Higher Education discussion
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I've attended Ball State University in Indiana, and Carlow University in Pennsylvania. Hopefully I'll be teaching in either a public school or college in 2009 or 2010.
Ashley wrote: "Not currently employed at a college/university but I am working on my Master's Degree so that, hopefully, in the next year I will be working on a campus somewhere. I attended Susquehanna University..."What do you want to do at a college? What are you studying in graduate school?
I am not currently employed professionally but am in the second year of my higher education and student affairs graduate program at the University of South Carolina. I am a graduate assistant in the Career Center and attended the University of North Carolina Wilmington for undergrad.
Ashley wrote: "Susan wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Not currently employed at a college/university but I am working on my Master's Degree so that, hopefully, in the next year I will be working on a campus somewhere. I at..."I would suggest a few things. First, have you had your resume reviewed by your career services department? If not, do so. Competition is stiff, so you really need to your resume to jump out at them and yet look professional.
Second, have you been networking? Make sure you stay in touch with professors, internship contacts, and fellow students. You never know when they may know of something. Even if they don't know of something now, you never know. I've gotten 2 jobs in higher ed this way.
Third, volunteer work is OK. You can list that on your resume. Talk to your career services about how to really make it shine. Did you do an internship in your master's program? If so, highlight that on your resume.
Fourth, if you have the time, it would be a great idea to do some volunteer work at a college in the area that you are most interested in. It's more experience you can add to your resume and you will learn a lot. Even if you work during the day, there may be some students affairs or volunteer program work you can do on the weekends or evenings.
Fifth, there are two different strategies that you may want to consider. One is try to find a similar type of work that you might be able to do outside of higher ed, which eventually you would be able to bring the experience back with you to higher ed one day. For example, if you want to work with volunteer organizations, find a job at a nonprofit organizations (and do volunteer work on your own). A different idea is to find a job on a campus completely outside of your field but one you can get. It doesn't matter what it is - cafeteria work, housekeeping, anything. It gets you in the system. Many colleges open positions only to people who already work there. So, once you are in you will have a much easier time moving into something else.
I hope this helps. Good luck. I'd be curious to know your progress. Feel free to ask me more questions anytime.
Ashley wrote: "Susan wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Susan wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Not currently employed at a college/university but I am working on my Master's Degree so that, hopefully, in the next year I will be workin..."Hey Ashley,
I was in Alpha Phi Omega too! I loved it.
I am really glad that you found what I said helpful! I hope you find something soon. I thought about you and have some more advice (below).
Volunteering with APO can be helpful. Everything helps. It is something that you can put on your resume and you might make some good contacts.
I do think though that you should contact the director of whatever type of office that you are most interested in and offer your services. Basically you'd be doing an internship, but for experience, not pay or credit. So, for example, if you want to work in student activities you could offer your time helping to plan activities, etc. Some places may say no, but one yes will turn into great experience and more to add to your resume. All of the people you talk to, including the ones who say no, are potential network contacts. They may remember you later when something comes up or even just remember your name if you happen to apply for a job in there area. If after talking with you and knowing how much you want this career, they see your resume for an opening, they will have a good impression. Be sure to act professionally with all interactions you have with staff. If you meet with them in person, dress like you would for an interview. You want them to remember you as a professional. You can even give out networking cards (like business cards but just about you and a few points about you and your skills).
Also, I don't know if I mentioned community colleges. It's not unusual for them to hire extra people for part-time, sometimes short-term projects when they need extra hands. Often these jobs are unadvertised. It's more word of mouth. So, it could be helpful to try to network with community college personnel.
Don't forget about for-profit schools, especially the small ones. Even if it isn't where you want to work later, it may just get you some experience. They sometimes less competitive as far as the job market and many of them are fairing better in this economy than not-for-profit schools.
Are you involved in a professional association? That's a great way to stay up in the field and to network. If you can go to any conferences, that can be great networking too -- and it can go on your resume too.
Do you have a LinkedIn account? If not, get one and join groups in your career field. There are often great discussions and networking opportunities within LinkedIn for free.
Good luck,
Susan
Ashley wrote: "Susan wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Susan wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Susan wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Not currently employed at a college/university but I am working on my Master's Degree so that, hopefully, in t..."Yes, I think that will help.
I would suggest getting a LinkedIn account. The basic account is free. Joining groups on LinkedIn is also free. I have joined LinkedIn groups for several organizations that I am not a member of. They have all accepted me, even the restricted groups. I think it could be good networking for you. Before you ask to join the groups, I would suggest updating your profile with your related degree so they know why you are wanting to join.
One word of caution, if you put your desire for a new job in LinkedIn then your current employer may see it and not be happy. If that is a concern, join the groups but be careful about what you say in open groups. (Some groups are closed so that only members can read your comments. However, many are open and can be seen by anyone who searches.)
Ashley wrote: "Susan wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Susan wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Susan wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Not currently employed at a college/university but I am working on my Master's Degree so that, hopefully, in t..."Ashley,
How is the job search going?
Susan
That sounds like a good way to go. I would not give up your current job without a new job. Good luck.
I'm currently an Adjunct at Daytona State College teaching Developmental Reading courses to incoming freshmen. I have my MS Ed. in Literacy and my BA in History. To help pay the bills, I also work for a virtual K-12 school teaching Social Studies and English. I'm looking for any and all teaching opportunities.
As an update to my previous post, I am currently in the full time position of Learning Specialist at Daytona State College with the hopes of adjuncting in the Fall. I am also working on my Doctorate in Reading and Literacy Leadership at Walden University.
Ezra