Teacher Career Change Ideas – Administration

Administrator roles can be a great career change path for teachers looking to leave the classroom…

So, you’re thinking about becoming an administrator?

Administrators are essential for the effective functioning of organisations across various sectors as they provide leadership, structure and strategic direction to achieve company objectives. You can take home a salary of between £20-£40k, and progressing into executive leadership positions can fetch an average salary of £62k. You might also hear administrator roles called ‘administrative officer’, ‘administrative coordinator’, ‘executive administrator’, ‘project administrator’ or ‘executive assistant’.

Efficient administrators not only manage processes but also inspire and lead teams to achieve their best. If you enjoy multi-tasking, decision-making, building relationships and improving systems then read on … let’s find out more about what it takes to become a successful administrator, what the day-to-day could be like, the opportunities for progression once you’re there and what your current transferable skills are likely to be.

So – what exactly is an administrator?

An administrator is responsible for managing and overseeing various administrative aspects of an organisation, department or system to ensure its smooth running. They support operations, coordinate teams and work towards achieving company goals. Administrators can be found in a wide range of fields and industries (such as business, education, healthcare, government, finance) and their roles and responsibilities may vary greatly depending on the context.

Administrators may be responsible for managing and supervising teams, planning and executing organisational strategies, handling budgets and resources, resolving conflicts, making tough decisions, ensuring compliance with policies and regulations and building strong relationships with stakeholders.

Administration might be for you if …

· You have strong leadership skills and enjoy taking charge, leading by example and inspiring others.

· You are able to communicate effectively, conveying instructions and expectations as well as feeding back information clearly and professionally.

· You are extremely well-organised and detail-oriented, managing multiple tasks, schedules and resources simultaneously.

· You manage your time effectively, by prioritising tasks and meeting deadlines.

· You are adaptable and open to change, ready to adjust strategies and approaches as needed.

· You are a team player who can work closely with diverse teams and stakeholders.

· You uphold ethical standards and integrity, particularly when dealing with sensitive information.

· You are a continuous learner who keeps up-to-date with industry trends.

· You are service-oriented, acting as a bridge between employees and senior management.

· You have a genuine interest in how organisations function and are keen to contribute to their growth and success.

But what does an administrator actually do on a daily basis?

The daily functions of an administrator can vary widely depending on the organisation, industry and specific role they hold. Here is what an administrator might do on a typical workday:

Team Management: Checking in with teams first thing in the morning, by holding meetings to discuss priorities, delegate tasks and provide guidance on ongoing projects.
Email and Communication: Receiving and responding to messages, both internal and external, to address enquiries, provide information and coordinate activities.
Scheduling and Calendar Management: Managing calendars, scheduling meetings, coordinating appointments and preparing meeting rooms and resources.
Documentation and Record-Keeping: Entering data, organising documents, files and records to ensure information is readily accessible when needed.
Financial Management: Processing invoices, overseeing transactions, tracking expenditure and preparing financial reports for review.
HR Support: Assisting with recruitment, onboarding new employees, maintaining records and addressing HR-related queries.
Problem-solving: Resolving challenges, dealing with conflict resolution and troubleshooting technical issues.
Policy and Procedure Implementation: Conducting training sessions, monitoring compliance and updating policies in line with changing requirements.

What should I consider doing if I’m thinking about becoming an administrator?

If you are thinking about a career as an administrator, here are some key steps to help you succeed:

Develop your leadership skills: Focus on developing essential leadership skills such as communication, decision-making (making informed and timely choices), problem-solving, time management or team management. There may be opportunities to hone these skills in your current role, to embark on additional training or courses or to seek advice from a mentor.

Gain Relevant Education and Experience: The educational requirements to work in administration vary hugely depending on the role and sector. You could consider pursuing additional certificates or gaining practical experience of the field you want to work in.

Network and Build Relationships: Attend industry conferences, join professional organisations and connect with experienced administrators where possible.

Seek Professional Development: Stay updated on industry trends, regulations and best practices through research, attending workshops and seminars both in person and virtually.

There are multiple different ways to pursue a career in administration, as well as varying entry requirements based on the specific role and field of work. Showcasing those core leadership and communication skills, networking with established professionals and staying open to further learning is the best way to position yourself for success.

What are the career development opportunities for administrators?

Administrators have lots of career development opportunities available to them. Here are some ideas for progression:

Entrepreneurship: Administrators with a strong entrepreneurial spirit could choose to set up their own business or consulting firm, using their administrative skills to serve clients in different industries.

Promotion: There are a number of different promotion opportunities open to administrators, such as to the roles of Office Manager, Operations Manager or Director of Administration. Those who excel could also explore executive leadership positions, such as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Specialisation: Administrators can specialise in specific areas, such as human resources, finance, project management or operations.

Further Education and Certifications: There are plenty of advanced education options and certificates to explore, such as a Master of Business Education (MBA) and Human Resources CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) Levels, which can open doors to more senior roles and higher pay.

International Opportunities: Increasingly, there are opportunities for administrators to work in international settings, managing operations, projects or teams across borders.

Non-profit Work: Administrators interested in social impact may find rewarding opportunities in charity organisations, where they can manage projects, fundraising or operations.

Networking and Mentorship: Building a strong professional network and seeking mentorship from experienced administrators can provide useful insights and connections leading to new career opportunities.

Professional Associations: Joining professional associations, such as the Institute of Administrative Management (IAM), the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) or the Association of University Administrators (AUA) can provide access to resources, conferences and job opportunities.

Why do teachers make great administrators?

· You have amazing communication skills and are already adept at communicating with diverse groups of people.

· You regularly face challenges in the classroom and need to find creative solutions to address students’ needs and maintain a productive learning environment.

· You have top organisational and planning abilities - you are constantly multi-tasking, looking ahead and making sure everything is planned in advance.

· You’re a leader … whether you sit on the senior leadership team or not. You serve as a leader within your classroom on a daily basis, guiding pupils and collaborating with colleagues and other agencies.

· You have experience in data analysis and assessment, frequently delving into results and progress and adapting your teaching accordingly.

· You are empathetic and can relate to people from diverse backgrounds, building relationships quickly.

· You are experienced in resolving conflict amongst students and, sometimes having difficult conversations with colleagues and parents too.

· You can adapt to changing circumstances and respond quickly to unforeseen challenges on a daily basis.

· You have experience with policies and procedures, understanding the principles of safeguarding, the need for regulatory standards and how to keep up with compliance requirements.

Adminstration can be a comfortable transition for teachers who have been doing a wealth of admin roles while teaching day-to-day! If you have a passion for organisational management, strong communication skills and the ability to problem-solve creatively, then a career in administration could be a great fit for you.

If you need help translating your teacher-skills to create an “Administrator CV”, head to our CVs for Teacher Career Change Course which has templates, training videos and all the resources you’ll need to write a winning skills-based CV in a weekend. Or better still, join the Academy Membership and get this included and much more!

Categories: : Career Change Ideas