Teaching English as a Foreign Language College to Career Major Map
The teaching English as a foreign language college to career major map gives options so you can select what best matches your interests and goals. Start thinking about your future now and build a path throughout your MSUM career that will prepare you for success.
Printable version of Teaching English as a Foreign Language College to Career Major Map [PDF]
Academics
- Explore the foundations of Teaching English as a Foreign Language along with some LASC courses.
- Still not 100% certain of your major? Take the FOCUS2 and explore all your options.
- Need a little help in your classes? Look into tutoring with the Academic Success Center.
Get Relevant Experience
- Sign up to participate in the Education Learning Community.
- Get involved with your residence hall and join a major specific student organization.
- Participate in Student Life Pathways to continue growing your skills/knowledge outside of the classroom. We recommend starting with the Community Life Pathway.
Connect to the Community
- Volunteer on or off-campus with different community organizations such as Cultural Diversity Resources, National Welcoming Week, New American Consortium for Wellness & Empowerment, or Metro Interpreting Resource Center.
Understand Your Career
- Start researching potential career paths on O*Net or the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Here, you will be able to find valuable information such as typical tasks associated with the profession, skills, and knowledge needed, education and licensures needed, wages and employment trends, professional organizations, and related occupations. We suggest you search for careers such as English as a Second Language Instructor.
Academics
- Take a deeper dive into the discipline of Teaching English as a Foreign Language and begin considering a minor and/or certificate such as Spanish.
Get Relevant Experience
- Find an on-campus job or part-time position in the community. Visit Dragon Jobs powered by Handshake or one of the many other online job boards to find opportunities.
- Continue working on your Student Life Pathways. Try working your way through the Personal Wellness and the Equity and Inclusion paths.
Connect to the Community
- Join LinkedIn to begin building your professional network and online presence. Think of your profile as a virtual resume and make sure to update it regularly to reflect new jobs, research, coursework, volunteering, involvement, and skills.
Understand Your Career
- Find related part-time employment such as America Reads Tutor positions. This position allows you to develop the real-world skills you need for your career. Connect with the Career Development Center to learn more.
- Attend Career Development Center events and workshops to develop professional skills such as interviewing, negotiation, and more.
Academics
- Schedule an appointment with your Academic Advisor to ensure you're on track for graduation.
- Take inventory of your professional goals and decide if your future will need to include graduate school. Take the necessary exams and begin submitting applications to programs that will help you achieve your goals.
Get Relevant Experience
- Begin your leadership journey by applying for a student leadership position or run for an officer position in your student organization.
- During your third year, we suggest focusing on the Professional Success and Contribution and Influence Student Life Pathways. These will help connect you to potential employers and develop skills for success post graduation.
Connect to the Community
- Attend on and off-campus events such as StartUp Brew, LadyBoss Midwest, FMWF Chamber of Commerce, or TedX to connect with others and gain exposure to the community.
- Attend the on-campus Meet the Employer and Featured Employer events as often as possible. Make sure to engage with the representatives and collect contact information to follow up.
Understand Your Career
- Continue attending professional development related events on-campus, and connect with faculty and teachers to learn more about the field and gain insights on how to be successful in your job search.
- Find an internship or part-time job with a local or regional firm to learn the ins and outs of your chosen career. Before applying, schedule an appointment with the Career Development Center to help you prepare.
Academics
- Participate in the Student Academic Conference to showcase research, connect with employers, and to boost your resume.
- Ensure you submit your application for graduation on time.
Get Relevant Experience
- Assess what experiences or skills are areas of growth for you and fill in gaps with volunteering, organizations, or part-time employment.
- Finish up your pathways and be sure to add your accomplishments to your LinkedIn and resume.
Connect to the Community
- Join professional organizations such as TESOL International Association to gain access to research, continuing education opportunities, job boards, and message boards. Make sure to join prior to graduation to receive the discounted student rate (when applicable).
Understand Your Career
- Attend the Tri-College Education Fair and the MN Education Job Fair to connect with districts. Both of these events take place every spring. Check Dragon Central for more information.
- Schedule appointments with a Career Coach to go over your professional documents and to prepare for upcoming interviews. And remember, once a dragon always a dragon. You have access to these services for life.
What skills do I need to be successful in Teaching English as a Foreign Language?
- language
- communication
- active listening
- speaking
- critical thinking
- interpretation
- empathy
- cultural competency
Thankfully, through coursework, on-campus involvement, part-time employment, and internships, you will be prepared for life post-graduation.
What can I do with a Teaching English as a Foreign Language degree?
A degree in teaching English as a foreign language can take your career in many directions. Most students choose to enter the workforce right after graduation while others continue their education after a few years in the workforce. Our students are equipped with a strong foundation for their career. Check out the Teaching English as a Foreign Language Careers & Outcomes page to learn more about what careers you can have with a teaching English as a foreign language degree.