Student Affairs is…from an association perspective

Attempting to explain what we do in student affairs to people outside the field can lead to some funny interactions.

“So, you’re a teacher?”

“Well, teaching sometimes is an opportunity, but I wouldn’t say that’s my primary responsibility.”

“You can help my child get into the Harry Potter University?”

“I wouldn’t mind helping to review their application materials, but I don’t make decisions regarding admissions.”

“You plan fun parties with food. That’s what you do, right? A party planner!”

“I work with students to facilitate programs on campus that sometimes have amazing food and are lots of fun for the community, but I’m not a party planner.”

Whenever I go home to visit family I feel we engage in this never ending circle of questions. Sometimes it’s funny and other times I wish I was an accountant. But ultimately, I appreciate the genuine interest they have in my chosen career path, even if they can’t wrap their heads around what I actually do.

I entered the field of student affairs because I value the significance of providing personal, social, and cultural development opportunities for both students and administrators. I had very positive experiences working on college campuses, but realized that my professional fit in higher education is open and flexible to many connection points. I’ve learned there’re multiple avenues in which I can live out my passions without holding a traditional student affairs role. When I played with the idea of leaving a college campus to pursue an opportunity with NASPA I was met with some perplexed looking faces.

My community of supporters challenged me to reflect on this decision, as some felt it didn’t match up with my professional career goals. To be honest, I was nervous right along with them. At the time, I knew that I had the desire and a vision to provide resources, intentional engagement opportunities, and professional development through a national lens. I did the one thing I always encouraged my students to do. Trust my gut.

My interest in association management stemmed from multiple opportunities I had throughout the years. My involvement with The Placement Exchange (TPE) has probably been the most impactful. TPE allowed me along with other committee members and association liaisons the opportunity to provide a job placement service on a national level. While in New Orleans for a committee site visit, I was formally introduced to the roles that exist within professional associations. I’ve always known “real” people work for NASPA and ACUHO-I, but it wasn’t until this meeting that I truly understood and appreciated those who serve in these specific roles. I started to gain a better understanding of what it looks like to offer services and support to professionals and students in higher education on a larger scale.

I trusted my gut and pursued the opportunity to work with the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. In my role I work directly with our student and new professional’s populations. I get to work with programs that supported me as undergraduate, graduate student, and emerging professional. I’m serving the field in a very unique way. I enjoy the conversations I have with members about getting involved with NASPA. I believe my personal experiences as a member allows me to relate with professionals looking to get connected on a national level.

I must admit, working for an association is different. It’s not for everyone. I appreciate during my interview process I was asked on multiple occasions if I understood the type of work I would be doing with the organization. Of course, I always said, “Yes, I 100 percent know what I’m getting myself into.” Like any new job things present themselves differently then what expected. It’s been a learning experience that has shaped me professionally. There are days that I miss working on a college campus and being interrupted by students who want to simply say hello. I miss the welcome week events and the random conversations about switching majors.

My time with NASPA has been great. I’ve been here less than a year, but feel I’ve gained more knowledge about the field than I could have ever imagined. I could see myself going back to a college campus one day and working directly with a student population. But for now, this is where my journey has taken me. I want to soak up all the knowledge and appreciate being present in this moment.

I’m continuously learning to practice the advice I use to share with my students.