jobs in the major?

[sigma3princess]

Hello all.

This fall, I'll be starting my senior year at my undergrad. My major is Human Development and Learning (which is actually my university's code for Elementary Education, but is more psychology-heavy than other teacher ed. programs). I will have minors in psychology and special education as well.

Other significant experiences are a certified writing ability (I work at my college's writing center and will be the student supervisor in the fall). I will also complete an internship in the fall with Disability and Support Services at the college, and my undergraduate thesis (required by the honors program) will be relative to my work there.

Despite all of this, I have no idea what type of career I want to pursue, except that I am very interested in higher education and/or student affairs. I've been trying to figure things out and looking into grad programs this summer, and can't seem to make any decisions.

-So I guess my question is, with this background, do you think I have potential for getting hired in a field other than elementary education?

-Are employers going to see straight through that university code and know that my degree is really teacher certification?

-Do you have any suggestions for fields that I might be well suited for based on this info?

Sorry this is so long! Any comments are welcomed and appreciated.

[CrimsonLadybug]

Anymore as long as you have a degree you are more desireable than if you don't. It really seems like, unless you want to be a doctor, lawyer, or teacher, specialized degrees aren't that important. I have a degree in English and Professional Writing and I'm paying the bills as a graphic artist for a screen printer, simply because I took some graphics classes as part of my minor. I'm working in my major as a freelance writer but it doesn't pay the bills.

Really, what you've got there, in the way of credentials, sounds pretty employable to me. Especially with the background in special education and disability services. Maybe working in the disabilities office at your college or another would be something you would enjoy. Everything from facilitating tests to learning about new technology to help disabled students (reader programs for the blind, etc.).

Good luck and I hope it all turns out well for you.

~D.

[winneythepooh7]

It sounds like you would certainly be able to qualify for an entry-level position somewhere. Perhaps human-services related? Maybe an after-school program? Entry-level case management or counselor with kids?

If you are interested in pursuing graduate school, a Master's in Social Work is a very flexible degree. And you CAN make a decent living in social work despite what some people may tell you. Especially as an administrator, if thats your cup of tea.