Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Program Managers
Cassandra, Associate Director of Programs at Code Nation, suggests that entry-level roles in the education field for undergraduates include teaching or teacher educator positions, offering "clear career pathways" into administration or education technology. Alternatively, program manager or program lead roles at education non-profits provide a route into youth development, with prior teaching experience being a valuable asset but not always required.
Education, Teaching, Nonprofit, Program Management, Career Progression
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Cassandra Houghton
Associate Director of Programs
Code Nation
Saint Louis University, 2016
Dominican University, Masters in Special Education
Ethnic & Related Studies
Education
Education
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Teaching or teacher educator roles offer flexibility and career progression opportunities, such as school administration, regional teams, district work, education advocacy, or educational technology.
2. Program manager or program lead positions in education non-profits provide entry-level roles with youth development and services experience, an alternative to direct teaching.
3. Prior teaching experience can be a significant advantage when transitioning to roles in education-related fields like non-profit program management, but isn't strictly required for entry-level positions in these areas.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
I think the biggest one is probably teaching or being considered a teacher educator. That's how I got started in the career path that I've been on. It's definitely an area that isn't super high demand.
There's also a lot of flexibility within teaching because there is such a high demand for it. Wherever you want to move, if you want to move to a big city, you'll find teaching jobs there.
Within teaching, there are many opportunities to grow. You're not necessarily stuck in the classroom for your entire career. There are clear career pathways and progression you can take, like moving from a classroom teacher to a school administrator, working for a regional team, or working for the district.
There's also education advocacy, which is part of the industry. Education technology is also a really big field that many teachers move into after gaining a few years of experience. Having that classroom experience can really ground your work in lived experience, which will set you apart.
It will be an asset to any education-related job or career that you'd want to go into. So, if it's teaching, or being a teacher, then also consider education nonprofits.
Roles like program manager or program lead are common entry-level roles. That's what I initially shifted into after being in the classroom at my current organization. My teaching experience definitely gave me a leg up.
From undergraduate, you could look for a program lead or program manager role at an education nonprofit if you're interested in youth development or services. This is an alternative to direct teaching experience.
So, I'd say either of those are common entry-level roles that will give you more direct pathways with different opportunities to explore, either at a nonprofit or in a school setting.