We spoke to Shawn Smith, the Director of RADIUS at Simon Fraser University. He gave us a glimpse into why he chose to work in education and what he views as the most rewarding aspect of his job!
Why have you chosen to work in the education sector?
I’ve worked for nearly a decade broadly in the fields of international development and social entrepreneurship, and often quip that the most tangible impact I feel I’ve had, by far, is working in education. Whether in the classroom or trying to shift the system as a whole, its inspiring to work with young people at an age where they are just trying to understand what their potential is in the world – if you can help them discover a sense of agency, and equip them with the skills and knowledge to act on this, the potential is truly unlimited.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Recognizing when that little light comes on for a student, and they realize their own potential to create change, to shape the world around them. This sense of agency is incredible and impossible to turn off once discovered.
What is the greatest challenge that you encounter within your role?
Our education systems remain quite rigid, and it can be a long, slow process to try new things. Despite much discussion of the need for changes, we are still focused on trying to fill students up with knowledge, instead of creating whole people with the potential and drive for life-long learning and adaptation in a changing world. That said, this is partly just the reality of working with large systems, and I’m pretty lucky as we have an incredible amount of latitude and support as we build RADIUS at SFU.
What do you think attracts people across industries to work in education?
Education is a key driver of our societies, and I think for many is perceived as a rare opportunity to build a successful career in a field that is inherently socially beneficial.
What misconceptions do you think people have when considering a career in this sector?
I think in general people have a very narrow perspective on education. They think of professors and teachers, but miss the incredible variety found in roles ranging from program development and management, to entrepreneurial opportunities, to a huge variety of administrative and support positions.
If you could change our sector in just one way, what would that look like?
An overarching focus on education’s role in building whole, creative human beings that can thrive, adapt, learn, and contribute.
Reflecting on your role and the impact it has, is there anything that you find you appreciate more now than before?
Part of my role has involved lecturing and facilitating classes at SFU. It sounded trite to me sometimes, from a distance, to think of teaching as “changing lives”. It is, if you do it well. That has deep, rich, meaning and we undervalue teaching particularly in society.
What’s one thing you would want to tell to those applying for a job in the education sector?
Do your research as the variety of opportunities is significant. Think about what education is, and why it matters – challenge yourself to look at some bigger questions and use that as a lens for where you want to be in the sector.
…and…finally:
What is your favourite apple-inspired food?
Apple-“inspired”?! To be honest I just love apples – my favourite fruit! Maybe with a little peanut butter for a treat – awesome if you haven’t tried it!
Thanks so much, Shawn! We appreciate your insights and agree that we should challenge ourselves to look at bigger questions and use that as a framework for what and where we want to be!
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