In a wide array of different fields, career-driven, and ambitious professionals always lookout for ways to move forward in their career trajectory. Individuals are ardent about acquiring top roles and zealous to bring about a change in the modern arena. And earning a doctoral in education is the safest bet to pursue this goal with effective leadership.
However, when contemplating a doctoral degree, there are lots of factors to ponder. Such as which field, which program, and which kind of research? And the most pivotal question – what value will it bring to your career? A doctorate in education requires meticulous planning, lots of hard work, constant dedication, and a substantial investment of time to get through the rigorous degree program.
In this intensely competitive world, the doctoral degree serves as a valuable asset. It holds the vibes of commitment, persistence, and accomplishment and increases an individual’s professional recognition. Not only this, but the education graduates can work in a vast and diverse range of workplaces. These may include K-12, higher education institutes, non-profit organizations (NGOs), healthcare facilities, and the military.
As individuals step up the ladder and attain the highest education degree, they witness low unemployment rates. However, ever thought about the earning potential? Is the juice worth the squeeze at the end of the day? The answer is a definitive yes. The degree allows students to make a career in highly sought jobs and earn prodigious salaries. However, the doctorate education salary varies with the location of individuals. For instance, students living in metropolitan cities can earn relatively more than those living in small towns. Still, individuals can make careers in different fields and enjoy lucrative jobs.
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Potential Career Choices
Let’s take a look at some of the career pathways which you can go for with a doctorate in education:
1. Academic Dean
Although the responsibilities may vary according to each university, the core function of an academic dean is to provide the leadership and strategic vision to the institute. However, it is up to you which type of dean you wish to choose, either department, faculty, or student dean.
On a given day, the critical priorities of an academic dean include:
- Approve academic policies, regulations, and staff hiring
- Give suggestions to the heads of educational institutions about essential academic affairs
- Collaborate with other education professionals to create university vision and mission statements
- Analyze the performance of faculty members
- Ensure that the research conducted complies with the state, university, and sponsors rules and regulations
2. Education Administrator
If you are passionate about promoting education and have strong management skills, this career is the best fit. Education administrators ensure the smooth running of educational institutions. These administrators not only provide their services to schools. They also work on the educational programs of museums, community service organizations, and the corporate sector.
The education administrator mandate involves the following fundamental responsibilities:
- Create reports, plan events, and schedule them
- Manage resources, invoices, and critical data
- Develop academic programs, and other extracurricular activities
- Evaluate the progress of students as well as teachers
- Oversee recruiting and work with alumni for marketing purposes
- Manage queries and resolve conflicts and complaints
3. Instructional Coordinator
Also known as personal development and curriculum specialist, instructional coordinators play a significant role in developing educational programs and coursework. Although these professionals don’t have a direct relationship with students, they collaborate with teachers and administrators to improve the instructional materials. Besides, they also evaluate the teacher’s strengths and shortcomings to enhance the delivery method.
As an instructional coordinator, the job responsibilities will include the following:
- Set up workshops, training, and conferences for teachers
- Provide suggestions on curriculum, textbooks, and other course materials
- Assist teachers, mentor them to polish their skills, and give counseling
- Keep tabs on the effectiveness of educational programs
- Monitor equipment conditions and check if there is a need for repairs or replacement
- Confer with the concerned educational councils to learn about subject areas and academic needs of students
4. Superintendent
Superintendent is the chief executive officer, the high-ranking executive post, of the school district. Therefore, individuals enthusiastic and keen to change the education sector can choose this field. These leaders solve the intricacies, provide innovative solutions, and improve the education sector’s learning environment.
Below are some of the day-to-day job duties of a superintendent:
- Create agenda, provide recommendations, and keep the Board updated about critical matters
- Perform frequent audits of accounts and expenses
- Manage legal matters and exploit legal services to avoid lawsuits and other complexities
- Come up with programs that ensure faculty members safety and security
- Inform the public about policies, programs, activities of the school district to maintain a positive relationship
Other Benefits
A doctoral degree provides an opportunity for aspiring educators to make a real influence on the future of higher education. Not only does it add an appropriate designation. It also gives the privilege of creating policies to solve problems and incorporating them at all levels. Though it requires substantial time, you can forge interpersonal, academic, and professional skills up to par with a doctoral degree.
Here are some of the benefits that a freshly minted graduate can enjoy after earning a doctorate in education:
- Increased opportunities: There is a world of opportunities out there for you to explore with a doctorate in education. For instance, in fields like consultancy, employers usually prefer individuals with doctorates for high-rank posts. Apart from this, students can engage themselves in exciting research projects and work under the guidance of faculty.
- Enhance problem-solving skills: The doctoral degree is a surefire way to develop essential analytical and critical thinking skills. In addition, the degree enables the individuals to work on their problem-solving skills and polish them during course studies and final projects.
- Develop advanced communication skills: Skills acquired during the doctoral degree program apply to various professional fields. And since communication is the key to success in every industry, the degree assists individuals in developing excellent communication skills. Students also learn how to take feedback positively. Thus, this helps them communicate appropriately with co-workers in the work environment.
- Ability to tackle technological challenges: The degree allows individuals to integrate these developments into the instructional curriculum with continuous advancements in technology. Leaders find it challenging to choose which technology is the best. However, they can improve the learning environment in the classrooms and streamline university processes through technology.
Final Words
Intermediate-level education professionals who wish to advance their careers but are reluctant due to commitments shouldn’t fret. There’s nothing that can hold them back from earning further education. In addition, several flexible doctorate degrees are available for people who want to make a true impact in the education realm. And no matter which doctoral degree, either Ed.D or Ph.D., you eventually opt for, there are heaps of opportunities and tremendous potential to progress in your career. Therefore, broaden your horizons, gear yourself up to take education up a notch, and make headway for your profession in a meaningful and rewarding way.