How to use my degree

[Novalee]

So, I'm nearing the completion of my BSc in mathematics. (Studied part time, alongside working as an IT tech).

 

When I started studying, 6 years ago, it was with the aim of becoming a mathematics teacher at secondary level. I'd love to be a teacher, but the more I see of the career, the less appealing it is. Teaching seems to be a small part of a career in teaching. I'm already tired of spending my evenings and weekends studying and I'm not sure I want to go into a career in which it will be necessary to continue this pattern. I love working in a school though, and working with teenagers. Every day is different and I really want to make a difference to peoples lives in my career.

 

But now what? If I don't go into teaching, what am I supposed to do with this degree? I would like to be earning more money than I do as an IT tech that's for sure and I don't want to have studied all this maths for no reason!

 

Just throwing it out there for suggestions really. I've not completely written off the idea of teaching, just it was always a bit of a pipe dream, and now the reality is coming closer I'm suddenly starting to really think about it properly.

 

I know you guys all come from a variety of backgrounds so would really value your opinions.

 

Thanks

[Snoochieboochies]

Banking...or is that too obvious?

[Sydders01]

Hi @Novalee you don't have to be a teacher to earn good money. You can equip yourself as an IT Tech and go forward becoming an IT Manager. Really ask yourself what makes you happier? Teaching or IT

[AMLinington]

I have a degree in Geology and work for a University in IT Service Management...

 

I also have a PGCE and can tell you that whilst it was probably the best qualification I've ever obtained, I couldn't deal with the lifestyle. It's not for everyone.

 

I wouldn't overthink it if I were you - the trouble with a BSc is that if you want to DO anything with it, it generally means MSc's or post-grad qualifications. It's not easy to find a 'career' specifically geared towards a pure maths degree.

 

You'll find that your degree will be more useful as a 'skills base'. If you want to 'do something' with it, look at roles in statistical analysis or some kind of lab-based analysis type role.

 

If you want to stay in schools, you could look into bursar or finance administrator roles? But you might need some corporate experience.

[Novalee]

Hi @Novalee you don't have to be a teacher to earn good money. You can equip yourself as an IT Tech and go forward becoming an IT Manager. Really ask yourself what makes you happier? Teaching or IT

Oh teaching definitely. But that's the problem - British teachers do very little 'teaching'. And that is what is making me wobble a bit. I want to teach - I understand there will always be paperwork etc. to do, but it seems extreme at the moment. IT is not my area really, I have no IT qualifications.

@Snoochieboochies I'd like to do a job that does some good in the world...!

 

I looked at cancer researches grad schemes but they are closed for next year (to be expected of course) - but I just want my career to make a difference.

[6Foot2]

...If I don't go into teaching, what am I supposed to do with this degree?..

Since graduating I don't think I have used anything I learned while studying. Even when I was working as a Pharmaceutical Analyst the chemistry was probably 'A' Level at best (showing my age there!)

 

I sincerely hope you have better luck with your degree.

 

I understand that maths teachers are in demand at the moment.

[AMLinington]

Oh teaching definitely. But that's the problem - British teachers do very little 'teaching'. And that is what is making me wobble a bit. I want to teach - I understand there will always be paperwork etc. to do, but it seems extreme at the moment. IT is not my area really, I have no IT qualifications.

@Snoochieboochies I'd like to do a job that does some good in the world...!

 

I looked at cancer researches grad schemes but they are closed for next year (to be expected of course) - but I just want my career to make a difference.

 

If you're the adventurous type you could look into getting your PGCE and NQT year out the way then teaching overseas - plenty of charities are crying out for it and it will make a difference in the world. Depends if that is your thing or not. I couldn't do it myself, but it might appeal to you?

[unixman_again]

My degree used to hang on the wall in Mom's house - she was far more proud of it than me. I say used to; some years ago I decided I'd better have it and saw there was a photo in the frame in place of my degree. She said that it was in a safe place and she'd dig it out. A few years later she decided that she must have chucked it out with a load of papers that she didn't need any longer. I can't get a replacement as my university doesn't exist any more. Since I graduated in 1979 it probably doesn't matter much now.

 

So one thing you can do with your degree is keep it in a safe place.

[AJWhite1970]

I have two BSc (Hons) both in IT related subjects but other than get me my first IT Tech job when I left uni way back in 1994 I've never needed them or anything I learnt in them ever again (OK maybe IT security auditing but that's it...)

 

As with all qualifications from GCSE upwards, once you get them they are simply a stepping stone to wherever you go next, and with most of my friends that's outside of the field they studied in the first place!

[Novalee]

If you're the adventurous type you could look into getting your PGCE and NQT year out the way then teaching overseas - plenty of charities are crying out for it and it will make a difference in the world. Depends if that is your thing or not. I couldn't do it myself, but it might appeal to you?

That was the idea many years back, but not practical these days.

 

I think the question, which of course no one can answer for me, is, what on earth do I want to do?! They let you believe you'll know the answer to this when you're in school, but it's just not true - I'm 30 and still struggling to decide!

[Novalee]

I have two BSc (Hons) both in IT related subjects but other than get me my first IT Tech job when I left uni way back in 1994 I've never needed them or anything I learnt in them ever again (OK maybe IT security auditing but that's it...)

 

As with all qualifications from GCSE upwards, once you get them they are simply a stepping stone to wherever you go next, and with most of my friends that's outside of the field they studied in the first place!

 

Yes, I don't necessarily want to work in mathematics - I enjoy it, but I've had to work at it - it doesn't come easily. But I will have a degree, and just hope it will be helpful into propelling me into some sort of career.

[dry]

Investment banking! Join the rat race. Live the Wolf of Wall Street lifestyle!

 

But seriously, it's a fascinating industry and I'm half tempted to do an economics degree and see what it's like...

[supawat1]

Have you ever considered "Getting into Teaching scheme" https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/explore-my-options/training-to-teach-secondary-subjects/training-to-teach-maths ? £25,000 tax free

[witch]

Can you analyse what it is you like about teaching? There are other things you can do that have a teaching element - such as training or consultancy.

If it is the children - then you really don't have an alternative - maybe you should bite the bullet and do the PGCE or whatever. You may THINK it isn't what you think you want - but you won't actually know until you try.

 

It does occur to me that if you only need to match your IT salary, chances are that once qualified you could work as a part-time teacher which would give you a bit more freedom.

 

Big congrats on working so hard and for so long

Edited April 26, 2017 by witch

[Novalee]

Have you ever considered "Getting into Teaching scheme" https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/explore-my-options/training-to-teach-secondary-subjects/training-to-teach-maths ? £25,000 tax free

 

That is the only way in I think - you end up with that bursary either way. But I couldn't do it otherwise as I will have to leave my job - so that's basically the salary for the year, so not quite the incentive they think it is.

 

I'm going to apply - I think I might just be worn out from studying for so long. @witch - thanks, I'm gonna go for it, as I really don't know what I'd do otherwise haha!

[steve]

I'm sure there is a niche to carve out somewhere along the lines of school data, maths and big-data.

[stevejp]

OK, this is from a teacher - primary and independent school, so not exactly the same, but still...

 

Please think very carefully before you give up what you are doing now and go into teaching. We all (OK, most) went into the job to make a difference - but the way that the job has changed, and certainly the way things are now, you are more likely to be frustrated at having to things that you know are actually against the best interest of the kids, rather than feel good about making a difference. Yes, it can still happen (and, I'll admit, there's very little that compares to the feeling when it does happen) but not often, these days.

Can you cope with 60+ hour weeks (possibly more in your PGCE and NQT years), the majority of those hours spent doing pointless tasks which have no bearing on the kid's education? Can you cope with the loss of any kind of autonomy, professional judgment or just 'gut feeling' when some spotty fast-tracked 25 year-old deputy head comes back from their latest course and announces that their latest idea is now the way everyone has to teach - until they come back from their next course? Or when the head (not a maths teacher, and never has been) proudly tells you about the mega-expensive scheme or resource that they've just been conned into buying by the latest snake-oil salesman?

 

I'm sorry - yes, I know I'm cynical, worn down as I have been by 30 years of constant change in the state system. I was very fortunate to get out when I did with both sanity and career intact (by the skin of my teeth, in both cases). For the first 15 years of my career I loved my job, as I do again now, and even 7 years ago I would have encouraged anyone with a vocation to teach with all of my heart. But now? I would urge anyone to think, think again, and yet again before considering it.

 

At the very least, I would suggest some long and honest conversations with as many members of your maths department who you can find, along with some serious job shadowing - warts and all. The good heads, who really put the kids first, are disappearing, and are being replaced by the new breed who can't tell the difference between education and qualification - not the best place to be, if you really care about the children!

 

Just my two-pen north - and apologies in advance if I've upset anyone!

 

PS - sorry, was so busy getting that off my chest, I forgot to say many congrats on getting the degree - awesome achievement whilst working at the same time!

Edited April 26, 2017 by stevejp

[Novalee]

OK, this is from a teacher - primary and independent school, so not exactly the same, but still...

 

Please think very carefully before you give up what you are doing now and go into teaching. We all (OK, most) went into the job to make a difference - but the way that the job has changed, and certainly the way things are now, you are more likely to be frustrated at having to things that you know are actually against the best interest of the kids, rather than feel good about making a difference. Yes, it can still happen (and, I'll admit, there's very little that compares to the feeling when it does happen) but not often, these days.

Can you cope with 60+ hour weeks (possibly more in your PGCE and NQT years), the majority of those hours spent doing pointless tasks which have no bearing on the kid's education? Can you cope with the loss of any kind of autonomy, professional judgment or just 'gut feeling' when some spotty fast-tracked 25 year-old deputy head comes back from their latest course and announces that their latest idea is now the way everyone has to teach - until they come back from their next course? Or when the head (not a maths teacher, and never has been) proudly tells you about the mega-expensive scheme or resource that they've just been conned into buying by the latest snake-oil salesman?

 

I'm sorry - yes, I know I'm cynical, worn down as I have been by 30 years of constant change in the state system. I was very fortunate to get out when I did with both sanity and career intact (by the skin of my teeth, in both cases). For the first 15 years of my career I loved my job, as I do again now, and even 7 years ago I would have encouraged anyone with a vocation to teach with all of my heart. But now? I would urge anyone to think, think again, and yet again before considering it.

 

At the very least, I would suggest some long and honest conversations with as many members of your maths department who you can find, along with some serious job shadowing - warts and all. The good heads, who really put the kids first, are disappearing, and are being replaced by the new breed who can't tell the difference between education and qualification - not the best place to be, if you really care about the children!

 

Just my two-pen north - and apologies in advance if I've upset anyone!

 

PS - sorry, was so busy getting that off my chest, I forgot to say many congrats on getting the degree - awesome achievement whilst working at the same time!

Thank you @stevejp - I really appreciate this very honest response, as it is what is making me concerned about teaching. I know this is the opinion shared by many in the profession. You have described me exactly - I want to teach. To make a difference. Not to spend all my time filling in pointless documentation. (I know there is always going to be a paperwork aspect and I'm prepared for that, just not to the extent people say it is now).

 

The other part of me thinks... is now a good time to get into teaching? Surely the profession cannot continue to spiral as it is currently and there will be a breaking point. Which I imagine can't be far off. At which point maybe it will improve and I'll have gotten on board at the right time. Does that make sense?

[kathabell]

Looking at it from the outside (as an "associate" member of staff) I see the best teachers have a genuine calling to the profession and can have even the most troublesome year9 students eating out of their hands in class; because their lessons are engaging, interesting but primarily because they have a good relationship with the students. They are not their "friend", but their "teacher" - someone they have respect for. Two members of our IT team work with students; I organise a "stage team" to support school events/assemblies/productions and my colleague supports DofE, goes on international trips etc. We feel we get the best arrangement here; we work with good kids and enjoy what we do, without any of the marking, parents' evenings and social-worker aspects which our teaching colleagues deal with. If teaching is calling to you, then like most of my colleagues you will deal with the c**p because working with the students makes it all worthwhile. But there are alternative roles in school if you want a compromise. However there is no hiding the fact that teaching is a well-paid profession, whereas IT support in schools is not!

[stevejp]

Thank you @stevejp - I really appreciate this very honest response, as it is what is making me concerned about teaching. I know this is the opinion shared by many in the profession. You have described me exactly - I want to teach. To make a difference. Not to spend all my time filling in pointless documentation. (I know there is always going to be a paperwork aspect and I'm prepared for that, just not to the extent people say it is now).

 

The other part of me thinks... is now a good time to get into teaching? Surely the profession cannot continue to spiral as it is currently and there will be a breaking point. Which I imagine can't be far off. At which point maybe it will improve and I'll have gotten on board at the right time. Does that make sense?

 

I really wish I could reply with confidence and positivity. However, I'll be totally honest as I see it, and will leave it to others to judge as to whether I'm being overly pessimistic and cynical!

You may be right - we may be near to breaking point, and things may improve. However, until recruitment is in crisis, then I don't think anyone will act. The problem, though, is retention -and because government is of necessity a short term thing, then as long as they can put bums on seats, in terms of idealistic young things fresh from uni, then the problem will not be acknowledged. And when those same bright young things have burned out and left after two or three years, there will be more coming along to replace them - and, as far as ministers are concerned, it will all be someone else's fault/problem by then, anyway.

Another issue of course, is technology. As far as non- teachers go, what could be simpler than having a lesson recorded, uploaded to YouTube and then its's delivery to 40-50 students supervised by a TA/CS? The 'race to the bottom' as far as pay and conditions is concerned is well under way, now that schools and academies can set their own pay scales, and non or under qualified teachers (or those trained in-house, whose qualification is only acknowledged in one school, or group of schools) are increasingly accepted as a suitable alternative to qualified and experienced staff. Please note; I am not being 'precious' about this, nor derogatory in any way to the darn good natural teachers out there without a letter to their name - but without any central checks and balances, how can we possibly ensure that quality and consistency are maintained?

 

Here's hoping I'm wrong - and good luck in whatever you decide to do.