The Top Ten Ways to Add Value to Your First Two Years on the Job!

I remember my first two years in the field as the Coordinator of Student Activities responsible for Intramural Sports and Programming at a small, public institution.  I thought everyone was judging the decisions I made, the 65 hours a week in the office I spent, and that I was pulled in a million different directions.  Looking back, all of that was true!  But that doesn’t mean it was a terrible experience.  In fact, I think it was exciting and amazingly fulfilling. Not only did I survive…I thrived both personally and professionally.  Here is my top ten list on how to add value and survive during your first two years on the job in student affairs. 

10.  It Isn’t Rocket Science!

The first couple years are very tough for a new professional because it is hard to keep perspective.  We think our job is the most important thing in the world and every decision feels like life or death.  Keep in mind that a mistake can be a learning opportunity and those around you don’t expect perfection, just the willingness to learn and grow from it.  Don’t beat yourself up…the sun will rise the next day…I promise!

9. But It Is Important!

What you are doing is very important.  Yes, you might feel you don’t have any real influence on big decisions or policies made within the institution but, day to day, you are the students’ connection to the school.  Without you, those students wouldn’t feel a sense of community or place.  And you get to really help them grow and develop. In the long run, graduates are going to look back and think what you did was much more valuable in their lives then what a senior cabinet member did. 

8. Put the Time In

This is the time to get work done and build your reputation. Nothing can solidify your future more than having the reputation of being a hard worker who is willing to put in the time. The hours are going to be long some weeks and it is going to be stressful, but slacking shouldn’t be an option. The early part of your career is when people learn what you are made of and you can’t make another first impression about your work ethic. 

7.  But Remember to Put the Time Into You

While it is important to work hard and put in a lot of time at the office, you have to find some balance.  Yes, as #8 suggests, you need to work hard but in order to avoid burnout, you need to take time out for yourself.  Whether it’s a hobby, road trips to see friends, or just taking a day off, you won’t make it in the profession if you don’t find some work/life balance. 

6.  Professional Development Is Important And There Are Lots of Options!

New professionals should get engaged in the profession through a professional organization but sometimes there aren’t funds available to go to a national conference.  That okay because there are lots of other ways to get involved.  Look at volunteer opportunities within a professional organization like one of NASPA’s knowledge communities.  Or, see what is being offered at the state level.  Almost every professional organization has a state branch.  And look for offerings on your campus through your human resources office or computer services. 

5.  It’s About the Students….

Sometimes new professionals get worried about politics on their campus or volunteering for campus wide committees and end up spending time on things that shouldn’t (and aren’t) the priority.  In most instances, you are going to be a front line professional which means you are working directly with students.  It’s what your job is about…so they should be your first priority!  Don’t get distracted with other things at work.  Focus on the students. 

4.  And Your Future!

As you work with students, look for opportunities you might have to work with students and other departments.  Is another office having a big event and need some help on the planning committee like Homecoming?  Does Greek Life need some help during recruitment?  Does the Athletic Department need some assistance with their new student/athlete orientation?  Take advantage of those chances to help build your resume and your skills for your future!

3.  Find Your Mentors

You have got to find someone (or a couple someones) at your institution to help mentor you through the politics of your institution as well as be your sounding board for ideas, frustrations, etc.  It doesn’t have to be your boss but make sure it’s not someone who your boss will be jealous about.  I know that sounds petty but it could happen!

2.  Trust Your Gut and Learn from Your Mistakes

During your first couple years, you are going to be facing new situations and will have to make decisions.  Too often, new professionals over think situations.  Trust your gut!  You have the knowledge base to make the right decision so couple your knowledge of the policies, student development theories, etc. with your instincts, and you will make the right call in the end.  And if by chance you don’t make the right call, and that might happen, make sure you learn from the situation.  

1.     We All Have a Comfort Zone…Step Out of Yours!

One of my favorite quotes is “A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.”  Your first two years on the job will challenge you and it will be easy to try to stay within your comfort zone.  But you got to take chances and seek out opportunities and relationships that will stretch you professionally and personally.  It will help you grow not only in the present but in the future as well!

Hopefully these tips will help you thrive during your first two years in the profession.  When you get stressed or overwhelmed (and we all do regardless of how long we have been in the field), remember this is a profession that does make a difference and that you are contributing, making your institution better.  It isn’t rocket science…but it sure is important!  

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Ahmed Samaha is the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Life at the University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA). Ahmed is the past chair of the National Association of Campus Activities (NACA) and has held a variety of leadership positions within the organization. Ahmed is a proud graduate of Mercer University with undergraduate degrees in history and political science, as well as a graduate from the University of Georgia with a Master's in Higher Education with an emphasis in counseling. He is ABD from the University of South Carolina in Higher Education Administration. Along with his wife Kathy, they are busy raising two boys - Drew (16) and Tucker (11). An interesting fact about Ahmed is that he was born and raised in Key West, Florida - the Southernmost City in the United States.