Wren Walker Robbins earned a PhD in cell biology, then switched careers to teaching more than a decade ago. Now the director of the Secondary Science Education program at Salish Kootenai College in Pablo, Mont., she says making the decision to switch careers should entail careful thought — and the result should reflect who you are as a person.
When you have a chance to do work that’s really meaningful, it heals you on some level. We need our own leadership to guide ourselves to good situations. Letting go of expectations and going in a new direction can be really rewarding.
What prompted you to think about a career change?
Originally, I wanted to be a scientist. I wanted to be a researcher, but I felt isolated in my work. My colleagues were not on the same page, and I realized that was not the path for me.
How did you settle on teaching?
I decided to evaluate my values and beliefs to determine what career might better align with, and support, them. I believe you need to find the courage to find a career path that embraces who you are. And I came up with teaching. So much of education is teachers knowing who they are as people. Be honest about who you are, and make sure the work you do reflects who you are as a person.
Once you made the decision, was the actual career change relatively easy?
It definitely wasn’t an easy process for me, but every step I took felt like I was getting warmer and warmer. I knew the work I was doing was more appropriate. I was connecting with students, and my work now fit my moral and ethical base.
What might have made the transition easier for you?
I made the transition to teaching without the support of a trusted mentor or network. I strongly advise others to find a mentor who can help guide you through the process. Be exploratory and look for people who share your values and beliefs. Anyone looking to transition into teaching should try to create a network of colleagues, friends, and family who are supportive and can provide assistance and guidance as needed.
What has made that challenging career switch worth it?When you have a chance to do work that’s really meaningful, it heals you on some level. We need our own leadership to guide ourselves to good situations. Letting go of expectations and going in a new direction can be really rewarding.
