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Plan to Plan: Seven Tips for the Student Affairs Job Search


How do you plan to preparation for what you want to do for the next 3-5 years? This it is loaded question, yet one necessary for those preparing for the job search process. From revising your resume to trying, to decide which job placement conference to attend to finally arriving to your first interview, there are many factors of the hunt to consider. Nevertheless, do not fret! The NPGS executive board has seven helpful tips to make the start of your search routed toward success. 


Tip #1: Create a school profile. Where is the institution located? What is the department’s guiding mission? What student services do they provide? New professional Tanesha Barnes from New York University suggests creating a profile database to track this information easily. “Creating an excel document with the institution’s mission, guiding principles and the department philosophy. This collection of data will help create a well rounded picture of the university, something that is not always easy to gleam from a website.”


Tip #2: Be adventurous. It is understandable to become comfortable in your assistantship or entry-level position. However, considering where your skills could transfer in other functional areas might assist you in not an increased chance to land a job, but diversify your resume as well.Katie DeWilde from University of Washington recommends taking a risk on yourself. “Let things happen that you didn't expect to happen. Take a huge step out of your comfort zone-- you never know what you'll find in the job search!”


Tip #3: Schedule an informational interview.” Practicing your interviewing skills is helpful as you have the opportunity to become comfortable with its process, understand your strengths, and gain insight on the areas you need to improve. Offering another great tip is Tanesha Barnes, “If you are sure of the areas in student affairs you interested pursuing, I suggest you reach out to colleagues and ask them for some time to conduct an in person or phone informational interview.” 


Tip #4: Prepare an elevator speech: Tell me about yourself . . .in 30 seconds. Additionally prefect for during introductions at an interview, Daniel Choi and Tera Nakata, both Residence Hall Directors at New York University, educate us on the aim of an effective elevator speech. “You need to be able to say who you are, what you do, what you are interested in doing and how you can potentially be a fit for a position. Know yourself, know what types of functional areas you are interested in, and know when to share it. You never know who you may meet or be introduced to, so this is a good way to keep searching without ‘searching’.” 


Tip #5: Present theory in your practice. Display insight on the information you have mastered to earn your student affairs or high education degree! In preparing for her upcoming job search this spring, Shareè L. Myricks, a Graduate Hall Director at Texas A&M University, offers showing how you have been intentional in putting theory to practice. “When providing examples of your work experiences, articulate which student development theory guides your practice. Finding one or two theories which are reflective in you work with students displays your knowledge about the foundational scholarship in the field.” 


Tip # 6 Practice Negotiating: As new professional who might be entering the job search for the first time at the professional level, it might be intimidating to jump at the first job or first salary offered! New professional Erica Lovano McCann who serves as the Assistant Director of Undergraduate Programs at University of Southern California proposes thinking critically about acceptance conversation. "Negotiation takes practice.  When offered a position take notes on the offer and ask for a day to consider it.  During this time, research similar positions at other institutions and compare salary ranges. Identify an amount you believe is fair according to your research and what you can bring to the position. Lastly, be confident!  Their HR office may have more experience negotiating, but no one knows your true worth better than you do."


Tip# 7: Enjoy the experience: Starting your professional career in student affairs can also serve you after you have landed the perfect job! As explained by Daniel Choi and Tera Nakata, the job search process can provide additional benefits.“Interviewing has multiple purposes. Obviously, it is to get a job but it is also a great time to learn things about yourself, meet new people, get information on various institutions, and as well critically think about where your values lay with regard to our profession and work. Take time to enjoy it and soak in the whole experience.” 


No matter what you decided to do for the next few years of your career in student affairs, make sure to have a plan and a few tips up your sleeve for success the upcoming job search season. Happy job hunting!


Shareè L. Myricks,

NASPA NPSG Co-Career Development Chair


Graduate Hall Director, Department of Residence Life & Practicum Advisor - Southwestern 

Black Student Leadership Conference (SBSLC)
Texas A&M University