The discovery of new careers in Early Childhood

Since studying Early Childhood BA (hons), not only have I learnt about the important topics in childhood, but I have also discovered lots of new careers that I never knew existed before I started my studies.

I chose to study Early Childhood because I have a passion for working with children and making a difference to their lives. When I started at ARU, I was so certain that I wanted to become a primary school teacher and teach children the early concepts of the curriculum. Ever since I was younger, I have always wanted to be a teacher and envisioned myself in the classroom.

However, since being at ARU, I have understood that having a passion for working with children and making a difference in the education system does not have to involve working directly with them in a classroom.

Studying at ARU has taught me how to write academically and find my voice. I’ve always seen myself as a writer of fiction and since the publication of my children’s book, I have begun to realise the influential power that writing has on children. Writing assignments about children’s rights and how policies should be reformed has made me think that I can use my academic voice to make a difference to children’s lives.

During my second year, I had a realisation that I could in fact, combine my passion for education with love for writing to make that all important difference within society. It was through opportunities that the University helped me find, that I realised the potential careers I could head into.

1. Education publishing/academic content writer

During my second year, I completed the ‘Get a career mentor’ programme within the Employability and Careers Centre at ARU.

I was matched with a mentor from the publishing sector, who I met with every two weeks. I had some really interesting chats and it helped me decide that I wanted to learn more about educational publishing.

2. Early Years magazine content writer and developer

Through my Personal Development Tutor, I found out about a student experience opportunity that Early Years Educator magazine were running.

I am now working closely with the editor to manage the magazine’s social media and digital uploads, where I develop and enhance productivity of the magazine. I also have the chance to write articles for the magazine that are published monthly.

It is great experience and has encouraged me to think more about a career in educational journalism.

3. Early Childhood researcher

After completing a research internship alongside my lecturers at ARU and learning more about the process of research, it has now occurred to me that I could pursue a career in research.

Research combines the two things I love most: reading and writing, and so researching an area I am so passionate about would appeal to me. Working as a research assistant for two weeks at ARU allowed me to gain an insight of what this career would be like too.

4. Associate lecturing

Working so closely with my lecturers at ARU allowed me to find out more about their roles and what lecturing entails.

Lecturing would combine teaching with researching, still allowing me to have an interaction with students. Teaching students in higher education would be a lot different to primary teaching, however, this is another career I have learnt about during my time at ARU.

Coming to study at ARU has opened up so many career possibilities that I would never have thought of before. My time here has also gifted me with valuable experiences that have well equipped me for employment.

Mitzi studies BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies at ARU in Chelmsford. Find out more about this and other degree courses at one of our Open Days.