Running head: Career Reflection

Audrey Batista Case Studies: Career Reflection Kent State University

Running head: Career Reflection There comes a time in a graduate students career when asked, What do you plan on doing when you graduate? When asked this question, graduate students in higher education programs will most likely give up to three or four different areas of interest in which they would care to work within the student affairs profession. With a multiplicity of professional facets, student affairs and higher education are without a doubt, one of the most multi-faceted professions to pursue. As I near the end of my graduate career, I have been asked the very question mentioned above and have found that providing the individual inquiring about post graduation plans with one solid answer is rarely an option. Having been afforded a multitude of career development opportunities throughout the duration of the program, I have gained positive and negative experiences, changed career aspirations, and am pursing a diverse job search as I prepare to take the next step towards a professional career in student affairs. Throughout the following text, I will reflect on past career thinking, experiences throughout the program, and future aspirations. Upon coming to Kent State my primary career aspiration was to work in an international admissions department and serve as an international student recruitment officer. When I applied to Kent State I was very interested in the International Certificate and had full intentions of

pursuing the coursework necessary to fulfill the certificate requirements. My career goals were to pursue a practicum in the international admissions office through the office of Global Education, direct my elective courses towards the certificate requirements, and to pursue placement in the International Village Experience living learning community through my Graduate Assistantship with Kent State Residence Services. While my goals were attainable and in alignment with my career aspirations, I was determined to keep an open-mind, knowing that a plethora of experiences and opportunities would be available throughout the duration of the program.

Running head: Career Reflection This mindset proved to be beneficial as began my academic journey. My first semester I chose to take the Student Affairs Functions course where I learned about many career opportunities in student affairs that had not crossed my mind prior to beginning the program. This course along with other courses taken my first semester encouraged experience in selfreflection regarding career and academic interests. For my first practicum, I landed an intern position in the International Admissions Department through the Office of Global Education. This aligned with my goals and I was thrilled. However, as I learned more and more about the functions of an international admissions office, I realized that what had been my career aspiration was now a facet of the student affairs profession I no longer wished to pursue. I learned that a large part of an international admissions department works with data input and

analysis such as performing credential evaluations. This experience was a turning point for me as I suddenly realized that pursuing a career or the certificate in international higher education was no longer of interest to me. For my second practicum, I had the amazing opportunity to work with the Student Success Programs office with the Destination Kent State program as a Flashguide Supervisor. This practicum was an additional turning point as I realized that working in student orientation and student success is the area of student affairs that best fits my personality, interests and future career aspirations. Through this experienced I gained skills in supervising, parent relations, the first year experience, student transitions, collaboration with university departments and stakeholders, and most importantly, experience in waking up every morning to a job you love. The final experience I will reflect on is my experience with my Graduate Assistantship that has provided numerous professional opportunities for me throughout the duration of the program. As an Assistant Residence Hall Director, I have served in the role of supervisor to

Running head: Career Reflection

resident assistants and advisor to student organizations. Additionally, I have gained experience in policy enforcement, academic counseling, crisis management, assessment and evaluation, and in program planning, development and implementation. The opportunities afforded to me throughout my Graduate Assistantship have enabled me to acquire skills that may be applied to numerous career opportunities. This has proved to be exceptionally beneficial as I navigate through my quest to find the perfect job opportunity through my current job search. Having conducted a conference style-search for graduate school, I decided to opt for an independent search for my first professional career endeavor. When I was searching for a graduate school, I pursed Kent State University independently which allowed me to invest time and interest in the program as opposed to pursing multiple screening based interviews. I am currently searching for available positions in a very specific geographical location which includes northern and southern New Mexico, Colorado, and north, west, and east Texas. Additionally, my job search is diverse in that I am searching for positions ranging from Housing and Residence Services, to Alumni Relations, Communications, Academic Advising and Student Success and Orientation. I currently have an on-campus interview with Texas Tech University in the Housing and Residence Life department and am waiting to hear back from employers where I have submitted applications. While this style of job search may not be for everyone, I believe it is the best choice for me as I have a clear idea of where I want to be, and in what areas, as diverse as they may be, where I want to work. I recognize the difficulty that may be associated with this search, but know that time, patience and persistence will be necessary for success. When I leave Kent State University, I will have both an M.Ed. and invaluable career experience for which I am grateful. I look forward to applying the lessons I have learned in future career endeavors and look forward to the journey that lies ahead.