“It’s about the right role at the right time.”

After spending 14 years teaching mostly in Further Education, Head of Faculty Gareth left the classroom to pursue new opportunities. Whilst he found his time in education both valuable and enjoyable, particularly at the start of his teaching journey, he began to question the work-life model he was providing to other members of his team. 

Now a Senior Product Manager at a university, Gareth walks us through his top tips and offers a skills breakdown for those who are interested in exploring similar roles. Asked what he loves about his new career, Gareth talks about developing new skills, spending more time with his children, enjoying intentional hybrid working, empowering and enabling his future self, having more space to live his life and staying aligned with his core purpose by positively impacting learners.

In this episode, we also cover: 

• Being ‘all in’ with greedy jobs 
• Generalist and specialist teacher skills 
• Learning the language of new industries 
• The value of networking for job hunting 
• Bridging opportunities when switching career
• What is product management? A sneak peak into the day-to-day
• Asking the right questions around partnership roles 
• Translating your skills before you put pen to paper on your CV
• Getting the balance right when leaving education
• Reducing the fear of the unknown

Links:

AAT Jobs Board - Filter by 'Project Manager' to find similar roles

If you're looking for step-by-step support to find and secure a new job or start your own business, check out the Adventures After Teaching Academy which will help you successfully leave the classroom! 

Thinking about leaving teaching? Sign up for our new free webinar 💛 Leaving teaching in 2026 for your roadmap to leaving the classroom next year - delivered straight to your inbox on 27th December.