From sales to school: it's never too late to change your career
A different path
Tom's journey to teaching wasn't a direct one. "Teaching was always something that niggled at me," Tom explained. "Even back in university, when I was studying for my master's degree, I knew it was something I wanted to do." However, like many, financial pressures led him down a different path. He spent years in the world of corporate sales. "But life, as it often does, had other plans," he reflected. The feeling that he was meant for something more meaningful grew stronger over time. The impact of COVID on his travel-related sales job became a turning point. "It was a bit of a 'now or never' moment," he said.
Taking the leap
Last year, Tom finally decided to explore teacher training. The National Institute of Teaching's (NIoT) support and the bursary offered made the dream of becoming a teacher a real possibility. "It was a big change, leaving a stable career to embark on a training programme, but I knew in my heart it was the right thing to do," he shared.
“Each lesson is like adding another grain of sugar to the bowl of my teaching experience – slowly but surely, it all adds up."
Diving into the classroom
The NIoT's school-based training has been invaluable for Tom. "From day one, I felt welcomed and respected by all the staff," he said. "It's a much flatter hierarchy than I was used to in the business world, which was a pleasant surprise." He emphasised the benefits of being immersed in a school. "Being in a school environment from the start has allowed me to absorb everything like a sponge." Tom also described the gradual nature of his training. "I didn't start teaching full lessons straight away. It was a gradual process, building up my confidence and experience over time. Each lesson is like adding another grain of sugar to the bowl of my teaching experience – slowly but surely, it all adds up."
Sharing his passion
One of the things Tom loves most about teaching is the feeling of making a real difference. He recounted a particularly memorable lesson. "There was one lesson I did on rice fish farming in Bangladesh that really stands out. It sounds like a niche topic, I know! But I linked it to sustainability and how even small changes can have a big impact. The students were so engaged, and some even thanked me afterwards. That moment, I knew I'd made the right decision." He added, "It was a feeling far more rewarding than any sales deal I’d ever closed."
“I wanted to be able to have the opportunity to make a positive impact on young students' lives. For them to be able to understand the world, going outside and looking at a view and being able to read the landscape. We'll look at a valley and be able to understand what sort of animals and plants live there, and what rock type it is. Or look at a building and understand the history of it. That's really great knowledge to transfer to students.”
Transferable skills
Tom has found that his previous career has surprisingly equipped him with transferable skills. "My background in sales has actually been quite helpful in my teaching career," he explained. "Sales is all about transferring enthusiasm, and that's exactly what I do in the classroom. If I'm passionate about a topic, that enthusiasm becomes infectious." He also noted the importance of resilience. "Also, my sales experience taught me the importance of resilience. Not every lesson goes perfectly, but I've learned to take the setbacks in stride and move on to the next one."
"Sales is all about transferring enthusiasm, and that's exactly what I do in the classroom. If I'm passionate about a topic, that enthusiasm becomes infectious."
Advice for aspiring teachers
Finally, Tom offered some advice for those considering a similar career change. "If you're thinking about a career change and teaching is on your radar, I would wholeheartedly encourage you to go for it," he urged. "It's challenging, yes, but incredibly rewarding. The feeling of impacting young people's lives and sharing your passion with them is truly special. If you have good communication skills and a genuine love for your subject, you already have a great foundation. So, what are you waiting for? Take the leap! You might just surprise yourself."