I just graduated and am applying for the Masters Program in Higher Ed Administration...I think what he has here is accurate...the environment is healthy, friendly, but YES you do have to love what you do!
lily
of CA
@
Oct 15, 2009 20:26:18 PM
Eye of the beholder...
Regarding an earlier reader's comment..."What is the writer smoking?" Student Affairs/Personnel is really no different from any other vocation. Burnout happens for many reasons. Ultimately, the employee has to get help or leave the position to regain workplace enjoyment! I have worked within university settings for the past fifteen years (I am now in my early 40's). I have been a financial aid counselor, admissions counselor, academic advisor, and orientation coordinator at both state and private institutions: Each job had good and not so hot duties. Overall, I can not imagine many other vocations I would enjoy as much as this field! The students can be just wonderful and inspiring, I am constantly learning and taking courses, myself. The pay is lower, yet the benefits are often wonderful, to offset lower salaries. Our jobs are often what we [choose] to make of them...Student Affairs work "rocks," as my advisees would say!
K O'Leary
of FL
@
Oct 02, 2009 12:18:02 PM
What is the writer smoking?
Jobs in Student Affairs are unusually pleasant? With litigation concerns, activities that require work at all hours, students with serious health problems (both mental and physical), and low pay, people in that area need to be seriously committed to the work. It's no wonder that there are entry-level positions - people who can move onward or elsewhere with frequency to avoid burnout.
Dove
of CA
@
Sep 29, 2009 20:34:24 PM
to know USMLE TEST PREPARATION & STUDY
I have no idea. I am a graduate but I want to ask how to do usmle test preparation & study.
minthu
of CA
@
Aug 31, 2009 03:24:22 AM
Dastfbjg
AckGjY
Dastfbjg
of NE
@
Jul 15, 2009 09:32:38 AM
Where did US News come up with the list of prep programs?
Article was poorly researched and the author is misinformed. I work in higher ed- wouldn't work anywhere else- but it's only because my spouse makes enough to supplement the raises and salary I am NOT getting. Demands are high- hours are long- burnout rate is high. But again, I love what I do and I feel lucky to have been in this field for more than 15 years.
The top 10 programs listed in US News are a joke- some of them certainly have fine programs I'm sure- however, I have yet to meet anyone who graduated from a program at half of them. ACPA and NASPA have far more comprehensive lists of graduate programs.
SML
of NY
@
May 04, 2009 16:36:29 PM
I have worked in private sector of higher education for the past 7 years and it has been very rewarding. Because private schools are for-profit the salaries tend to be much higher. I too entered the industry as an admissions rep and was promoted to Director of Admissions in the first two years. I am currently working on a doctorate in Higher Education. I've decided that I'm in for the long haul.
Queen
of NV
@
Feb 23, 2009 00:21:29 AM
Foot in the door
The easiest way to get your foot in the door is to apply for an admissions counselor / recruiter position. The pay is nothing great to start, but you can work your way up fairly quickly. Also most schools will let you study for free, so you can get your graduate degree for free.
Also the best resource to look for jobs is higheredjobs.com and chronicle.com
In just under 8 years I was able to move up from an admissions counselor to assistant vice president of enrollment. I also completed 2 graduate degrees without having to spend a dime of my own money.
John
of NY
@
Feb 09, 2009 14:19:23 PM
careers
What is going on with our criminal justice careers there is no mentioned as a matter a fact they did not rank. What are these graduates suppose to do?
kay hallman
of CA
@
Jan 22, 2009 09:03:32 AM
Higher Education as a Career
I actually considered a career in higher education for a long time and was looking to attend graduate school this Fall. Personally, making a decent living is important to me and I don't feel I would feel I would achieve the financial status I wish to have with a career in higher ed. I honestly love the work, working with students, and working in academia, but the salary wouldn't allow me to live the lifestyle I want to live.
If I were to go to grad school this Fall and finish my master's in two years, I would honestly be making the same amount of money that I do now, and that is completely unacceptable to me. Not to mention, it would take me an addition 6 or 7 years to achieve the salary that is somewhat acceptable.
In all honesty it really depends on what you value and what's important to you. Eventually, I will work in higher education but probably in academics as a lecture or adjunct faculty, but I've found a career path/track that allows me to use a similar skillset, work with great people, and make a living that works for the lifestyle to live in.
lily of CA @ Oct 15, 2009 20:26:18 PM
K O'Leary of FL @ Oct 02, 2009 12:18:02 PM
Dove of CA @ Sep 29, 2009 20:34:24 PM
minthu of CA @ Aug 31, 2009 03:24:22 AM
Dastfbjg of NE @ Jul 15, 2009 09:32:38 AM
SML of NY @ May 04, 2009 16:36:29 PM
Queen of NV @ Feb 23, 2009 00:21:29 AM
John of NY @ Feb 09, 2009 14:19:23 PM
kay hallman of CA @ Jan 22, 2009 09:03:32 AM
Ankur of MD @ Jan 14, 2009 12:08:19 PM
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