STEM Society Education Director: Finding the Job I Never Knew Existed

Figuring out one’s passion does not fit a set timeline. I tried both medical school and bench research before I discovered that I loved doing research on science teaching and developing and running professional development and K-12 outreach programs at STEM professional associations. As an education director at AAAS and APS, I developed and managed programs, staff, grants, and budgets. I evaluated all my programs and, for many, developed manuscripts for publication. I was the liaison for both internal committees and external organizations. The biggest benefits of my work were getting to watch students develop into independent researchers and mentors as well as getting to travel and work in a great environment. The most significant downsides were being limited by the association’s mission in choosing the direction of my work. If you like being the person who brings all the pieces together to make a great program or event happen, an education director would be a great position for you. To be competitive, strengthen your skills in management (project, personnel, budget), education grant writing, and program evaluation.