Education technology has exploded in recent years, and honestly, it’s creating tons of interesting job opportunities. The pandemic really pushed schools and companies to rethink how they deliver education, so now’s actually a pretty good time to jump into this field.
I’ve put together some insights that might help if you’re considering making the switch.
What’s the Deal with EdTech Anyway?
EdTech is basically where education meets technology. It’s all those apps and platforms that help people learn stuff, manage classrooms, track progress, and make education more accessible. Think about everything from language learning apps like Duolingo to full-blown learning management systems used by universities.
The cool thing about EdTech is that it’s still growing like crazy. Global EdTech spending is expected to reach about $404 billion by 2025, up from $227 billion in 2020. Yeah, that’s a lot of money flowing into the industry!
What makes EdTech different from regular tech is that you really need to understand how people learn. It’s not just about building flashy tech – you need to create stuff that actually helps people learn better. And that’s where things get interesting.
Skills You’ll Need to Break Into EdTech
So what do you need to know to get into this field? Well, it depends on what part of EdTech interests you, but here are some skills that’ll definitely help:
Technical Skills
- Basic programming knowledge (Python, JavaScript)
- Understanding of user experience design
- Data analysis capabilities
- Familiarity with learning management systems
Education Knowledge
- Understanding of learning theories
- Knowledge of curriculum development
- Awareness of accessibility requirements
- Familiarity with assessment methods
Soft Skills
- Empathy for learners of different abilities
- Communication skills (you’ll need to explain complex ideas simply)
- Project management
- Ability to work with educators who might not be tech-savvy
You don’t need ALL these skills right away. Start with what you’re good at, then build from there. I started with just basic web development skills and learned the education stuff as I went along.
Popular Career Paths to Explore
There are actually a bunch of different roles in EdTech, and they need different backgrounds. You might fit into one of these:
Instructional Designer – This role focuses on creating educational content and experiences. You’d work on designing courses, developing learning materials, and figuring out how to present information so people actually learn it. It’s good for people with teaching backgrounds or those who love crafting learning experiences.
EdTech Product Manager – As a product manager, you’d be the person figuring out what features to build and how they should work. You need to understand both the business side and the learning side of things. This role is super important because you’re the one making sure the product actually helps people learn better.
Developer/Engineer – The people who actually build the products. If you’re already a software developer, this can be an easier entry point. You’d be working on everything from mobile apps to AI-powered learning platforms. The tech stack varies a lot between companies, but most use pretty standard web and mobile technologies.
Data Analyst/Learning Scientist – This is a growing area where you analyze how people use educational technology and figure out what works. You might look at patterns in how students interact with software and recommend improvements. It’s perfect for people who love data and education.
Sales and Customer Success – Don’t overlook these roles! They’re often easier entry points into EdTech companies. You’ll learn the products inside out and get to see how they’re actually used in schools or training environments.
Instructional Designers and Sales professionals often benefit from knowing how to create compelling visual aids and marketing materials using tools like poster printers. This helps bring educational content to life and make a lasting impression.
Your Step-by-Step Roadmap to Break In
Okay, so how do you actually get started? Here’s a roadmap that’s worked for people I know:
- Figure out what part of EdTech interests you: Spend some time exploring different EdTech products and think about which aspects you find most interesting. Is it designing learning experiences? Building the technology? Analyzing the data?
- Fill knowledge gaps: If you’re coming from education, you might need to learn some tech skills. If you’re coming from tech, you probably need to learn about learning theories and instructional design. There are lots of online courses for both.
- Build a small portfolio: Create or contribute to an EdTech project, even if it’s just a prototype or concept. Maybe design a simple learning app or create a curriculum for an online course. Having something to show is super helpful.
- Network like crazy: Join EdTech communities on LinkedIn, Discord, or Twitter. Attend virtual or in-person EdTech conferences. The EdTech world is actually pretty open and welcoming to newcomers.
- Look for entry-level positions or adjacent roles: Consider starting in customer support, quality assurance, or content creation at an EdTech company. These roles can be stepping stones to more specialized positions. If you’re ready to start applying, platforms like Higher Hire can help you find entry-level EdTech positions that match your skills and interests.
- Consider EdTech startups: Startups often value versatility and passion over specific experience. They can be great places to learn multiple aspects of the business quickly.
I know someone who started as a teacher, took some online coding courses, built a simple app to help her students practice vocabulary, and used that project to land a job as a junior product manager at an EdTech startup. It took her about 8 months from starting to learn to code to getting the job.
Growing Your EdTech Career Long-Term
Once you’re in the door, how do you keep moving up? The EdTech field is always evolving based on new understanding of how people learn. Follow journals like Educational Technology Research and Development or the International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education.
Things like AI, VR, and adaptive learning are changing EdTech rapidly. Companies want people who understand these technologies and their educational applications. Even if it’s just volunteering, understanding the reality of educational environments is super valuable. It gives you insights that pure technologists often miss.
K-12, higher education, corporate training, and professional development all have different needs and challenges. Becoming an expert in one area can make you more valuable. EdTech is still small enough that connections really matter.
Anyone else working in EdTech? What advice would you add for newcomers? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
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