The EdTech Careers Quiz | Advancing K12

careerquiz

Answer a handful of questions and we'll reveal your ideal match out of 13 possible career paths, each key to helping an EdTech company flourish.

This quiz is anonymous and is not part of a job application, so select the option which most accurately reflects you.

Start the quiz ▶

The EdTech Career Quiz

1-10

11-20

21-30

. 31-37

Question 1-10 (of 37)

1) I want to travel for work:

never
occasionally
frequently

2) I would rather have:

clearly defined instructions
approved processes to work from
loose guidelines
creative flexibility

3) I like to be evaluated on:

metrics/numbers
peer feedback
customer feedback

4) Of these skills, I am best at:

coding
writing
presenting
analyzing

5) Of these skills, I am best at:

designing
teaching
testing
troubleshooting

6) I would rather:

work independently
work closely with others
have a healthy mix of both

7) I would rather:

interact directly with customers on a regular basis
interact with customers occasionally
never interact with customers

8) Compared to my peers, I am more:

detail-oriented
persuasive
empathetic
tech-savvy

9) I would prefer:

a consistent daily routine
healthy variety
unpredictable new challenges

10) Compared to my peers, I am better with:

numbers
people
words
technology

Next questions ▶ ◀ Back

The EdTech Career Quiz

1-10

11-20

21-30

. 31-37

Question 11-20 (of 37)

11) In my opinion, the most important part of work is:

seeing the big picture
getting things done
communicating with others
thinking outside the box

12) I want to:

make things
help people
work with numbers
plan and strategize

13) My ideal work environment is defined by:

quiet and focus
conversation and activity
travel and networking

14) When considering my strengths, I:

have a wide variety of experience
prefer to focus on one specific niche
have certifications and degrees that I would like to specifically use

15) I value:

consistency
careful growth
exploring uncharted territory

16) I'd consider myself:

a doer
a thinker
a maker

17) I enjoy puzzles and problem solving:

yes
no

18) Each day, I'd rather work with:

people
technology

19) I have impeccable attention to detail and organization:

yes
no

20) I have worked in a school district before:

yes
no

Next questions ▶ ◀ Back

The EdTech Career Quiz

1-10

11-20

21-30

. 31-37

Question 21-30 (of 37)

21) I feel comfortable handling difficult conversations:

yes
no (I avoid them at all cost)

22) I enjoy teaching:

yes
it's not really my thing

23) When I think of tight deadlines:

I'm motivated
I'm terrified
I'm a little bit of both

24) I've worked with the Skyward Student or Business software before:

yes
not yet!

25) I could see myself spending a lot of time teaching others in my career:

yes
no

26) I enjoy learning, and it is easy for me to communicate my knowledge and write out instructions for others:

yes
not as a career

27) In a career, I value details, consistency, numbers, and routine:

yes
no

28) In a career, I prefer to stick to the rules and help the company maintain compliance:

yes
this isn't quite me

29) I could see myself problem solving and fixing technology every day in my career:

yes
I'd rather call IT

30) Teaching and helping others are central to my values:

yes
perhaps, but not for a career

Next questions ▶ ◀ Back

The EdTech Career Quiz

1-10

11-20

21-30

. 31-37

Question 31-37 (end)

31) I would enjoy a career centered on trouble shooting and analyzing:

yes
not particularly

32) I enjoy problem solving and writing code:

yes
no

33) The idea of networking with customers and selling software intrigues me:

yes
no way

34) I enjoy creating, designing, writing, and I'm familiar with the Adobe Suite:

yes
no

35) I like the idea of becoming a product expert in school software and creating the future for Skyward products:

yes
no

36) In a career, I could see myself serving as the liason between the government, Skyward customers, and the company's development team:

yes
no

37) I enjoy explaining processes, paying attention to details, and keeping people and projects on task:

yes
no

Finish ▶ ◀ Back

You scored the most points in:

Training

+### pts

What is Training?

How do we keep ourselves up-to-date on ever-evolving software? Who trains our newest consulting & support representatives up to the level of knowledge they need to interact with our customers? When our documentation team needs to check their work, where do they turn? Our training team wears many hats, all of which are critically important to the success of Skyward users.

The training team demands a depth of knowledge (and ability to communicate that knowledge) rivaled by only a few other areas of our company. Trainers frequently interact with most of the departments at Skyward. They must understand new functionality as it is being programmed to effectively train others while developing and maintaining our Professional Development Center and Help Center content for internal and external users. Trainers have been known to assist with direct customer trainings and service calls when called upon.

See this position at Skyward

✔	You'll have a leg up if:
	You have previous Skyward experience You have an instructional background You know a thing or two about learning management systems

✖	This department might not be the best fit if:
	You want to travel routinely You get overwhelmed by too many different responsibilities You prefer to work independently

You scored the most points in:

Content Management

+### pts

What is Content Management?

The greatest software in the world isn’t going to do much good if nobody knows how to use it. Our content management team is on the front lines of user experience at Skyward, and much of what our customers know about our systems can be attributed to their efforts.

These talented writers, editors, videographers, technicians, and architects are responsible for the planning, creation, organization, and distribution of our multimedia training materials and documentation. As a member of the content management team, you’ll be responsible for translating expert-level product knowledge into clear, accessible, and fun content for Skyward users around the world.

See this position at Skyward

✔	You'll have a leg up if:
	You're familiar with easyDITA standards and authoring tools You have a background in copyediting or video production You know a thing or two about content management systems

✖	This department might not be the best fit if:
	You want to travel You prefer direct contact with customers Communication is not your strong suit

You scored the most points in:

Accounting

+### pts

What is Accounting?

How does a rapidly expanding education technology company manage to keep the lights on? Ask our accounting team—the intrepid finance professionals who pay the bills, keep us compliant, and put us in a position to grow year-in and year-out.

The accounting team manages our incoming revenue and outgoing expenses with efficiency and pinpoint accuracy. They are the final line of defense for all corporate financial activity, making sure our paperwork is in order and keeping us safe from fraud. Our accounting team uses the same Skyward software we provide for our customers, creating efficiencies and reducing costs through the strategic, innovative use of technology.

See this position at Skyward

✔	You'll have a leg up if:
	You are a CPA You are familiar with accounting software (especially the Skyward Business Suite) You have experience with audit preparation

✖	This department might not be the best fit if:
	You want to travel routinely You value creativity over consistency You have trouble focusing on one task for long periods of time

You scored the most points in:

Human Resources

+### pts

What is Human Resources?

How do you meet the needs of hundreds of full-time employees while still leaving room for continuous growth? With a strong, strategic approach to human resources, of course. Our HR team manages recruiting, benefits, payroll, and wellness services—a broad list of responsibilities demanding a wide range of skillsets.

HR team members have the critical task of putting us in the best position to recruit, retain, and develop a high-performing workforce. They are the trusted confidants when workplace questions arise and the front line for our corporate culture. Our HR team uses the same software we provide for our customers to improve the experience for applicants and employees through the strategic use of technology.

See this position at Skyward

✔	You'll have a leg up if:
	You are familiar with employment law You have a background in recruiting, onboarding, and/or retention You are a master of payroll runs and benefit administration You are certified in human resources

✖	This department might not be the best fit if:
	You believe rules were meant to be broken You go out of your way to avoid uncomfortable conversations You would rather be left to yourself at work

You scored the most points in:

Internal IT

+### pts

What is Internal IT?

We’re a software company, which means we use more than a little technology to get the job done. But who maintains all the devices, servers, applications, and databases we rely on? Cue the Internal IT department. These knowledgeable engineers are responsible for keeping us on the cutting edge as well as investigating, troubleshooting, and resolving any technology issues encountered by our team.

Our Internal IT pros are expected to maintain a working knowledge of a diverse range of hardware and software. They also support a variety of events throughout the year, including state user groups, our international conference, our annual staff meeting, and various functions at our world headquarters building in Stevens Point. When one of our departments needs advice on how to improve upon a traditional or outdated practice, Internal IT is usually the first place they turn.

See this position at Skyward

✔	You'll have a leg up if:
	You have existing IT certifications You have experience with Office 365 You have a clear, concise communication style

✖	This department might not be the best fit if:
	You frequently get frustrated with technology You lack patience and/or empathy You prefer projects with clear-cut solutions

You scored the most points in:

Customer Consulting & Support

+### pts

What is Customer Consulting & Support?

When we say our commitment to a better experience extends well beyond our software, we mean it. Customer Consulting & Support is our second largest department, trailing only our development team. Their influence as the front lines and faces of Skyward to many of our customers not only contributes to customer satisfaction and retention, it also plays a significant role in determining how we are perceived by those who have not yet purchased Skyward. In short, they’re kind of a big deal.

Consulting & Support is not just a stepping-stone at Skyward—this department offers full-scale career progression and leadership opportunities. As you obtain more knowledge and experience in the Skyward software, you will assume additional duties, from working the call queue to performing on-site training and consulting for new customer onboarding. Our most knowledgeable Consulting & Support reps are called on to present at user group conferences throughout the country, helping Skyward users become more confident and efficient in our various systems.

See this position at Skyward

✔	You'll have a leg up if:
	You have experience with Skyward software You are comfortable in a call center environment You have a warm, personable communication style (verbal and written)

✖	This department might not be the best fit if:
	You prefer to work behind the scenes You do not like the idea of encountering something new every day You are uncomfortable presenting for groups of people

You scored the most points in:

Quality Assurance

+### pts

What is Quality Assurance?

In the world of software, there is no bigger letdown than when you encounter an error while trying to complete an important, time-sensitive task. Our Quality Assurance team acts as quality advocates throughout the development process by providing input on usage, test cases, and change risk. These detail-oriented, critical thinkers are always trying to find innovative ways to break the software, so our end users can enjoy a better experience.

Quality Assurance features two unique roles. Software quality specialists are assigned to development teams and work to create acceptance criteria, test against those criteria, and play an active role in project refinement to help mitigate unforeseen side effects of changes. Quality management analysts perform similar duties, but from a big-picture view rather than as embedded members of a specific development team.

See this position at Skyward

✔	You'll have a leg up if:
	You have experience with regression testing, user stories, and/or testing automation You have an analyst background You work well in team/collaborative environments

✖	This department might not be the best fit if:
	You want to travel for work You prefer to work directly with customers You struggle to stay focused on similar tasks for long periods of time

You scored the most points in:

Programming

+### pts

What is Programming?

Skyward was founded by a programmer in the early 1980’s, and we have remained true to our roots ever since. As we continue to grow, we have an almost perpetual need for more skilled coders. Our software engineers are the lifeblood of our organization, and it is only through their work that we have been able to remain relevant and enjoy consistent growth even as the entire technology landscape has changed dramatically around us.

Successful coders are comfortable working with object-oriented programming concepts and have working knowledge of C#, along with front-end technologies like CSS and JavaScript. Our agile, user-centered development process means software engineers will be working directly with quality specialists, product owners, and UX strategists to ensure the best possible user experience when software is shipped.

See this position at Skyward

✔	You'll have a leg up if:
	You have experience with Microsoft.Net or SQL You have worked in an agile development environment in the past You have developed mobile apps for various device platforms

✖	This department might not be the best fit if:
	You want to travel for work You prefer to work directly with end users You prefer to code alone with minimal human interaction

You scored the most points in:

Sales

+### pts

What is Sales?

Sure, Programming is the reason we exist in the first place, and Accounting might be where the bills get paid, but when we talk about company growth, the conversation starts and ends with our Sales department. These entrepreneurial spirits serve as Skyward evangelists in their assigned territories, generating new leads, delivering memorable demonstrations, and negotiating contracts. They do this by maintaining extensive knowledge of regional influences, competitors, and the motivations of our target audience.

Sales representatives often double as the main points of contact for current customers, ensuring continued awareness of the products, services, and opportunities available to them. The long-term relationships our reps form with school and district leaders not only set us apart from the competition, they also go a long way toward helping us build an extensive network of Skyward advocates and an ever-increasing market share in the states where we do business.

See this position at Skyward

✔	You'll have a leg up if:
	You have experience working with K-12 leaders and administrators You have an established history of crushing sales quotas You have a track record of developing and growing sales territories

✖	This department might not be the best fit if:
	You prefer minimal human interaction at work You are uncomfortable having difficult converstations You do not like the idea of a commission-supplemented salary

You scored the most points in:

Marketing

+### pts

What is Marketing?

For many of our customers, the Skyward experience begins long before any contracts are signed and extends well beyond the traditional reach of customer service. Our Marketing team lays the foundation for what the Skyward brand means, working tirelessly to ensure a consistent, positive journey at every step along the way. These creative professionals are masters of both print and digital media, serving as the collective face and voice of Skyward to much of the outside world.

The Marketing department is as diverse as it is creative, with a mix of graphic designers, PR pros, writers, web designers and developers, videographers, and more. This team is responsible for inbound/content marketing, lead generation, campaigns, event coordination, the production of collateral for other departments, and the continuous pursuit of new and better experiences at every touchpoint.

See this position at Skyward

✔	You'll have a leg up if:
	You are very good at a specific creative skill (as opposed to "general" marketing) You are a strong writer You have experience or training in UX and/or design principles

✖	This department might not be the best fit if:
	You tend to take coaching and feedback too personally You struggle in a project-based, deadline-driven environment You have trouble seeing your work through the eyes of its intended audience

You scored the most points in:

Product Management

+### pts

What is Product Management?

In a competitive market, there is no such thing as complacency. No matter how far we’ve come, the demands of a growing customer base paired with the rapid evolution of both technology and education mean we can never stop looking forward. Our Product Management team is the guiding force behind our development efforts, planning out our roadmap and working closely with our developers to ensure the ongoing alignment of vision and product.

Product Management consists of two distinct areas: Strategy and Ownership. The product managers in the strategy group are the ones laying out the vision of where our tech needs to go and when, while product owners serve as the primary internal stakeholder for how we bring that vision to life. The decisions made by our Project Management team are what keep us one step ahead of the competition.

See this position at Skyward

✔	You'll have a leg up if:
	You have a solid understanding of Skyward's market, users, and competition You are in tune with the trends and research driving the larger education conversation You have previous Scrum experience

✖	This department might not be the best fit if:
	You struggle to keep up with your inbox You take critical feedback personally You do not enjoy working in a team environment

You scored the most points in:

State and Federal Compliance

+### pts

What is State and Federal Compliance?

Our customers operate under a large (and sometimes tangled) web of requirements from various state and federal government agencies, much of which ties directly into the processes and reports being managed in Skyward. Our State and Federal Compliance department works tirelessly to anticipate, identify, and close any gaps between Skyward software and those requirements.

State and Federal Compliance specialists stay connected to the legislation, changes, and deadlines within their assigned territories. They serve as a liaison between the government, our customers, and our development team to ensure the release of new functionality or reports ahead of mandated deadlines. They are also the front lines of communication for state and reporting and compliance topics, hosting hundreds of webinar and open hour sessions to better prepare our customers for upcoming submissions and/or changes. Compliance is a non-negotiable part of our business model, and these experts are keeping our customers safe from potential penalties every single day.

See this position at Skyward

✔	You'll have a leg up if:
	You have previous experience with state and federal reporting in schools You are an accomplished public speaker You have previous experience with Skyward software

✖	This department might not be the best fit if:
	Critical thinking is a struggle You get nervous communicating highly important information to a knowledgeable audience You have trouble staying organized when faced with many projects at once

You scored the most points in:

Project Management

+### pts

What is Project Management?

Our software isn’t like a typical plug-and-play application. It touches just about every corner of our customers’ day-to-day operations. That means a lot of work behind the scenes between when someone makes the decision to purchase Skyward and when they actually start using it. Our Project Management department exists to make sure that transition is as professional, efficient, and successful as possible.

Project managers serve as the single point of contact for our customers throughout their implementation, mapping out the various aspects of the project from initial kickoff through go-live and beyond. They are tasked with providing clear and detailed instructions at every step along the way, sharing content, keeping in tune with general sentiment, and intervening when needed to keep things moving forward. First impressions are critical, and it’s up to the project managers to be the face of a positive onboarding experience.

See this position at Skyward

✔	You'll have a leg up if:
	You are PMP-certified You are familiar with current PMBOK standards You have experience managing large-scale software implementations

✖	This department might not be the best fit if:
	You are uncomfortable with the occasional emotionally charged conversation Adversity stresses you out You don't respond well to change

You might also consider these careers:

Training
+### pts

The training team demands a depth of knowledge (and ability to communicate that knowledge) rivaled by only a few other areas of our company. Trainers frequently interact with most of the departments at Skyward. They must understand new functionality as it is being programmed to effectively train others while developing and maintaining our Professional Development Center and Help Center content for internal and external users. Trainers have been known to assist with direct customer trainings and service calls when called upon.

Content Management
+### pts

These talented writers, editors, videographers, technicians, and architects are responsible for the planning, creation, organization, and distribution of our multimedia training materials and documentation. As a member of the content management team, you’ll be responsible for translating expert-level product knowledge into clear, accessible, and fun content for Skyward users around the world.

Accounting
+### pts

The accounting team manages our incoming revenue and outgoing expenses with efficiency and pinpoint accuracy. They are the final line of defense for all corporate financial activity, making sure our paperwork is in order and keeping us safe from fraud. Our accounting team uses the same Skyward software we provide for our customers, creating efficiencies and reducing costs through the strategic, innovative use of technology.

Human Resources
+### pts

HR team members have the critical task of putting us in the best position to recruit, retain, and develop a high-performing workforce. They are the trusted confidants when workplace questions arise and the front line for our corporate culture. Our HR team uses the same software we provide for our customers to improve the experience for applicants and employees through the strategic use of technology.

Internal IT
+### pts

Our Internal IT pros are expected to maintain a working knowledge of a diverse range of hardware and software. They also support a variety of events throughout the year, including state user groups, our international conference, our annual staff meeting, and various functions at our world headquarters building in Stevens Point. When one of our departments needs advice on how to improve upon a traditional or outdated practice, Internal IT is usually the first place they turn.

Customer Consulting & Support
+### pts

Consulting & Support is not just a stepping-stone at Skyward—this department offers full-scale career progression and leadership opportunities. As you obtain more knowledge and experience in the Skyward software, you will assume additional duties, from working the call queue to performing on-site training and consulting for new customer onboarding. Our most knowledgeable Consulting & Support reps are called on to present at user group conferences throughout the country, helping Skyward users become more confident and efficient in our various systems.

Quality Assurance
+### pts

Quality Assurance features two unique roles. Software quality specialists are assigned to development teams and work to create acceptance criteria, test against those criteria, and play an active role in project refinement to help mitigate unforeseen side effects of changes. Quality management analysts perform similar duties, but from a big-picture view rather than as embedded members of a specific development team.

Programming
+### pts

Successful coders are comfortable working with object-oriented programming concepts and have working knowledge of C#, along with front-end technologies like CSS and JavaScript. Our agile, user-centered development process means software engineers will be working directly with quality specialists, product owners, and UX strategists to ensure the best possible user experience when software is shipped.

Sales
+### pts

Sales representatives often double as the main points of contact for current customers, ensuring continued awareness of the products, services, and opportunities available to them. The long-term relationships our reps form with school and district leaders not only set us apart from the competition, they also go a long way toward helping us build an extensive network of Skyward advocates and an ever-increasing market share in the states where we do business.

Marketing
+### pts

The Marketing department is as diverse as it is creative, with a mix of graphic designers, PR pros, writers, web designers and developers, videographers, and more. This team is responsible for inbound/content marketing, lead generation, campaigns, event coordination, the production of collateral for other departments, and the continuous pursuit of new and better experiences at every touchpoint.

Product Management
+### pts

Product Management consists of two distinct areas: Strategy and Ownership. The product managers in the strategy group are the ones laying out the vision of where our tech needs to go and when, while product owners serve as the primary internal stakeholder for how we bring that vision to life. The decisions made by our Project Management team are what keep us one step ahead of the competition.

State and Federal Compliance
+### pts

State and Federal Compliance specialists stay connected to the legislation, changes, and deadlines within their assigned territories. They serve as a liaison between the government, our customers, and our development team to ensure the release of new functionality or reports ahead of mandated deadlines. They are also the front lines of communication for state and reporting and compliance topics, hosting hundreds of webinar and open hour sessions to better prepare our customers for upcoming submissions and/or changes. Compliance is a non-negotiable part of our business model, and these experts are keeping our customers safe from potential penalties every single day.

Project Management
+### pts

Project managers serve as the single point of contact for our customers throughout their implementation, mapping out the various aspects of the project from initial kickoff through go-live and beyond. They are tasked with providing clear and detailed instructions at every step along the way, sharing content, keeping in tune with general sentiment, and intervening when needed to keep things moving forward. First impressions are critical, and it’s up to the project managers to be the face of a positive onboarding experience.