Entry-level positions for aspiring Special Education Consultants
Entry-level positions at Special Education Consulting often involve "data analysis, data science, and public policy knowledge," with a focus on applying accounting and analytical skills to educational issues, much like an "auditor style" approach. The most important qualities are a "willingness to learn" and strong data analysis skills, including data visualization, as the field is constantly evolving and requires continuous learning.
Data Analysis, Public Policy, Legislative Process, Accounting, Research Skills
Advizer Information
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Undergrad
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Anjanette Pelletier
Director
Special EducationConsulting
UC Berkeley
Cal State Hayward, Masters in Clincial Child School Psychology
Psychology
Coaching, Speaking & Writing, Education
Education
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Data analysis and data science skills are highly valued.
2. Public policy knowledge and understanding of the legislative process are beneficial.
3. Strong accounting, math, and fiscal analysis skills, combined with a critical mindset, are in demand.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
In my firm, which is an educational consulting firm, we are constantly looking for people who are developing skills in data analysis and data science. We also look for students interested in public policy and language.
Right now, we have an intern deeply involved in following the legislative and lobbying processes for educational bills. These bills have a significant impact on the educational system.
There's also a lot of accounting, math, and fiscal analysis involved. We need people who can apply these skills to accounting requirements and analyze them critically. Questions include: Is this mandatory? Do we have local decision-making authority? How do we realign things?
This requires an auditor-style set of skills, though it doesn't need to be fully formed. People working with us are learning as they go. The critical skills are an open mind and a willingness to learn, because we are never done learning.
I've been in education for over 25 years and still learn something new daily. If I encounter a question I can't answer, I'll find the answer. Research skills are important, as is a clear focus on looking at, analyzing, and making sense of data.
This includes skills like data visualization. Many younger people excel at this, often better than me. While I can create an Excel chart, there are many more effective ways to communicate data visually today. This is a clear skillset where we often bring in younger people to help us improve.
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