On Thursday, February 20, 2025, the Career Connections Center hosted a virtual panel event on careers in education. The panelists provided insight into their daily roles and how they’ve leveraged their educational background and technical skills to launch successful careers in education-based roles outside of the traditional K-12 classroom setting.
CLICK HERE to access the event recording.
Event Summary
Sarah initiated a meeting for students to discuss career options beyond traditional classroom teaching roles, introducing the panelists Andrea Cuadra, Leandria Devis, Carmen Hurtado, and Krista Vaught. The panelists discussed the essential skills and qualifications necessary for success in their roles, their experiences and involvement in various student organizations and activities, and how students can prepare for their future careers. Attendees also discussed their varied roles and day-to-day activities, with the panelists encouraging students to reach out to them for further networking opportunities.
Career Pathways and Coaching Panelists
Sarah Blackmon, the career pathways coach for human services, consulting, and education at the University of Florida, introduced the meeting’s panelists:
Andrea Cuadra, a career specialist at Florida International University’s honors college, shared her background in Spanish and her work in higher education, including career coaching and employer relations.
Leandria Devis, the director of programs and operations at a startup called the Career Journey, discussed her experience as a career ambassador at the University of Florida’s Career Center and her current work in career coaching for professionals and military spouses.
Carmen Hurtado, the senior manager of education at the Cade Museum for creativity and invention in Gainesville, Florida, shared her background in geosciences and secondary math and science education.
Krista Vaught, the Principal Advisor of Employee Experience and a Learning & Development Consultant for a boutique consulting firmed called Frontier Design.
Panelists Share Diverse Career Experiences
Carmen shared her experience in museum education, highlighting her role at the Cade Museum where she leads a team developing educational programming. Krista discussed her background in journalism, law, and higher education, which led to her current work in consulting, focusing on learning and development and employee experience. The panelists describe their current roles and responsibilities, emphasizing the variety of tasks they handle and the importance of adaptability in their careers. They also touch on how their past experiences, including internships and diverse educational backgrounds, have prepared them for their current positions.
Skills for Success in Roles
In the meeting, the panelists discussed the essential skills and qualifications necessary for success in their roles. Andrea emphasized the importance of communication and critical thinking, while Leandria highlighted the need for confidence, adaptability, and flexibility. Carmen added the value of time management and reflection, and Krista stressed the importance of instruction design skills and curiosity. The panelists agreed that these skills are crucial for success in their roles and can be applied in various contexts.
Student Organization and Professional Networking
The participants discussed their experiences and involvement in various student organizations and activities during their time at the University of Florida. Andrea and Leandria shared their experiences of being involved in different organizations, such as La Casita and the Harn Museum, which helped them develop leadership and communication skills. Leandria also mentioned her involvement in the Center for Leadership and Service, which helped her understand her leadership style. Carmen shared her experiences as an intern at the Florida Museum and attending conferences, which allowed her to network and learn from seasoned educators. Krista, who was not as involved as an undergraduate, emphasized the importance of exploring different opportunities, such as teaching courses and attending professional association events, to gain diverse experiences. The group concluded by encouraging students to engage with different student organizations and professional associations to develop their skills and gain exposure to various areas.
Preparing for Future Careers in Education
In the meeting, the panelists discussed how students can prepare for their future careers, particularly in the education sector. They emphasized the importance of exploring different career paths, networking, and gaining practical experience. The panelists also shared their own experiences and advice, such as reaching out to professionals in different fields, volunteering, and using LinkedIn to build connections. They encouraged students to be open to exploring different roles and not to limit themselves to traditional teaching positions. The panelists also addressed specific questions from students, such as the value of obtaining certifications and what a typical day in the job might look like.
Resources Shared by Panelists During the Event
https://kristavaught.notion.site/Transitioning-into-L-D-09eff354732b49c792b06375f656d9c2?pvs=4
