Case Study: Career Change at 35: From Teaching to EdTech Sales

Written By Helen Slingsby

In her 30’s, my client was experiencing a career crisis. Formerly a primary school teacher in the U.S., she had recently relocated to the UK with her husband and was completing an online MBA. She wanted a fresh start in a commercial environment, moving away from the classroom.

Through our coaching sessions, we focused on identifying her transferable skills and positioning her for a new sector. It became clear her teaching experience was not a limitation—it was a strategic advantage. Together, we identified the EdTech sector as a perfect fit.

Key strengths uncovered:

  • Time management & multitasking – honed running classrooms and lesson plans

  • Stakeholder management – managing pupils, parents, and senior leaders

  • Negotiation & influencing – persuading leadership to trial innovative teaching technologies

  • Target-driven mindset – consistently achieving objectives set by her headteacher

These skills highlighted her potential in sales, where she could combine her people skills, drive, and sector knowledge.

We repositioned her CV and LinkedIn profile, emphasising commercially relevant achievements backed by examples from her teaching career. Almost immediately, she gained traction with recruiters and invitations to interview.

Through interview coaching, she learned to confidently communicate her value and translate her classroom experience into a commercial story.

Result: She secured a sales role in the EdTech sector quickly and is now progressing successfully in her new career.

Summary

  • Client Background: 35-year-old former U.S. teacher, relocated to the UK, pursuing an MBA

  • Challenge: Facing a career crisis in the 30s; transitioning from education to a commercial role

  • Approach: Coaching to identify transferable skills, reposition professional brand, and prepare for interviews

  • Outcome: Achieved a successful career change at 35, landing an EdTech sales role

Facing a career crisis in your 30s or considering a career change? Strategic coaching can help you translate your experience into new opportunities. Let’s connect!

#CareerChangeAt30 #CareerCrisisAt30 #CareerTransition #EdTech #TransferableSkills #CareerCoaching #ProfessionalGrowth

Helen Slingsby
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