Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
For two decades, Kelly dedicated her professional life to the world of education, building a rich and varied career that spanned from the foundational years of primary school to the complexities of higher education. Her commitment and expertise culminated in a senior leadership position within a school, a testament to her skills and dedication. Life, however, often has its own plans. A relocation necessitated by her partner's work led Kelly to a beautiful new chapter, with the calming rhythm of the sea now a constant backdrop. Yet, this move also meant leaving behind the solid career she had meticulously built.
Undeterred, Kelly embraced the opportunity for a new professional adventure, focusing her search on remote work that would allow her to contribute her wealth of experience from her new coastal home. Her search led her to an EdTech provider, an organization her previous school had collaborated with. Fortuitously, the timing couldn't have been better. They had just opened a position that seemed tailor-made for someone with her background.
Kelly's application was met with enthusiasm. Her deep and practical product knowledge, gained from years of being a client and user of their educational technology, made her a standout candidate. While she acknowledged that working to strict sales targets might be a new experience, her background in school admissions provided a valuable parallel. Admissions, after all, is fundamentally about attracting students and, by extension, bringing revenue to the institution. This understanding of organizational growth proved to be a significant asset.
Kelly thoroughly enjoyed her time at the EdTech company. The freedom to utilize various systems and the absence of restrictive budgetary constraints were liberating. She thrived in the dynamic environment, embracing the challenge of learning new technologies and processes. However, unbeknownst to her, the company was under significant pressure to meet ambitious growth targets set by investors. An agreement was in place that stipulated potential workforce reductions if these thresholds weren't met. Sadly, despite her contributions, Kelly's position was among those made redundant during a subsequent layoff – a reality that, as the conversation highlighted, is not uncommon in the often-volatile EdTech landscape.
Kelly's experience underscores a key challenge faced by many experienced professionals, particularly women transitioning from the often more stable public sector into the private sector: job security can be less predictable. The rapid growth and fluctuating investment in the tech world can lead to unforeseen restructurings.
Despite this setback, Kelly's journey also illuminates the significant value that professionals from education bring to the EdTech sector. Her attention to detail, honed over years of managing complex educational programs, her project management skills developed through implementing school-wide initiatives, and her deep sector knowledge are precisely the qualities that can drive business development and foster strong relationships for EdTech providers. The ability to quickly learn new products, confidently run demos based on firsthand user experience, and understand the nuanced needs of educational institutions are invaluable assets.
Kelly's story serves as a powerful reminder of both the opportunities and the potential pitfalls of transitioning into the fast-paced world of EdTech. It highlights the importance of recognising the transferable skills that years in education cultivate and the need for both individuals and the EdTech industry to appreciate and leverage this wealth of experience for mutual growth and success.
What's the best way to assess an EdTech company's culture and financial health before applying?
Kelly's recent experience has equipped her with valuable insights for her next venture in the EdTech space. When selecting a new edtech company, thorough research will be paramount. Utilising resources like Glassdoor is crucial, as it offers a window into employee reviews, salary expectations, and insights into the company culture and management. A pattern of consistently negative reviews, particularly regarding financial stability, employee treatment, or unrealistic targets, should serve as a red flag. Beyond Glassdoor, it's wise to delve into the company's funding history, recent news articles, and overall market position to gauge its stability and growth potential. Actively seeking out and getting in touch with former employees through platforms like LinkedIn can provide invaluable, unfiltered feedback about the company's internal dynamics, work-life balance, and the likelihood of job security. Asking specific questions about the company's financial health, communication transparency, and how they handled periods of growth or instability can offer crucial insights. Understanding the company's values, mission, and long-term vision, and ensuring they align with personal career goals, is just as important as assessing their financial standing. By combining diligent online research with direct conversations with those who have firsthand experience, Kelly and others making similar transitions can make more informed decisions and hopefully find a more secure and fulfilling role in the dynamic EdTech sector.
Based on Kelly's feedback, here are the perceived pros and cons of working at the EdTech company she joined:
Pros of Working at the EdTech Company (Based on Kelly's Experience):
Cons of Working at the EdTech Company (Based on Kelly's Experience):
Overall Takeaway:
Kelly's experience at the EdTech company showcased the exciting opportunities and the value of educational sector expertise in this field. However, it also illuminated the potential risks associated with working for rapidly growing tech companies, particularly regarding job security and the impact of external investment pressures.
I’d love to explore how we can tailor a solution for your needs—whether it is filling a specific role or redesigning your talent strategy for long-term impact.
