Some teachers don’t belong in the classroom. Sure, they may be gifted educators with the ability to motivate students through exciting lectures and discussions. They might have a knack for helping people understand complex concepts and learn new skills. But they don’t love it. They don’t feel inspired in an academic environment.
Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities for talented educators in corporate settings. In the business world, teachers are generally referred to as trainers, performance coaches or consultants, and they are integral to company success. They educate the entire work force, from newly hired employees to senior managers and play an important role in creating a strong, knowledgeable and stable organization.
If you are an experienced corporate trainer, you know that job opportunities in this field can be very competitive. Plus, the work often includes nonteaching tasks, such as business analysis and data management functions. In some companies, these skills are as essential as great communication skills, high energy and a positive attitude.
Aspiring trainers, don’t despair. Just like career changes in other fields, a little bit of research and preparation will go a long way. Here are a few things to consider before pursuing training positions:
Know what companies expect. Most companies hire trainers to meet a specific need or achieve a particular goal. For example, they might need the trainer to facilitate a seamless merger between two companies, or increase the revenue secured by the sales team. They may want to reduce staff turnover at the help desk, or improve the technical knowledge of the management team.
Employers have other expectations as well. They generally expect their trainers to be entertaining and knowledgeable. In a roomful of tired, overworked employees, they count on you to capture the group’s attention. If you don’t, people will stare at you bleary-eyed, waiting for the training session to end. A waste of time and money.
If you are targeting a position as a trainer or performance coach, do your research. Read the newspaper and online resources to learn about major corporate changes on the horizon. Also, try to identify current business objectives, and get ready to tailor your presentation accordingly.
Meet those expectations. In order to land a great employment opportunity, every factor in your job hunt — your resume and cover letter, phone interactions and interviews — must align with the company’s needs and expectations. This is true for almost all job titles and industries, and it is especially vital for performance consultants. You have to prove to employers that you can spark conversation, present ideas and teach new skills to tough audiences. Think of your training interviews as auditions. Better yet, picture them as training exercises. Instead of grabbing the interest of sales associates or mid-level managers, you must appeal to the hiring managers. Be compelling. Smart. Optimistic. Present yourself in your best light, calling attention to the attributes expected of the most effective, goal-driven trainers.
It’s true that training is a competitive field, but opportunities will continue to open up as companies reorganize in the coming years. If you are a gifted teacher with a passion for business and the willingness to learn new skills, put together a killer presentation. Training might be for you.
Eve Nicholas can be reached at Eve.GetAJob@gmail.com.
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