Francesca Conte is a Bayside Group senior consultant specialising in education recruitment. In this Q and A she talks about how her experiences working in schools, and training staff in different contexts, underpin her work, matching jobseekers with careers in education. She also explores some of the challenges and staffing needs that are facing the education sector in the coming years. 

Interested in learning more? Watch this video for Francesca’s top tips for anyone wanting to pursue a career in education.

Bayside Group: What is it about education recruitment that appeals to you? 

Francesca: Recruitment appeals to me because you are making a difference in the lives of individuals. You are testifying to their capabilities and supporting their growth. At the same time you are building capability for an organisation, by matching them with someone who provides a new or needed skillset. When that synergy occurs, where both the organisation and the employee benefit from the match, it’s very rewarding. 

Education is the foundation for our future. Recruiting in this space offers the chance to work in a values-driven environment where the end goal is on creating positive outcomes for students and the community. 

How does your background in education support your work? 

Growing up, I wanted to be a teacher. However, there was an abundance of students pursuing tertiary studies in teaching at that time. So, I elected to follow a career pathway in IT. My early career in IT soon led to training staff on various applications, and soon my love for learning and people development evolved. 

After a few years, this experience led to an extensive tenure at a leading girl's school in Melbourne, where I was able to bring industry experience into a school setting and live my childhood dream. While I didn’t become a teacher per se, I was fortunate to work behind the scenes of the classroom and help design frameworks to indirectly achieve positive outcomes for students and the community.  

My childhood dream, my experience, and my growth in the education sector have provided a solid understanding of cultures and structures in education. They’ve exposed me to a plethora of roles available, provided opportunities to network with other independent schools, and research new teaching practices and the design of new roles. My experience in education supports and fuels my work today. 

What are some of the challenges the education sector faces from an employment perspective? 

There are several challenges in the education sector, and this is rapidly evolving. Let’s start with the obvious and most talked about: teacher shortages. 

The shortage of qualified teachers has been an ongoing challenge. Subjects such as maths, science and languages have seen the worst shortages of qualified teachers, as graduates of these subjects are often drawn to jobs other than teaching that offer higher pay, better prospects, and more innovation. 

Teachers work an average of 55 hours per week, which could be why as many as half of all teachers of these subjects leave the teaching profession after five years. The contract nature of many teaching roles can often be a deterrent as well, with many employees seeking greater job security than a contract can provide. 

As a nation we need to recognise the work that teachers do – from early learning right through to university level – and compensate accordingly.  

The other major challenge in the sector is technological advancement. There is an increasing need for specialised technical skills that may not be adequately covered in traditional educational programs. This then requires adaptability and the need for continuous learning for teachers to remain current and employable. 

What are your priority areas for recruitment in 2023? 

We will need to build talent pools with expertise in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics. Candidates with strong leadership skills and experience in managing teams or projects is also a priority. 

Across all industries, there is an increasing focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as mental health and wellbeing. These are core enablers of employee engagement and organisational performance. As such in my interactions with both employers and employees I do what I can to promote and support the development of good DEI and wellbeing practices. 

Bayside Group has specialist knowledge and experience that makes us the education recruitment partner of choice for leading education institutions in Australia and overseas. To find out how we can help you contact us today. 

Francesca’s tips for pursuing a career in education 

1. Determine your goals  

It's essential to have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve. Identify your interests and skills you can leverage in the sector. Do you want to be a teacher, a researcher, an administrator, or something else? The education sector offers diverse opportunities; knowing what you want to do will help you navigate the field.  

2. Educate yourself  

Depending on the role you want to pursue, you may need to obtain specific certifications or degrees. Research the requirements for the role you want to pursue and take the necessary steps to get certified. Curiosity is key in education. Be a continuous learner through both formal and informal channels.  

3. Spend time on your applications  

As with any type of role, often applications for jobs in education will list specific criteria. It’s important to address these criteria with reference to your skills and achievements. Tailor your application, including your resume, to the specific role. This includes keeping your LinkedIn profile (your digital CV) current. Ensure you are following educational institutions of interest, build your network, request endorsements to showcase and attest your capabilities.  

4. Gain experience  

Volunteer at a local school tutoring students, or at a university through student services, work in a boarding school, or participate in education-related projects or programs. This will help you gain experience and show your passion for the field. Also, consider taking on a contract role. They can often lead to permanent opportunities.  

5. Network  

It's crucial to build relationships and connect with people in the education sector. Attend events and conferences, participate in online forums, and reach out to people in your network who work in the industry. Recruitment consultants who specialise in education recruitment, as Bayside Group does, can also be a great resource.  

6. Be adaptable

The education sector is constantly changing, and it's essential to be adaptable. Keep up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in education, and be willing to learn and adapt. This includes keeping abreast of specialised technical skills that may not be adequately covered in traditional educational programs.