5 Great Careers in Higher Education

5 Top Higher Education Jobs

Instructors and Professors
Deans of Admissions
Financial Aid Directors
Academic Advising Directors
Athletic Directors

With more and more people today looking to continue their education or change their occupation, careers in higher education have been increasing at a rapid rate. And what is even more appealing about these careers is that there are many different paths that students of higher education may choose to take. If this sounds terrific to you, one of the positions described below may very well be the perfect fit for your career goals.

1. Instructors and Professors

For aspiring higher education professionals who would like to work directly with students after graduation, obtaining a position as an instructor or a professor would be ideal. Instructors and professors can be found working in a variety of higher education facilities including community colleges, universities, vocational schools, and trade schools. Their duties may vary but usually include such tasks as creating educational plans, instructing students in the subject matter at hand, and reviewing assignments submitted by students.

2. Deans of Admissions

Other great higher education careers are those involved with admissions, and deans of admissions are on the top of this list. Deans of admissions are those persons who supervise such things as student enrollment and recruitment. However, other important responsibilities of persons in this occupation often include conducting admissions interviews, hosting special enrollment events, and creating marketing materials that will attract prospective students.

3. Financial Aid Directors

To help students pay for their education, most higher education facilities offer various types of financial aid to qualified applicants. This has opened up a need for higher education careers involving experts in the area of financial aid. Directors of financial aid oversee all aspects of the financial aid department including reviewing financial aid applications, creating financial aid packages for students, and ensuring that financial aid policies and procedures are followed properly.

4. Academic Advising Directors

Academic advisers are responsible for advising students on various education-related issues including determining which classes they need to graduate, examining the pros and cons of changing career paths, and choosing an initial program. Directors of academic advising are those individuals who oversee all of these activities. Administrative careers such as academic advising directors are currently in moderate to high demand, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, positions in this area are growing at a rate of around 10 percent.

5. Athletic Directors

Positions as athletic directors are perfect for sports-minded persons who would like to work on the administrative side of athletic departments. These exciting higher education careers are quite popular, and persons who choose this field are responsible for ensuring that athletic departments comply with all current regulations on local and state levels. Other responsibilities of athletic directors include recruiting students for athletic programs, coordinating athletic activities, planning athletic events, and securing funds for athletic departments.

There are many terrific career options for students who are interested in higher education, and the five careers described above are among the most popular today. Furthermore, careers in higher education are currently growing at a fast pace, and persons who choose these occupations can enjoy fantastic salaries and benefit packages.