Switching Careers...

mrswall84

Has anyone ever done this before? I feel like I need a major break from finding a teaching job. The only problem is that I don't have a ton of experience in other fields. I worked at Gottschalks for a few months back in 2007 but that's about it. I want to find a job in an office environment just doing some entry level work. Not the most exciting but just something I can build on if I need to. What did you do when you switched careers? What did you include on your resume your employer liked? I have no idea if I'll be successful in finding another job (especially with Fresno County's unemployment at 16.8%) but I need to at least try. ANY helpful tips would be awesome. Thanks ladies!

hersheykiss

Accounting is pretty easy to get into at entry level, I did it. Also, being an admin is a somewhat easy field as well.

You could also try going through some temp agencies. Some of them will do direct placements vs temp assignments so it might help as well.

What I would do is focus your abilities based on that type of job, if it is admin then focus on your ability to file, print, follow instructions or a plan, be organized, etc. If it is accounting, then focus on your ability to use MS Excel, do averages, handle money for school functions, etc.

I hope that helps. My company has an office in Fresno. If I hear of any office jobs there I will let you know.

mrswall84

hersheykiss:

Accounting is pretty easy to get into at entry level, I did it. Also, being an admin is a somewhat easy field as well.

You could also try going through some temp agencies. Some of them will do direct placements vs temp assignments so it might help as well.

What I would do is focus your abilities based on that type of job, if it is admin then focus on your ability to file, print, follow instructions or a plan, be organized, etc. If it is accounting, then focus on your ability to use MS Excel, do averages, handle money for school functions, etc.

I hope that helps. My company has an office in Fresno. If I hear of any office jobs there I will let you know.

Thanks=). Although, I'm not much of a math wiz lol. Right now, I have my resume tweaked to being goal oriented and focused on producing results. As a teacher, I've done a lot of goals, objectives, and data analyzing. I should also probably play up my organizational skills because I absolutely had to be organized otherwise I'd lose everything.

leolyns

Good luck with whatever you get into. The only thing about temp agencies is that some will get your resume, interview you and then it's a waiting game to see if their client will interview you. If you don't get selected, then you go into the pool of candidates. You have to constantly follow up with them to see if there are any other jobs, etc and let them know your availability. So, I recommend going with a staffing service that has a permanent position rather than just temp work. or maybe temp work will fit since you're wanting to try something else out.

wldktz10

My aunt was a teacher and went into corporate training when she couldn't find a job. Another option you might want to look into that recruit people with teaching backgrounds are internship programs (many museums, hospitals, etc. have them for high school students).

Also, if you have an MA you can teach undergrad. Community colleges are good places to hunt for part time work if you're desperate for something.

mrswall84

wldktz10:

My aunt was a teacher and went into corporate training when she couldn't find a job. Another option you might want to look into that recruit people with teaching backgrounds are internship programs (many museums, hospitals, etc. have them for high school students).

Also, if you have an MA you can teach undergrad. Community colleges are good places to hunt for part time work if you're desperate for something.

 I only have my BA. I thought about going back to school for an MA but I'm not sure what I want to get an MA in yet. Plus, as a teacher it wouldn't really benefit me. They would have to hire me on a higher pay scale and in most education MA programs it helps to be in the classroom.

I'm going to try temp agencies. The last time I tried a temp agency I was fresh out of college and they wouldn't consider me because I had no office experience (I got told that by one of the best agencies in Fresno). I got on with an agency based out of Bakersfield and they got me a job working at Del Monte corporate in Sanger but I only lasted a day. I had NO idea what I did wrong. I thought I did a good job but the agency called me and said they no longer needed me. I did everything they asked and I got all my tasks done before the end of the day. I started working at Gottschalks after that and then started subbing.

hannikan

I would just make sure you're sure you want to change careers because with education it's a big investment. You've put in a lot of time, energy, money to getting your credential and all the follow up work. If you go to working in an office, what do you ultimately want to do? I would figure it out before jumping into something. The only other thing I've thought of doing with my background is becoming a librarian. But I'd have to go back to school to get an MA in library science. I think after awhile I'd get bored, too, unless I taught PT. Same thing with working in a museum. GL with your decision!

hannikan

wldktz10:

My aunt was a teacher and went into corporate training when she couldn't find a job. Another option you might want to look into that recruit people with teaching backgrounds are internship programs (many museums, hospitals, etc. have them for high school students).

Also, if you have an MA you can teach undergrad. Community colleges are good places to hunt for part time work if you're desperate for something.

At non-community colleges (4 yrs) you have to be in the process of completing your PhD, though.

mrswall84

hannikan:

I would just make sure you're sure you want to change careers because with education it's a big investment. You've put in a lot of time, energy, money to getting your credential and all the follow up work. If you go to working in an office, what do you ultimately want to do? I would figure it out before jumping into something. The only other thing I've thought of doing with my background is becoming a librarian. But I'd have to go back to school to get an MA in library science. I think after awhile I'd get bored, too, unless I taught PT. Same thing with working in a museum. GL with your decision!

I'm still going to apply for teaching jobs but I feel like I need to broaden my horizons at the same time. I'm pretty disgusted with the public education system right now for various reasons. When I decided to become a teacher I really wanted to make a difference in a child's life. Lately, I feel like that is next to impossible.

sm23

What about looking into tutoring services or private tutoring? That way, you're still in an educational role and I'd bet your teaching experience will be a real asset.

hannikan

sm23:

What about looking into tutoring services or private tutoring? That way, you're still in an educational role and I'd bet your teaching experience will be a real asset.

Very true and if you're frustrated with the system (and who isn't?) this way you can still have an impact in a child's life. It's usually great to work with kids on on one.