Case studies : Primary school teacher: Linda

Linda completed a Bachelors degree in Business Studies before completing a Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) at Strathclyde University in 2009. She is now a primary school teacher completing her probationary year.

During the second year of my undergraduate degree, I began to think about what I wanted to do with my business degree (and more to the point, what I could actually do with a business degree!). At this point, I looked into postgraduate options and found that I could continue my studies to become a primary or secondary school teacher by undertaking a one-year postgraduate course.

I spoke to a careers adviser about options as a business graduate, and they advised me of the careers available and also the continued education paths. They provided me with prospectuses, leaflets and websites to research. After deciding that a postgraduate course was the best option for me, I arranged another careers appointment for help with a personal statement and GTTR applications.

As I researched my options, I became aware that practical experience was vital. In my second year, I contacted my local Girl Guide representative and began a voluntary job as a Girl Guide leader at my local Brownies. This allowed me to gain experience working with children and also gave me an enhanced disclosure which allowed me to work with children in a variety of establishments.

In addition, I had to go back to night school and study for my higher English qualification, as this was required to be accepted onto the PGDE course. I did this one night per week and achieved it during the second year of my business degree (second year was a very busy year for me!). In third year, I undertook a half-day placement at my local primary school, which allowed me to gain first-hand experience of the primary school teacher’s role. I worked alongside a primary school teacher and carried out duties as required.

This experience was important because it helped prepare me for placements. Academically, my business degree course prepared me very well for postgraduate study. I knew exactly what was expected when essays and assignments were set. For placements, however, the degree did not prepare me at all. This was something that my voluntary work experience helped me get ready for.

Now that I am in the job, the best part of being a teacher (besides the holidays!) is watching the children learn, develop and grow into young adults. The most challenging part is getting the right work/life balance. Teaching really isn’t a nine-to-three job. Initially, it was difficult to balance time spent in school and time spent away from school. This is now something that I am learning to balance better.

I would advise any undergraduate student considering the future to contact a careers adviser. That is a great place to start and allows you to discuss ideas and options with someone experienced in this field.