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What path should I take?

I graduated last year with my BFA in Design Arts and have been working full time in my current job for one year. I have been realizing this profession is not what I thought it would be and honestly I want a change. I had the thought throughout college that I would become a professor in graphic design but now I really am liking the idea of going back to school and getting my masters either in Elementary-Middle Education or School Counseling. There are many pros and cons to both and it's been hard for me to choose. Since I was a kid I always thought I'd be a teacher or school counselor so both of these options are honestly a dream for me. I know both have a lot of work and emotional involvement but I truly need this change and just am not sure which path to go down. Any advice would be appreciated!

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Caitlin’s Answer

Hi Marin! While I do not have a degree in design or in education, I can relate to wanting to explore new paths throughout a career. I think if you feel passionate about a particular career, and especially if the one you are currently in does not feel fulfilling, it is never too late to change course. If you know any teachers in your network, even a friend-of-a-friend or family member, you can have a conversation and understand what they love about it. You can also get a copy of you transcript from school and explore what it would take to go back and get the required degree for your field. Perhaps you can even be a substitute teacher, an intern or apprentice while you are weighing your options or trying to ultimately decide what you want to do. I do not think substitutes need to have the same degree / certification as a teacher. Sometimes there are even long-term substitutes where you cover for 1 teacher for a long period of time. Whatever you decide, if you put your passion and energy into it, you will do fantastic. Stay curious and put the word out to friends and family, reach out to your Alma Mater (college, high school, etc.) to see if you can speak with those who can help guide you. Best of luck!
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Alison’s Answer

I changed jobs early in my career, and it was a great choice. Making a switch early can also help you avoid a big drop in salary if you wait too long. Trusting my instincts has really helped me in my career. Even though taking a leap can be scary, if it feels right, it probably is.
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Melissa’s Answer

Hi Marin,

I encourage you to follow your dreams, go back to school, and change your career path. It's okay to change your mind and pursue what truly makes you happy. When you work in a field you love and make a real difference in people's lives, it's the best feeling.

Let me share my story. I earned a bachelor's in Clinical Psychology and started my career in therapy. While I liked it, I didn't love it. Then, I discovered the role of a Project Manager in IT and felt truly inspired. I decided to make a change. I learned everything I could, got the necessary certifications, and have been working in IT for 13 years now. I have never regretted my decision because I love what I do.

I encourage you to follow your dream job and, in doing so, create your dream life. Best of luck!

Melissa recommends the following next steps:

Research what you need to do to become a counselor- Is it only going back to school? Can you take any type of certifications?
Meet with a Counselor, learn about his/her daily work, the challenges, and the upsides. Decide if that sounds like something you will like to do in a daily basis
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Hannah’s Answer

That's a great question! Loving your work is important, and working in education can be very rewarding. If you're thinking about going back to school, check if your company offers any help with education costs. Also, different states have different rules for teaching in private and public schools, so it's a good idea to find out what the requirements are where you want to work.
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Eli’s Answer

Hi Marin, thanks for your question. I completely understand how you feel. I studied Aviation Science and later went to grad school for business, but now I work as a Consultant for Financial Crimes and don't use my flying licenses. Sometimes, career paths turn out differently than expected.

Let's focus on the positives of your situation. You have a job, which is great for building your resume. Finding a job in Design Arts can be challenging, so well done! It's also wonderful that you want to be a teacher or counselor. These roles are fulfilling and in high demand, which is important if you're considering a career change.

If you're thinking about changing careers and going back to school, it's good to know there's demand in the field you're interested in. Since you're early in your career, a change might not set you back much. If you have doubts, consider shadowing a teacher or counselor at a local school to get a better idea of what the job is like. It's important to understand the daily responsibilities, as they might not match your expectations.

Also, make sure you know what the pay structure is like and if it fits your lifestyle. Teachers can do well and have great benefits, but big bonuses or raises are rare. You have to be patient and put in the time. Best of luck with whatever you decide!
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Sydney’s Answer

Great question! Since you already have a full-time job, why not try volunteering to teach and work with kids? This way, you can see if you enjoy it and if it's the right path for you. You could even combine your skills, like teaching graphic design to middle schoolers through a volunteer program, which would look great on your resume and get some experience in what you're interested in. Try this for about six months, and then decide if you want to pursue a higher degree or explore other teaching opportunities. There are also corporate roles that involve teaching if that's what you love!
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Laura E.’s Answer

Hi Marin! Great question - changing fields is a common career move whether someone is looking to try something new, or return to something that interests them. To echo Caitlyn and Sydney, while you're considering what changing fields might look like, look for a role or volunteer or opportunity that may not require all the credentials but gives you a chance to see if this field is the right fit. If it is, then you're starting out with related experience. If it isn't, you'll probably still learn more about what you do want to do. For example, if you get a job as an assistant or substitute in a large school, you may find you like that environment, that you're most interested in a specific subject/age group to teach, or even that a smaller school would be a better fit for you. You might also reach out to professionals in these fields already and get their perspective on what it's like to have that role, where they think the work is going, etc. Learning about your next move while you're still in your current role is a great way to start - good luck!
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