Celebrating Careers in Student Affairs
Careers in Student Affairs Month (October) is dedicated to the celebration of a career in student affairs, education and awareness in the profession, and engagement with professional associations and peers in the field.
Hear from a few of Wake Forest’s student affairs rock stars below.
While I was an RA at Florida State University, my supervisor talked to me about the Student Affairs program at The University of Georgia (UGA). I had zero clue, at the time, that you could essentially be a grown-up RA. So, I looked into the program and got accepted to UGA. I became a Grad Hall Director and well ever since graduating in 2002, I’ve been doing this work.
Remember, this profession is hard, often thankless work, but it’s good work, and we need good people to keep doing it.
I was an RA in college and absolutely loved my experience. One day, I was sitting with my hall director and told her that I wished I could just work in a residence hall for a living, and she said “Well, have you heard about student affairs?” With the various things I was involved in and the things that brought me joy in college, pursuing student affairs made sense!
Keep your mind (and your options) open. I went into my graduate program thinking I wanted to go into one functional area and came out with a job in a very different one. Even in my current role, while I don’t directly work in campus life, I get to work every single day with incredible students as they develop and grow at WFU. I had no idea I would ever be working with students in the capacity that I do, but I love it, and I’m so glad I kept an open mind along my professional journey. (I also think my photo needs some context. It was taken in 2010 when I was a full-time hall director at the University of Missouri, and I wore lots and lots of different hats!)
I have always been a person who likes to help people and encourage them to be the best version of themselves.
I would encourage those interested in student affairs to seek internships or practicum experiences related to different functional areas in the field.
Find a mentor! Most student affairs educators are thrilled to share more about the field and their own paths, so ask someone to have coffee and ask them for advice.
I found it meaningful and fulfilling to be part of students’ lives during such an important and transformational time in their lives. The opportunity to have even the smallest positive impact on the students and staff I serve has kept me engaged in higher education.
Don’t underestimate the importance of having a support network not only within your own functional area but also with colleagues across the division and at other institutions. There is immense value in learning from other functional areas and other institutions. Utilize networking opportunities to make connections!
College is a unique time when students contemplate big questions about who they want to be in the world and how they can create change in their communities. I am passionate about connecting students to experiential learning and community change work!
My hall rector at Notre Dame was a nun named Sister Sue. She attended all of our intramural games wearing a jersey with “One Fun Nun” on the back and cheered for us with an old cowbell. I got to serve on her staff as an RA, and she encouraged me to think about a career in student affairs.
After working in corporate brand management, I was ready to start a second career. I wanted to do something very different. I have a real heart for college-age people and a keen interest in the learning process. Being an alum, I truly love the Wake Forest family. Being on campus and working with our students is a gift and I am grateful for the opportunity to be an academic coach and help bring out the best in students!
Go for it! It’s never too early or too late to make a difference in the life of a college-age person. Bring lots of energy and realize you will be working with people who are on a growth journey and learning a lot about themselves as they also learn the material in a classroom.
To have an impact on a student’s life outside of the classroom.
Be a servant leader!
I’ve always had a passion for college, students, and helping/serving the needs of others. In student affairs, especially residence life and housing, we work with students on their worst and best days. Showing grace, mercy, kindness, and extending a helping hand on those two days and the many in between….we DO make a difference in the lives of our students.
We grow as we go. Always be willing to keep growing and learning and giving and serving and laughing and making a difference.