Education & Human Services

Welcome to Pitt’s Education & Human Services Career Community! Students interested in these careers often like to instruct, advocate, mentor, research, guide, and assist both individuals and communities. They are concerned with issues like social justice, equality, educational access and attainment, mental health, and individual and community wellness.

There can be overlap between Education & Human Services and other career communities. As you review the information below, consider the wide range of career options open to you with your academic training, skills, interests, and experience.

Schedule an appointment anytime. Find your consultant below.

Pre-K-12 Teachers
Guidance, Academic, & Career Counselors
Special Ed & Health Ed Specialists
Curriculum and Program Developers
Education Administrators
Youth Program Director
Community Health Worker
Social Worker
Rehabilitation Counselor
Substance Abuse/Mental Health Counselor
Family Support Specialist
Marriage and Family Therapists

Majors and Minors

Education
Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies
Psychology
Public Health
Social Work
Communication Science
Certificates
American Sign Language
Community Health Assessment
Health Humanities
Human Right & Social Justice
Non-profit Management
Leadership & Ethics

Education

Try tutoring, mentoring, or volunteering in classrooms.
Take introductory education courses to explore teaching philosophies.
Stay curious about new teaching methods and classroom technology.
Human Services
Shadow professionals in nonprofits, healthcare, or community programs.
Volunteer with food banks, crisis hotlines, or shelters to gain perspective.
Take courses in psychology, sociology, or public health for a strong foundation.
Learn about advocacy and systems that support individuals and families.

Internships

After School Program Intern
Community Health & Safety Intern
Rehabilitation Intern
Direct Support Professional
ESL instructor
Outpatient Therapist Intern
Home Health Aide
Fellowships
Elsie Hillman Honors Scholars Program
Browne Leadership Fellows Program:
Policy and Social Impact Fellows Program
Child Welfare Education for Baccalaureates (CWEB)
Hartford Partnership Program for Aging Education

Pitt Clubs & Organizations

Council for Exceptional Children
Psychology Club
Mental Health Student Coalition
Jumpstart Pittsburgh
PittServes
Research Work
REACCT Program
First Experience in Research (FE-R)
Office of Undergraduate Research and Summer Undergraduate Research Awards
Dietrich Departmental website research pages
Volunteer or P-T
Pittsburgh Cares
Boys & Girls Club of Western PA
UPMC hospitals and care facilities
ESL Instructor
Create the Good Community Volunteering

Start volunteering early – Begin with local after school programs, youth mentorship programs, hospitals or clinics, and senior centers to build varied experiences.

Take on leadership roles – Participate actively in chosen organizations, clubs, and volunteer roles that develop your knowledge and skills.

Start early to do an exhaustive search of research opportunities at Pitt – Professors in every department conduct research and generally seek students to assist. Research helps you gain real-world skills, stand out for future opportunities, and develop independence.

Apply for fellowships and internships early – Timelines differ for opportunities, so it’s crucial to understand application deadlines and requirements.

Elementary/Secondary School Teachers
School Principals/Administrators
School Counselors
Special Education Coordinators
Social Workers
Nonprofit Directors
Community Mental Health Workers
Child Welfare Workers
College Professors/Faculty
Alumni in Your Field
Community Organization Volunteers
Government Agency Workers

Learn classroom management techniques and student engagement strategies.

Understand case management and client advocacy approaches in human services.

Discover trauma-informed care practices and therapeutic interventions.

Build networks for student teaching placements and field internships.

Explore career paths in schools, nonprofits, and government agencies.

Receive guidance on licensure requirements and certification processes and more.

Attend campus events and join organizations relevant to your major (see below!)

Follow up within twenty-four hours after meeting new professional contacts. (add link to blog for examples-same link for questions to ask and elevator pitch)

Prepare a concise elevator pitch highlighting your experience in the community and/or with children

Use LinkedIn and Pitt Commons to connect with alumni and professionals and maintain ongoing relationships.

Ask thoughtful questions during conversations to show genuine interest and engagement.

Offer to help others before asking for favors or job opportunities (our favorite!)

Connect on LinkedIn with a community health workers at agencies where you would like to work.

Build rapport with alumni working at Human Service/Mental Health Agencies.

Join professional organizations in Psychology, Education & Human Services.

Email program directors at nonprofit organizations and request an informational interview.

Attend conferences like the NatCon for mental wellbeing.

Join the Young Leaders Societies or Emerging Leaders Programs at your local United Way.

Join a non-profit board and volunteer to demonstrate your interest, work ethic and skills.

Apply for entry-level jobs that don’t require licensure or certifications right away.

Gain immediate experience – jobs like substitute teacher, tutor, and in-home support for people with disabilities are easier to land.

Spend a year working for service organizations – AmeriCorps, City Year, Teach for America and the Peace Corp offer a variety of opportunities to work in communities, schools and nonprofits.

Take a short certification: First Aid/CPR, Youth Mental Health First Aid, Crisis Intervention, or ESL tutoring to increase your options for employment.

Volunteer with schools, literacy programs, or mentoring organizations—consistent involvement builds knowledge about community needs and often leads to offers.