If you are looking to one of the advertised jobs in higher education your educational background and qualifications are the key to help you attaining the job you want. Before you submit your application and resume, read the job description carefully to ensure that you are able to fulfill the obligations the position requires. Then you need to read the qualifications required for this position to determine if you meet the criteria. Even though you may have the experience needed for the position, you do need to be able to back that up with educational qualifications as well. At one time, it may have been possible to obtain a position in a higher education facility with just experience, but it is unlikely that will happen today.
Higher education refers to universities and colleges. The level of education required for these jobs in higher education depends on the unique position. For a teaching position at the university level, you don’t necessarily need to have an Education degree. However, you will need to have at least a Maters degree in the field of study that you will have to teach. Even with a Masters degree, you will probably be hired as a lecturer. For a full-time professor, you will need to have a PH.D in the field of specialty.
Jobs in higher education at technical colleges require experience and a certificate in the field required by the position. You not only need to have experience working at the trade, but the higher level certification that shows you do know the theory behind the trade and the modern techniques. You may also need to have experience dealing with adults and some positions may require that you possess a degree in Adult Education.
In addition to the education and experience, you do have to demonstrate the ability to communicate with various groups of people and to be able to empathize with their needs. Students of all ages will have difficulties with some aspects of the course and you should be able to help them over the hurdles so that they experience success. The questions you will have to answer at the interview will help the employers determine whether or not you are suitable for the position, so you should demonstrate adaptability to different situations. At the interview, you should ensure that you display a professional attitude no matter what questions the interviewers ask and what situations they ask you to describe.
Jobs in higher education can often take on positions of an advisory capacity. Advisors help students to determine the right courses to take for the field they choose to follow min their work life. This means you do need to be knowledgeable about all the courses offered by the institution and be able to guide students in the right direction. You won’t have to plan for teaching classes, but you will need to be able to deal with any number of people on a daily basis and a multitude of different problems. Being a people person, in addition to your skills is a definite asset whenever you work in any field of education.
