Career Advice

Hi Peoplegogy - great moniker.

What is your work background and what area of student affairs would you like to work in?

I started out in youth development. I used to be a program coordinator for a GEAR UP program. Over the past four years, I have owned a consulting company (which failed), been a substitute teacher, and a conversational tutor with an English language institute at a university.... I am leaning towards Multicultural Affairs, but I am open.

Hi Will: Many of the connections made on our campus happen through graduate assistantships, program review research, and presentations. Are you able to offer your experience to programs on your campus who may need a presenter or facilitator? Could you direct one of your grad course assignments toward a program review in multicultural affairs? Volunteer and offer your expertise, people will notice. 

Thanks. I will check that out. I will put in an email today and see what happens.

You have a good background for a variety of things within this field, and I think that a good way to get started is to actually look for jobs before you need one. Print out the ads, read the job descriptions and pick them apart, and this will help you pick a direction. One of the great things about Student Affairs/Higher Ed is that good skills in a human services area are easily transferable from one job area to another. I think as long as you write your resume and cover letter toward specific positions and highlight your skills and experiences so far, you will probably be very marketable. I see the variety in your background as a great asset. Make sure that is what you are putting out there in your search, and you will do well. Good luck!

Thanks for your feedback. I am appreciative for yours and others advice. This has been a great motivator and sign that I have made the right decision to pursue a career in Student Affairs.