This list is not exhaustive but provides an idea of the options graduates have and what they have gone on to do. Some options are more directly associated with a Education degree than others.

A background in Education ensures that you develop the skills and mindset to tackle many different professional challenges.

Core Skills

• A strong understanding and awareness of contemporary pedagogy, social equity issues and human development.
• Knowledge of current research methods and education theory.
• The ability to tailor information and learning resources to the needs of specific individuals or groups.
• Knowledge of the philosophical and social foundations of modern education through an interdisciplinary approach.
• The confidence of being able to present publicly in a didactic manner and to naturally engage groups in debate and conversation.

Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills

• The ability to present your thoughts clearly and intelligently in written statements and written opinion pieces
• Deduction of information from various sources and the ability to concentrate on relevant resources
• The ability to learn new information and apply this to professional demands
• The capacity to critically analyze problems, think creatively and make sound decisions while considering different sides of an argument
• The ability to explain complex ideas clearly to others and to apply complex theoretical concepts to everyday practice and professional dilemmas
• The skills to collect various types of information, assess them, analyze and incorporate potential linkages from different fields, put them into writing and efficiently convey your message and the goal of your work

Management and Teamwork

• The ability to interpret and analyze information presented by peers and efficiently and constructively support or challenge their proposals, theories, ideas and reports in order to achieve a project’s intended and successful end result
• The capacity to lead and interact with a variety of people with different approaches and personal and professional backgrounds
• The ability to debate, persuade, mediate and present your thoughts and opinions to others, as well as the capacity to recognize and incorporate other potential solutions or applications to given problems
• The capability to identify priorities and proper courses of action, to plan the execution of tasks and to determine and delegate responsibilities to group members to most effectively carry out projects

Knowing the industry and how to excel in it after receiving a degree are key elements of future success. University study sets up the building blocks you will need to develop and enhance your understanding and knowledge in your career. Being part of a professional organization or network and gaining further insight through training are excellent ways of increasing your knowledge of the field.

• Canadian Education Association (CEA)
• Canadian School Boards Association
• National Education Association
• Canadian Teachers’ Federation
• Association of Educational Researchers of Ontario
• York University Faculty of Education website