Transcript The Role of Professional Associations, the Job Search, and Resume
The Role of Professional Associations, the Job Search, and Resume Writing
Matthew Park EDHE 6730 Dr. Jack Baier Fall 2008
Why talk about professional associations?
“At a minimum, anyone intending a serious career in student affairs should be a member of at least one professional association.” (Barr, 2000) “Active membership in professional organizations enhances a professionals upward mobility in student affairs.” (Ostroth, 1984) Research indicates that CSAOs considered affiliation with associations crucial to attaining their current positions. (Chernow, 2003)
History of Professional Associations
1916 – National Association of Deans of Women (NADW) 1991 – National Association for Women in Education (NAWE) 1919 – National Association of Deans and Advisers of Men (NADAM) 1951 – National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (
NASPA
) 1924 – National Association of Appointment Secretaries (NAAS) 1929 – National Association of Placement and Personnel Officers (NAPPO) 1931 – American College Personnel Association (
ACPA
) 1991 – Disaffiliated from American Association for Counseling and Development (AACD) 1954 – National Association of Personnel Workers (NAPW) 1994 – National Association of Student Affairs Professionals (
NASAP
)
A Moment of Pause
The Big Three NASPA (over 11,000 members) ACPA (nearly 9,000 members) NASAP One profession, multiple associations. Any problems?
Only 20,000 of over 50,000 student affairs professionals at accredited intuitions in NASPA/ACPA. Any problems?
Expansion of Professional Associations
AACRAO (1910; 10,000 members) ACU-I (1914; 3,200 members) ACHA (1920; 3,000 members) NODA (1947; 1,750 members) NACUBO (1950; 2,500 members) ACA (1952; 45,000 members) ACUHO-I (1952; 6,400 members + 200 associates) NACE (1956; 5,200 members + 3,000 associates) NACA (1968; 1,000 members + 650 associates) NASFAA (1968; 12,000 members) ASJA (1987; 1,200 members) And the list goes on…
Role of Professional Associations
Most professional associations perform the following functions: Conduct research Publish and disseminate research, information, and opinion Provide educational training and professional development programs Advocate on behalf of public policy or broad professional issues affecting members Assist members with career development issues Promulgate standards for professional preparation and practice Create opportunities for professional peers to interact
Common Characteristics
Legally incorporated non-profit entities.
Governing board of elected and/or appointed individuals.
Operations are managed by volunteers.
Relatively small office staffs to provide administrative services.
Funded primarily through member dues, institutional memberships, fees for programs/services, publications, and grants.
Online presence.
International participation.
Exercise of power limited to small number of members.
Forms of Individual Involvement
Consumer Member Contributor Volunteer Coordinator Governance
Benefits of Involvement
Enhance one’s development Administrative and professional skills Gain new perspectives and knowledge Develop leadership skills and orientation to the profession Career placement opportunities Stronger sense of professional identity Colleagues and professional networks Exchange of ideas Opportunities for continued interactions and get-togethers Make a contribution to the association Help and/or influence the profession and its direction Shape professional practice and accreditation standards
Basic Suggestions for Getting Started
Assess your own situation What do you wish to accomplish? What are your talents? What are your developmental aspirations?
Investigate associations Websites, review publications, faculty and colleagues Join and participate Attend conferences, go with someone you know, ask questions Volunteer Submit a program, serve on a committee, newsletter or journal Explore other alternatives As you mature professionally, your interests may change Thoughts on multiple association affiliations Avoid commitments that cause you to give anything less than your best
Observations Across the Ages
Stages of career development Formative, Application, Additive, Generative Contrasting Involvement and Expectations New and young professionals Mid and seasoned professionals Senior officers
The Job Search – Basic Steps
Defining your search Written application Phone interview In-person interview The offer Placement and Networking
Defining Your Search
Values, skills, and abilities Location Type of institution 2 year vs. 4 year Public vs. private Research vs. liberal arts Large vs. small Institutional culture and purpose Job responsibilities and areas of interest
Search Locations and Listings
Chronicle of Higher Education Paper vs. online Higheredjobs.com
Studentaffairs.com
Higher-ed.org
NASPA and ACPA Professional associations (national, regional, state, local) Diversity/multicultural registers Search firms ( Spelman & Johnson ) Institutional websites Differences in listing locations by nature of position
Written Application
Cover letter Resume References State or institutional application
Resume Writing
The business resume vs. the curriculum vitae Where does the student affairs resume fit?
Chronological, functional, or the combo Content Sections and headings Tailored to the position you are seeking Responsibilities vs. accomplishments Layout and design Length and real estate Capitalization, bold, underline, italic, fonts, margins, justification, spacing, bullets, tabs Proofreading and resume services
Phone Interviews – The Long List
Interview by committee – less than an hour.
Hints and tips: Prepare yourself and practice (with a friend) Tape yourself – listen for ums, ahs, repeated words, dead time, other foibles (laughs, nerves, interruptions) Use a mirror – a reflection of your personality and confidence, remember non-verbals (dress, stand up, etc) List potential questions (and answers) Have at least three questions to ask them; demonstrate your research Create a peaceful area. No cell phone. Reduce distractions. Bathroom before. Glass of water. Have your resume handy (they will).
More Phone Interview Tips
Develop a signature statement (a one or two sentence career proclamation) Allow the interviewer(s) to guide the conversation but be mindful of your contributions Be aware of time zones STAR interviewing (behavioral technique) Situation or Task, Action, Results Thank yous
In-Person/On-Campus Interview – The Short List
Before you accept… interest & arrangements Format (all day, individual, group, students, administrators, faculty, meals, presentations) Expect multiple interviews Self preparation, comfort, and homework Demonstrate your abilities – relate them to the position Be enthusiastic and authentic – don’t let up Thank yous
Evaluating Offers
Create pro/con lists for each position Wishes, needs, expectations, and musts Balancing challenge and support Colleagues and personal fit Salary, benefits, and development opportunities Negotiating Location and family needs Timeliness and holding out Accepting the position
Placement
Defining placement The Placement Exchange NASPA, ACUHO-I, NACA, ASJA and NODA Professional association placement events Types of positions found at placement Benefits and drawbacks Where placement fits into the search process
Navigating Placement
Research institutions and positions, talk to colleagues and mentors Supplies: resumes, stapler, pens, note pads, thank yous Message centers, interview scheduling More is not always better Be prepared for over-runs Thirty minute interviews Keep detailed notes/records for later Attending socials and receptions Be a person; not an interview machine
The Importance of Networking in Student Affairs
Upward and downward networking Career and personal development Professional and personal relationships Identity within the profession Support and problem solving Internship opportunities Strategies: conventions/conferences, committees, volunteering, introductions, mentors, talk to everyone, maintain files/contacts