HII was a UNISEL TESLIAN (and still am and always will be).And on behalf of The TESLIAN, just like you, we've asked ourselves the same question when we were undergraduates.I would like to assure you that you have made the right choice in selecting TESL as your course of study. This is because an education and language based degree ensures entry to unlimited number of industries such as banking,business, publishing, computer, engineering,medicine, hospitality, business and many more.(Notice how I include business twice). Lets face it guys all industries need language experts,knowledge manager and instructors. Period.The first thing I like you to do is to forget about the most accepted notions that people have about B.Ed.TESL. (And sadly sometimes these notions come from your own parents and lecturers).Mostly these notions are very narrow, inflexible and not up to date, to say the least. But of course I am not saying that with a TESL degree you can become an engineer, a doctor or a marine biologist. No,that would take a miracle and not to mention ridiculous. What I am trying to say to you is this: you may be surprise to find that B.Ed. TESL can give a unique brand of contribution to various industries that otherwise might be mistakenly considered as unrelated or far more superior than TESL.
Let me put it this way:
Can an engineer make a contribution to the field of language/education?
Can a CPA make a contribution to the field of language/education?
Can a doctor make a contribution to the field of language/education?
ANSWERS
No, not without being some what of a linguist/educator themselves.
BUT
Can a linguist/educator make a contribution to the field of engineering?
Can a linguist/educator make a contribution to the field of accounting?
Can a linguist/educator make a contribution to the field of medicine?
ANSWERS
Yes, and without being an engineer, a CPA or a doctor OURSELVES.You see they need us to assist or instruct them in the areas of language and knowledge management so that they can convey, organize or interpret their idea or knowledge effectively.
Therefore my friends I bring you now to my 2 prescriptions in my attempt to widen these narrow views of B.Ed TESL.
1)Do not let the Language aspect overshadowed the educational or teaching aspect of the degree. Remember you are learning three things: English Language,Teaching Skills and Education Discipline...
Yes, English language is our primary concern but you can instruct on other matters as well. You can do this by having a post graduate degree in another field. But if you do not want to go that far,you can join a professional certification course or in most companies (especially the multinational ones), they will have in house training for their employees.Ever heard about Corporate Trainer and Coaching? And with language you will have an added advantage. Start by taking business subjects as your electives. It will do you a lot of good. Believe me.
2)Having a B.Ed. does not necessarily mean that you are destined to teach.Remember the 'T' in TESL is de-Tach-able but Language and Education are not.This does not limited to positions such as writer editor,journalist, disc jockey,announcer, or newscaster. These are only the tip of the iceberg. Too typical. "Knowledge Resources Executive" and "Customer Relation Executive are two examples of position that you can apply to right after your graduation. Or if you like you can go into the areas of Management of your selected industry. You can do this by joining the "Management Associate Program", "Graduate Training Program", "Blue Print Program" or "Management Trainee Program" that are offered by most companies. It is usually about 18 months where you are exposed to all aspects of a particular industry from the ground up. After that period,you will be placed into a suitable department. Don't worry, B.Ed TESL will still be relevant and after you gone through this program you will have a B.Ed. TESL and so much more. And don't be surprise that sometimes you might find a computer engineer or a CPA as your subordinate later on.
Take care,guys and remember...LIVE TESL, BREATHE TESL
