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Running Head: CAREER TRAJECTORY PAPER 1 Career Trajectory Paper: Careers in Higher Education Priyal Morjaria Georgia Southern University Dr. Calhoun April 28, 2014

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American Higher Education - Spring 14

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Page 1: Career Trajectory Paper (1)

Running Head: CAREER TRAJECTORY PAPER 1

Career Trajectory Paper: Careers in Higher Education

Priyal Morjaria

Georgia Southern University

Dr. Calhoun

April 28, 2014

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CAREER TRAJECTORY PAPER 2

Career Trajectory Paper

Careers in Higher Education

My friends often ask me how I ended up with a career in higher education since my

aspirations after graduation had nothing to do with the higher education setting. I graduated from

the University of Georgia with an undergraduate degree in advertising. With my hopes high I

started applying to advertising and marketing positions throughout the Atlanta area. After a few

months of constant searching I took a position as a financial aid counselor with Strayer

University. At that time I was taking the job for a short period of time until I could find what I

considered my ideal job. After a year of working in financial aid and two years of working in

academics I realized that I had a passion for student success and achievement. I continued to

speak with faculty at Strayer and networked with as many individuals as I could because after

three years of working within a proprietary school I knew that I wanted to work for a public

university system. I was ready for my next move.

In December of 2012 I was offered a position as academic advisor at Georgia State

University. I started working at Georgia State January 2013 and I knew I had found the route to

career foundation I wanted to continue on with until retirement. The opportunity to work with

young students and influence a positive change in them motivates me to get out of bed every

morning. While working at Georgia State I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with many

colleagues from various departments within the University. I’ve asked questions and gotten

acquainted with many career prospects with the different areas as well. I’ve come to the

conclusion that my ideal track in higher education is towards Director of International Student

Services. I am aware that it will take more networking, a change in my current role as advisor,

completion of my master’s degree and participation in various higher education associations.

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Career Aspirations

I know there are a few more steps or rungs on the ladder to climb before I reach my ideal

position in higher education. My first and foremost target is to look for and attain a position as

International Student advisor within a research university setting. I see myself transitioning into

this role within the next one and a half to two years. I intend to first complete my master’s in

higher education program at Georgia Southern University. I attended a NACADA (National

Academic Advising Association) national conference last year and it was my first experience

attending a higher education conference. The seminars that I attending during the conference has

helped me develop my unique approach to assisting students. This is a skill I can use throughout

my career within higher education. Along with NACADA, I would also like to gain

memberships in IASAS (International Association of Student Affairs and Services) and NAFSA

(Association of International Educators). NAFSA was originally known as National Association

of Foreign Student Advisers. NAFSA has an upcoming conference in San Diego, California that

I am planning to attend. Participation within all three of these organizations will assist me in

developing the needed skills for a role in International Student Services.

I understand that a leadership position within International Student Services will also

require me to be up to date with all international student immigration policies and procedures as

well as remain vigilant about legal changes in that arena. I’ve already started researching ways to

complete my senior graduate practicum with an International Student Services Department at one

of the many University System of Georgia schools. After six to seven years of experience as an

International student advisor I should be ready to transition into the role of assistant director

within that department. Individuals working within International Student Services have to be

very perceptive to cultural differences and taboos. Students come from all around the world to

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CAREER TRAJECTORY PAPER 4

student in a place that is very foreign to them. It’s very important to assist them with an open

mind and provide the needed comfort level and clarity that they need to get through their

education. It may take anywhere between fifteen to twenty years before I can see myself

transitioning into a role as Director of International Student Services for a urban research

institution.

What Influenced Career Decision?

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my past and current experience as an academic advisor within a

higher education setting. I know I have passion for this field and have a genuine concern for

students and their academic well-being. My passion for International services arise from two

experiences in my life. One is that I myself am an immigrant in this country and just recently

attained citizenship through naturalization. That feeling of working towards and achieving the

American dream is and always will be ingrained in me. I’ve gone through the confusion, the

legal procedures, the cultural barriers and identity crisis that these students often go through. My

second experience stems from a recent meeting that we had with the current Director of

International Student Services at Georgia State University. In her speech to the advisors she

summarized the entire experience that she has with international students, her passion towards

influencing a positive educational change in them, her apathy towards them and her role as the

director. I was so affected by her personality and her passion for her field that I could see myself

in her shoes at some point in my life.

Short-Term and Long-Term Goals

Short-Term Goals. My short term goals are goals that I can see myself attaining within the next

two to six years.

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CAREER TRAJECTORY PAPER 5

As a member of NACADA continue to network and engage myself in NACADA events

to build myself as a highly capable advisor.

Become a member of both IASAS (International Association of Student Affairs and

Services) and NAFSA (Association of International Educators).

Familiarize myself with all current and upcoming international student related

immigration procedures, policy and legal ramifications

Acquaint myself better with the international student services department at Georgia

State University and shadow the Director if given the opportunity

Complete my graduate degree in higher education administration before fall of 2015

Obtain a position as an international student advisor by fall of 2015

Long-Term Goals. Long Term goals are those that I see myself attaining within the next six to

fifteen years.

Work towards a position as Assistant director of International Student Services by 2020

Transition into the role of Director of International Student Services after five years as

the assistant director

Start my doctoral program in higher education admiration and student affairs

Job Qualifications for Future Career

An International Student advisor has many of the same qualities and skills sets as an

academic advisor. Most positions as an advisor in this setting require prior experience with

student affairs, academic affairs and counseling. A recent opening that I saw at the University of

California, Riverside required “experience working with international students in a

college/university setting and demonstrated knowledge of their adjustment and support needs”

(UCR Jobs, 2014). As an academic advisor I have experience working with international

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CAREER TRAJECTORY PAPER 6

students that have to follow very different procedures from the average student. International

student advisors also need to be aware of federal laws and regulations regarding the various visa

processes that students have to go through (UCR Jobs, 2014). As I continue to gain confidence

and experience within this field I can transition into a leadership position over time. A leader in

the field of international student services is required to not only guide but also to be an advocate

to student rights. A leadership role requires understanding and respect of cultural differences and

the confidence to stand up for these differences. Legal awareness of policy change is a pre-

requisite for any individual that wants to excel in international student services (IASAS, 2014).

Strengths and Areas Needing Improvement

As an academic advisor I often see the positive and negative aspects of working in higher

education. My ability to engage students and to gain their trust in a positive and motivating way

is what makes me a commendable advisor. This is a skill that I’ll continue to hone in on and use

throughout my career. Student success is my first and foremost goal. I empathize with my

students without spoon feeding them. As an advisor it’s important that I assist a student in

recognizing his or her capabilities. The toughest area in higher education for me to relate to is the

corporate structure that it often turns into in some aspects. If I intend to grow in this field I need

to both accept and work with the business aspect of higher education. Student enrollment and

retention is beneficial for students and the university as a whole and I should accept that this

often comes with its share of problems. Numbers are and will always remain a priority. In its

statement on professional development the International Association of Student Affairs and

Services recognizes that importance of “managing budgets and allocating resources effectively”

(IASAS, 2014). If I want to grow into a managerial position I need to start understanding the

financial and monetary aspect of higher education. I also need to find a mentor in international

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student services that will aid me in my pursuit, answers any questions I may have, assist me with

networking and guide me as I try to transition into the world of international students. As I

continue to achieve my goals in higher education I know without a doubt in my mind that I can

reach my ideal position as director of international student services.

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References

International Association of Student Affairs and Services. (2014). Professional Development.

Retrieved from http://www.iasasonline.org/professionaldevelopment

University of California. (2014). UCR Jobs. International Student Advisor. Retrieved from

https://irecruitportal.ucr.edu/irecruit/!Controller?

action=jobs_webui.show_page&page=jobs_detail&requisition_id=201404025303