Grad students: Higher Education -- Student Affairs

abby12490
Tue, 07 May 2013 11:04:49 +0000

Hello! I haven’t seen any posts from graduate hopefuls who want to pursue Higher Education with an emphasis in Student Affairs. For my career, I want to become a director of Greek Life, first year programs, or be involved with admissions or residence life. I don’t have a specific interest, but rather, would like to keep those options open.

Now, I have a few questions.

1) When applying to programs, will they want me to have a clear focus on which area I’d like to pursue? Or can I mention that I’m open and passionate about all aspects of Student Affairs?

2) What if I don’t have much experience in Student Affairs? The programs I’m looking at say they admit applicants from varied BA programs. Well, when I was in undergrad, I was involved in the college newspaper, first-year experience for freshman, the English fraternity, university activities council, Residence Life Association, and a few volunteer programs involving students. I also held a job with Residence Life. Will this be enough to show them I’m serious about this career?

3) I’ve been out of school for a year, and during that time I haven’t done anything Student Affairs or university related. I’ve done some tutoring and editing, but I’ve been working in a retail jobs. Will I get looked down upon if I haven’t done anything SA-related this past year?

4) I have an “average” GPA, a 3.3.

I’m looking forward to replies and am hoping to connect with some other Higher Ed/Student Affairs applicants. Also, I am posting this in the ‘Education’ forum to hopefully receive some more answers. Thanks!