Blog from the Job Hakr: Student Affairs Job Search
This article will review where to look for student affairs jobs. It includes typical places for student affairs jobs in higher education and post-secondary institutions. In addition, general job listing sites are included as well as how to find remote jobs that use student affairs professionals’ skill sets.
Read MoreThis article will review the process of applying for student affairs jobs out of your immediate geographic area. Often this includes applying to student affairs opportunities in another state. Challenges and difficulties of this part of the job search will be identified as well as reasons for your desire to relocate.
Read MoreThis article will review reasons to look for jobs outside of student affairs. It covers transitioning outside of the field of higher education. The article includes how to look for work outside of traditional academic circles. Specific steps for bridging the gap and making this transition are outlined. Transferable skills that student affairs professionals already have as well as the power of networking are discussed in detail. Finally, student affairs alternative job roles, titles, and options are provided.
Read MoreWe’ve all been instructed to “find a mentor” in our student affairs career. But what does that involve? How do we do that? Is getting a mentor even a good idea? I’ve had a mentor for my entire student affairs career. His help has been invaluable. I highly suggest anyone in the field find, and regularly keep in touch with a mentor, for their own professional growth. But that often leads to the next question: How do I get a student affairs mentor?
Read MoreHow am I supposed to come back to student affairs after being away? It’s true, that you might have a gap in your employment history since you’ve left student affairs. Perhaps you took off time to start a family, pursue a different career path, or just wanted some time away. So how exactly do you re-enter the field of student affairs? There are certain steps you should take when you know that you’ll be away from the field for some time. Those include remaining connected, engaged, and informed. If you’re ready to return then you’ll need to make sure that your materials are ready to help re-launch your career.
Read MoreBeing asked to network as an introverted student affairs professional can be challenging. Especially if you are the kind of person that just wants to sit home and catch up on Netflix. As precariously balancing Introvert / Extrovert, I identify and empathize with you! Networking is definitely challenging if you just don’t feel like connecting with anyone. But meeting other people in the field and learning more about them is important. It’s just as important to share more about yourself for your own personal and professional development. Now let’s focus on 10 key areas to prioritize in order to successfully network as an introverted student affairs professional.
Read MoreNetworking in student affairs can be really difficult, particularly if you’re a new professional and haven’t done any professional networking before. When I first entered the field, I viewed networking as merely “professional schmoozing.” It was something that I didn’t really care for. I felt this way for several years, until it took me some time to get a hang for it at college events, conferences, and presentations. Then after a few more years, it clicked. I really understood the value of good networking and what it can do to open doors and opportunities for you. Every job I’ve had in student affairs has been due to networking. Every reference I give and receive is based on my network. In a field as social as student affairs, networking isn’t everything. Sometimes it’s the ONLY thing that separates you between the job that you have and the job you want. Based on the value that I’ve gotten out of networking, I’ve come to certain conclusions that I’ve developed over my years in the field. I hope that you can use these to your best advantage throughout your career.
Read MoreSometimes when you’re in between jobs, currently looking, or about to graduate from your grad program it’s hard to answer the question “what do you do?” Of course this is easier when you’re in the company of friends or other student affairs professionals. These are colleagues that you can relate and emote with. However answering this question for those outside of higher education can be a bit challenging.
Read MoreStudent affairs is both a pretty large and pretty small world. Most student affairs professionals in the job search succeed best when they can leverage their network to help them at the right time. Professional conferences are one of the most ideal places for networking. Here you can meet other liked minded student affairs professionals. Conferences provide opportunities to demonstrate your relevance and memorablity. The hard part comes when you have to pitch yourself. When to sell… YOU at the conference. Luckily you have a few options.
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