school program, real-world practice will help build confidence and prepare for a future in education.

John Win, President, University Frames, Inc.

Test EdTech Tools as a Curriculum Tester

Many education technology startups need students to test and review their lesson plans, learning apps, or interactive teaching tools. As a curriculum tester, you’d evaluate how engaging and effective their tools are for students and provide feedback to improve content. This job not only sharpens your understanding of curriculum design but also exposes you to cutting-edge technology in education-something increasingly vital in today’s classrooms.

Working for outdoor education programs or nature-based learning centers allows you to teach kids through experiential, hands-on activities in natural environments. These roles often involve leading workshops in ecology, teamwork, and critical thinking. It’s a refreshing alternative to classroom settings and gives you valuable experience in adapting teaching methods for unique environments and diverse learners.

Museums often hire education students to help create engaging programming for visitors, such as interactive exhibits, guided tours, or lesson plans for school groups. This role combines teaching with creativity, giving you experience in informal education settings. It’s a great way to explore how education extends beyond traditional classrooms and into cultural learning spaces.

Tika Hitchkock, Herbalist / Founder, The Wooed

Work as a Library Assistant for Resource Familiarity

Working as a Library Assistant in the university’s educational department is an excellent fit for education students. It gives them the chance to become familiar with a wealth of educational resources and research methods, which are vital in their field. Beyond that, it helps build organizational and customer service skills that are essential for any educational role. The experience also allows them to support peers and faculty while gaining a deeper understanding of the materials they will use in their own teaching careers.

Adam Young, CEO & Founder, Event Tickets Center

Gain Real-World Experience in Youth Programs

As someone who has spent years working with young people—whether in mentoring, youth programs, or classroom settings—I’ve seen firsthand how hands-on experience shapes future educators. Finding the right job for college students studying Education is about more than just making a living; it’s also about preparing for the future, developing leadership skills, and learning how to meet students where they are.

I’ve worked in places that empower youth, such as the Boys & Girls Club of America, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and other youth-oriented organizations. I’ve worked as a paraprofessional and a substitute teacher, gaining firsthand classroom experience that has helped me understand what it takes to engage students from diverse backgrounds, particularly those who have experienced trauma, instability, or learning obstacles.

Here is why these roles are some of the best jobs for education majors:

• The Power of Experience: Working in youth programs, social service agencies, and schools prepares you to manage a classroom before becoming a teacher.
  
• The Heart Work: These roles teach you how to connect with students, establish trust, and meet their emotional and academic needs.
  
• Leadership & Growth: The skills you gain—patience, adaptability, and communication—make you a better, more effective educator.
  
• Career Preparation: Whether you want to be a teacher, counselor, or education advocate, these positions will prepare you for long-term success in the field.

This is more than just getting a job; it’s about living your purpose. The best educators are formed not only in classrooms, but also through real-life experiences that provide them with the skills, wisdom, patience, and insight required to truly make a difference.

Robert Marshall, Coach

Support Students as a Student Support Specialist

If you’re studying education, then consider becoming a student support specialist. Your role is to help students with special needs access education. These are kids with academic, emotional, or behavioral challenges. You don’t need much experience, but people skills and some experience with kids—like tutoring or volunteering—are an added advantage. Unlike normal teachers, you’ll focus more on one-to-one support. So, if you’re passionate about helping needy children access education, this is a career path to explore.

Ryan Walker, CEO, Beyond Academy

Help Homeschool Families with Lesson Planning

A great job for a college student studying Education is helping homeschooling families with lesson planning and teaching strategies. A lot of parents want to homeschool but struggle with structuring lessons, keeping their kids engaged, or figuring out if their child is actually learning what they need to. Someone with an education background can step in and help organize curricula, suggest fun and effective teaching methods, and introduce creative ways to track progress beyond traditional tests. Parents don’t always know the best way to teach different subjects, so having someone who understands how students learn can make a huge difference.

This kind of work gives real-world experience in lesson planning, problem-solving, and adapting teaching to fit different learning styles. Every homeschooling family does things a little differently, so it teaches flexibility and creativity in instruction. It’s also a job that can be done remotely with a schedule that works around classes. Since many families are willing to pay well for this kind of guidance, it can be a rewarding way to gain hands-on experience while making a real impact on a child’s education.

Katie Breaker, Sales Director, BirdieBall