So we are approaching graduation season, where soon to be grads are often asked that, what can seem, dreaded question- what are you doing next? Unfortunately, not everyone has a job offer waiting for them as soon as they collect their degree. So if you want to keep the knowledge you’ve gained from your course fresh, becoming a tutor can be a great way of doing this. You can earn some extra cash, whilst also passing the baton on to novices in your chosen field!
The great thing about tutoring is that the only requirement is experience in the subject you tutor- no additional teacher qualification is needed.
From traditional academic subjects like Maths to more creative courses such as Photography, tutoring can stretch across any area you have knowledge in. There are many 1:1 tuition sourcing sites where you can set your own price and as you develop experience, you have the flexibility to increase your pay rate.
I was first introduced to tutoring in my third year of university when I joined a tutoring company in Brighton. Someone- till this day I’m not exactly sure who, but if you’re reading this, thank you- had mentioned to the founder that I was studying English at university. So I received a phone call asking if I could take on a GCSE English student. Initially, I was hesitant as I thought I needed teaching experience. But I was reassured that this was not required as I had passed GCSE English Language and Literature.
Being an English tutor on this level during my final year of university was a good way for me to earn some extra cash, for no more than 2 hours per week. The flexibility meant I was still able to focus on my dissertation and final modules.
From this experience, I realised I enjoyed tutoring in this way. I was rediscovering aspects of English, whilst also sharing knowledge with students and helping them understand the detail of the course.
Tips for beginner Tutors:
- Patience – It is a process to revise and explain topics with your students. Each student is different and learns in different ways, so it’s important to work alongside them at their own pace.
- Preparation – You’ll need to familiarise yourself with your student’s syllabus, exam board and mark scheme. Take time out to lesson plan ahead of each session, instead of rushing to do it last minute. It makes things easier and helps ensure you are offering the best service to your student.
- Ask for feedback- Ask your students how they are finding the sessions and incorporate feedback into future sessions. Is your student a visual learner? Audio learner? Take note of these things and try to tailor lessons to how they learn best. Ask for reviews as well, to build your profile page.
- Resources- Will you be providing resource materials for students? Or will you be working from their resources? If you are providing materials, ensure you have access to printers and take account for this in your pricing plans
After a break from tutoring and now in London, I am tutoring again and freelancing as a writer and digital marketer alongside this.
Sites I have used to help source students this time round are Tutorful and Tutorhunt. TutorHunt is particularly good because it allows you to keep all the profit you charge for your student, whereas Tutorful takes a cut from you- its more of an agency but you are classed as Self-Employed under both sourcing sites.
I hope these tips have provided insight into tutoring and has helped you decide whether it is something you want to try out. If you have any more questions about tutoring, I’m happy to answer them in the comment section below!
