The Role of Professional Associations, the Job Search, and Resume Writing

Matthew ParkEDHE 6730Dr. Jack BaierFall 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