My Path Towards a Rewarding Career

Thirty years ago, in the Spring of 1987, I was a senior at Ohio University and unsure about my future. Although I received a fantastic education and enjoyed a range of involvement opportunities on campus, I felt as though I hadn't found my passion. I was a couple of months away from graduation with no solid plan for a career.

I was scared.

Luckily (and unbeknownst!) to me, there were student affairs staff who were watching out for me and had confidence in my abilities.

As the president of the programming board on campus, I had the opportunity to attend the regional ACU-I  Conference at Kent State University with fellow students and staff. It was during lunch at the conference that I had a conversation with Mike Sostarich, Assistant Dean of Students, about my frustration of not being passionate about a particular career path. He listened to me and said he understood. Mike then uttered a phrase that would forever change my life, “Trish, I think you need to go to the workshop this afternoon on careers in student affairs.”

I thought to myself, huh?

Like many undergraduates at that time, working on a college campus wasn’t a career I thought about, despite my extensive involvement in campus life. I went to the workshop at Kent State and during the session, lightbulbs went off. It all came together and without any doubt, I knew that working in student affairs was for me. I had a passion!

Upon returning to campus, the Director of Student Leadership Programs, Nance Lucas, advised me on next steps and applying for graduate school. I stayed at Ohio University for my masters program and went on to work at schools with great student affairs programs. I was fortunate enough to have people such as Angela Guillory, “Dr. B.” Brattain, and Jim Minor guide me in my career and encourage my involvement in organizations like ACPA, NACA and ACU-I.

By now, you are probably thinking, “This is all very interesting, but what's your point?”

Well, this month is Careers in Student Affairs Month. It is a time when those of us working in higher education encourage undergraduate students and others to consider this rewarding field and to celebrate our work. This year’s theme is The Next 100 Years and it explores progress made within the profession over the past 100 years, highlights trends affecting campus life, and discusses implications for the future of the profession. Colleges and universities and professional associations are hosting webinars, workshops, online Twitter chats, and information sessions on these topics and how to get started in student affairs work.

Additionally, professionals are sharing their stories so that others can see the many paths one can take in higher education. Although I worked in student affairs for only 12 years, as I worked in other areas of higher education I continued to stay involved as a staff member assisting with mock interviews for master’s candidates and volunteering as an advisor.  Now, as a faculty member I feel as though my career has come full circle as I teach in a graduate program that prepares others for higher education work.

I am truly blessed.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in student affairs, you can find information on the NASPA website. If you are currently working in student affairs, connect with your colleagues to explore the themes of this month’s celebration.

NOTE: I felt compelled to mention my advisors and mentors by name in this blog because I am for ever indebted for their wisdom and guidance in my early career.