Careers in Education & Human Development
Interested in helping others learn, grow, and thrive? Careers in education and human development focus on supporting people across the lifespan—from children in classrooms to adults in communities and workplaces. Whether you enjoy teaching, mentoring, counseling, or program planning, there are many ways to turn your passion into meaningful work.
Relevant Majors & Pathways
- Education (Major/Minor + Licensure)
- Psychology (Major/Minor)
- Sociology (Major/Minor)
Sample Jobs & Responsibilities
Elementary School Teacher (Assistant / Entry-Level)
- Supports classroom instruction by working with small groups and helping students understand core subjects.
- Assists with lesson preparation, classroom management, and student assessment.
Substitute Teacher
- Steps in to lead a classroom when the regular teacher is absent.
- Follows lesson plans, manages student behavior, and maintains a productive learning environment.
Early Childhood Educator / Preschool Teacher
- Works with young children to support early learning, social skills, and development.
- Plans activities that promote creativity, communication, and basic academic skills.
Admissions Counselor
- Recruits and advises prospective students throughout the college application process.
- Represents the institution at events and helps students determine if it is a good fit.
Academic Advisor (Entry-Level)
- Helps students choose courses, explore majors, and stay on track for graduation.
- Provides guidance on academic policies and campus resources.
Student Affairs Coordinator
- Supports campus programs related to student engagement, housing, or leadership development.
- Helps create initiatives that enhance the student experience.
Case Manager
- Works with individuals or families to connect them with resources such as healthcare, housing, or education.
- Helps clients set goals and monitors their progress over time.
Youth Program Coordinator
- Plans and leads programs for children and teens in schools or community organizations.
- Creates activities that support personal growth, education, and leadership skills.
Behavioral Health Technician / Assistant
- Supports professionals working with individuals experiencing mental health or behavioral challenges.
- Helps implement treatment plans and provides day-to-day support.
Training & Development Coordinator
- Assists with creating and delivering training programs for employees or clients.
- Helps organize workshops and tracks participant progress.
Learning & Development Assistant
- Supports the design of educational materials and training content in organizations.
- Works with teams to improve employee skills and knowledge.
Program Assistant / Program Coordinator
- Helps plan and manage educational or community-based programs.
- Handles logistics, tracks outcomes, and supports program evaluation.
Find Jobs & Internships
Many organizations hire based on immediate staffing needs, grant funding cycles, program expansions, or annual budgets. As a result, opportunities may be posted throughout the year, with increased activity during the spring and summer months for positions beginning in the summer or fall.
Student Tip: Because these fields often hire closer to a position’s start date, consistency is key. Begin preparing in the fall by updating your resume, refining your LinkedIn profile, creating adaptable cover letter templates, and building relationships with faculty, supervisors, alumni, and professionals in your areas of interest.
K–12 Education
- Internships and experiential opportunities: Available throughout the year, with many summer programs recruiting during the winter and spring.
- Full-time teaching positions: Most commonly posted and filled between spring and early summer for the upcoming academic year.
Higher Education
(Student affairs, academic advising, admissions, residence life, career services, enrollment management, alumni relations, etc.)
- Internships: Often recruit throughout the academic year, with many summer opportunities posted during the fall and spring.
- Full-time jobs: Commonly posted during the spring semester and summer, though hiring occurs year-round depending on institutional needs.
Counseling and Student Support Services
- Internships and practicum experiences: Often arranged months in advance and may follow academic calendars.
- Full-time jobs: Frequently hired on a rolling basis, with increased hiring before the start of academic terms or fiscal years.
Human Services and Nonprofit Organizations
- Internships: Many opportunities recruit during the fall, winter, and spring.
- Full-time jobs: Often follow social impact and nonprofit hiring patterns, with positions opening throughout the year as funding and program needs arise. Organizations frequently hire closer to start dates than corporate employers.
Training & Development
(Corporate training, learning & development, workforce development)
- Internships: Often align with business recruiting cycles, with many opportunities posted during the fall and spring.
- Full-time jobs: Commonly recruit throughout the academic year, with hiring peaks tied to organizational growth and new employee onboarding needs.
Program Management and Program Coordination
(Higher education, nonprofit, government, community organizations)
- Internships: Posted throughout the year, often several months before the program start date.
- Full-time jobs: Typically hired on a rolling basis, with many openings appearing during spring and summer as budgets and staffing plans are finalized.
Recruiting timeline information adapted from Princeton University’s Center for Career Development Recruiting Timelines guide.
