Becoming a Career Services Director: Planning or Chaos? Pat Donahue

My Story 95% planning, 5% luck

So, you want to be a Career Services Director?

Questions to Consider: Do you love career services? Do you enjoy career advising and helping motivate students to achieve their career goals? Do you enjoy “sales” and building relationships with employers, faculty, and staff? Do you enjoy reading and gaining knowledge about different industries? Do you enjoy event planning? Do you enjoy assessment? Do you enjoy presenting to groups?

Skills and Personality Traits of Career Services Directors: Leadership and management of others Decision making Reliable Like a challenge Diplomacy and Politics Strategic planning Budgeting “Now that I am a director, I can no longer say: go ask Pat.” -Joe Lovejoy

Taking the Next Step: Preparing for the Role Skill Development Personal and Professional Support Does your supervisor support this goal? Geographic and Institutional Considerations Are you willing to try a new place or institutional type? Leverage your Network Get involved in Professional Associations What are your unique skills? Your current position/role Mid-year vs. End-of-year opportunities Look for opportunities

The Director Selection Process: What to Expect Interview w/ Dean and peer Directors Presentation to future staff and campus community Often related to strategic planning Meet w/ Deans of Schools and Development Officer Meet w/ VP of area which you would report to Time with students Time w/ your future staff Typically short! Campus Tour

Negotiating at the Director Level

Questions?

Contact Me: Pat Donahue Assistant Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education Executive Director, Career Development Center Indiana University, Bloomington donahued@indiana.edu (812) 855-3207