Education is America’s second-largest industry, and the career tracks are as varied as the students. Those who enter the education field as professionals tend to have a passion for helping young people, a passion for the subject area they teach, and/or a belief in the transformative power of education.
Human service professionals strive to meet human needs. They focus on work within a community, often in community-based settings, in fields such as psychology, rehabilitation, and social work. They often partner with other helping professions to coordinate services to prevent and address problems and improve overall quality of life.
Nonprofit organizations work to improve the common good of society. Rather than earning a profit for owners or investors, they use all surplus revenue toward continuing their mission. Nonprofit work encompasses a broad field, including organizations like private foundations, religious institutions, animal shelters, soup kitchens, advocacy groups, and research-based trade associations, typically through charitable, educational, scientific, or other means.
Where UMD Alumni are Working & Have Interned
Education
- County Public Schools (examples: Prince George’s, Montgomery, Baltimore, Howard)
- Charter Schools (examples: McLean School, Cedar Tree Academy, Next Step Public Charter School)
- Private Schools (examples: The Avalon School, Georgetown Prep, Bullis School)
- University of Maryland
- US Department of Education
Human Services
- County Government - Department of Health & Human Services (Prince George’s, Montgomery, Baltimore, Howard, etc)
- International Rescue Committee
- Kennedy Krieger Institute
- National Center for Children and Families
- Sheppard Pratt
- State Government - Department of Human Services (Maryland, Virginia, etc)
- US Department of Health & Human Services
Nonprofit
- American Red Cross
- Capital Area Food Bank
- Feeding America
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Smithsonian Institution
- The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
- United Way
- Urban Institute
- Whitman Walker Health
Sample Job Titles*
*Information from graduation survey, OOH, ONET
- Advocacy and Communications Coordinator
- Caseworker
- Child Support Case Officer
- Community Outreach Coordinator
- Coordinator of Major Gifts
- Correctional Treatment Specialist
- Elementary, Middle or High School Teacher
- Fundraising/Development Coordinator
- Grant Administrator
- Health Education Specialist
- Juvenile Counselor
- Mental Health Assistant
- Program Manager
- Volunteer Manager
- Career Counselor
- Clinical Social Worker
- Healthcare Social Worker
- Instructional Coordinator
- Marriage and Family Therapist
- Rehabilitation Counselor
- School Counselor
- Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologist
- Director
- Managing Director
- Professor
- School Psychologist
Vault - Firsthand Career Guides
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Watch More About Potential Professions
Build Experience
Student Organizations
Campus Programs
Professional Associations
Connect with Alumni in Terrapins Connect
Top 5 Job & Internship Search Tips in This Industry
- Idealist.org: Find jobs, internships, volunteer opportunities, and more at organizations focused on social impact, including nonprofits and educational institutions, among others.
- Serviceyear.org: Find year-long service opportunities in areas such as education, the environment, health, public safety, and more. This is a great resource for those interested in a gap year after graduation.
- Nonprofits do not follow a set hiring calendar, and they usually have a limited budget for job postings and recruitment. This means many job openings are never publicized, and is a reminder of the importance of becoming familiar with the local nonprofit community and get connected as early as possible.
- In nonprofit, education and human services, be sure that your passion for this work comes through in your resume and cover letter. Highlight relevant volunteer roles just as much as (if not more!) paid positions on your resume.
- Interested in teaching but didn’t study education in undergrad? Consider teaching jobs with private schools, charter schools, or programs where you can teach English abroad. Or, learn more about how to get your teaching certification here.