Education and Teaching
The teaching and education sector offers a range of career opportunities for graduates. Each year, a significant number of University of Exeter graduates go on to train as teachers in UK schools, while others pursue opportunities to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL). Beyond the classroom, there are also roles available in higher education, alternative educational settings, and across various non-teaching areas.
This is a dynamic and evolving sector, with growing demand for professionals who can embrace digital innovation and contribute to student success. Whether you're drawn to teaching, student support or professional services, the education sector offers numerous opportunities to build a rewarding and impactful career. To get a flavour of some of the roles available in this sector visit the Prospects’ Jobs in Education page.
Developing connections can play a key role in finding opportunities in this and other sectors. Some students and graduates find opportunities in this field through networking and speculative applications. A good place to start is to reach out to professionals in the sector to ask about their career path and see if they’re open to sharing advice.
Making contacts for work shadowing, informational interviews and speculative applications
The following schemes and tools can help you expand your network in this sector:
- Aspiring Teachers – this Career Zone programme helps you gain insight into the education and teaching sector. It also offers opportunities to build develop work experience, which can be a great way to start making contacts in the teaching profession.
- Explore Teaching Advisers - if you're thinking about teaching in England, the Get Into Teaching service offers you the opportunity to speak with a dedicated adviser who will give you free support and answer all your questions about teaching.
- Professional Pathways: a suite of sector-specific training courses and paid 35 hour internships that take place in June and July including a Pathways to Professional Services in Higher Education.
- Ask an Alum: a fuss-free way to connect with University of Exeter alumni to ask careers questions.
- Career Mentor Scheme: a popular employability scheme which matches a student or graduate with an experienced professional, for sector insight and one-to-one careers advice and guidance, over a 6-month period.
- University of Exeter LinkedIn Alumni Tool – this tool allows you to find graduates from the University who are working in roles or areas that interest you. Learn how to use this tool by visiting our LinkedIn page.
Recruitment fairs, careers fairs, open days, talks, and events give insights and opportunities to make contacts. For details of future events visit Handshake. If you have not yet activated your account, select the Single Sign On (SSO) option and follow the onscreen instructions.
If you are interested in teaching, the Get Into Teaching service runs online and in-person events across the country. These allow you to meet local teacher training providers and gain insight and advice from experienced teachers.
Recordings of Virtual Alumni Panel Events
The following recordings from past Career Zone events may be of interest:
Many major graduate recruiters have policies and processes that are proactive in recruiting graduates from diverse backgrounds. To learn more about the policies and attitudes of employers that you are interested in, explore their equality and diversity policies and see if they offer Disability Confident employer scheme or are recognised for their policy by such indicators as Mindful Employer or as a Stonewall’s Diversity Champion.
The UK law protects you from discrimination due to your age, gender, race, religion or beliefs, disability or sexual orientation and more. For further information on the Equality Act and to find out where and how you are protected, as well as information on what you need to do if you feel you have been discriminated against, visit the Government’s webpages on discrimination.
To learn more about how to share details of a disability with an employer and the support you can receive applying for jobs and work experience visit our equality and diversity page.
Teaching
Teacher training providers can make adjustments if you need support to become a teacher. This includes support for neurodiversity, long-term physical or mental health conditions, or other accessibility needs. Discover the adjustments available to help you train to teach.
Academia
The Athena Swan Charter is a framework which is used across the globe to support and transform gender equality within higher education (HE) and research.
