For New Staff and Graduate Students NASPA March 9, 2010 Chicago, IL

Anne E. Lombard, Ph.D. Assistant to the Vice President for Special Projects, Ohio University, Athens, OH Juliana Mosley, Ph.D. Vice President for Student Affairs, Philander Smith College, Little Rock, AR Kent J. Smith, Jr., Ph.D. Vice President for Student Affairs, Ohio University, Athens, OH

As a result of attending this presentation, you will: understand the importance of doing thorough research at every phase of the job search process develop strategies for finding and serving as a mentor understand the importance of the first year in a new job and develop strategies to maximize your opportunities understand the importance of developing a professional network understand the importance of goal setting as it relates to your personal and professional goals

Think critically about student affairs work and where you see yourself in the future Other goals you have....

Recent graduates from college student personnel programs indicated the two most important competencies in their new positions were underemphasized in graduate school coursework (Mather & Smith, Under review): Advising and helping Managing and leading human resources Recent graduates feel least prepared in the following areas (Cuyjet, Longwell-Grice, & Molina, 2009): Grant writing Budgeting Financial management Supervising others Another study indicated new professionals don’t feel well-prepared by their master’s program in several areas (Renn & Jessup-Anger, 2008): Budgeting Navigating institutional politics Advising Supervising

There is a disconnect between what happens in the classroom and what is needed on the job. Supervisors of entry-level professionals feel new professionals are least prepared in the following areas (Cuyjet, Longwell-Grice, & Molina, 2009): Budgeting Financial management Grant writing Writing for publication Supervisors of entry-level professionals and SSAOs aren’t completely satisfied with preparation of new professionals (Herdlein, 2004) regarding: Budgeting Strategic planning Campus politics Research and assessment Legal knowledge

New professionals (first time, full-time with < 5 years of experience) comprise 15-20% of the student affairs workforce at any one time High attrition rate from student affairs – 50-60% of new professionals within the first 5 years

You cannot do enough research before you apply University website Professional contacts Strategic plans – university and unit Institutional and unit values and goals What can you learn about your potential supervisor? His/her supervisor? The president? What is the campus culture? Why is this position open? Know the environment

The phone interview The campus visit Follow up

Know what you’re being asked to do Seek out your supervisor’s expectations How will you know when you’ve been successful? Dress the part Know your boundaries

People who are mentored are twice as likely to be promoted as those who aren’t (Ellen Fagenson Eland) Seven steps to finding and keeping a mentor: Identify a potential mentor Ask good questions Don’t expect miracles Be a good listener Prove you’re serious Always be on the lookout Give back

“If you are not in control of your focus, thoughts, and time – you are not in control – and most likely someone else is.” Discussion Questions: Why is it so important to set goals and objectives? Who has written personal and professional goals for this year? For the next 5 years? For beyond?

Steps to setting goals and objectives: Begin with an intention Consider three key areas when setting goals Start with your personal goals first Consider your professional goals Consider your financial goals Goals must be written Goals must be measurable

Think beyond just a professional network Strive to expand your circle of contacts Always go to the networking reception before a business function Be sure to make an appearance at professional, university, and community events Seek out new venues Be up front Bring a pen (and your business card)! Show your appreciation Keep in touch without being overly aggressive

Mouth closed... eyes and ears open Learn the culture The rumor mill You’re not a student anymore

Professional writing Six degrees of separation Everybody is not your friend The paper trail

Brief overview of who we are and where we’ve been No topic is off limits What do you really want to know?

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