I feel very blessed to be a graduate of the Student Affairs Administration program (MA 2010), as part of the Higher, Adult and Lifelong Education programs at Michigan State University. I feel equally fortunate to be serving my alma mater as a career educator, helping connect MSU students to internships and other experiential learning opportunities. Pursuing a career in career services has given me the unique privilege of helping students and alumni—including graduates with a degree in education—develop their own career management strategies.
Chasing your dream to work at a college or university, teach in the classroom or shape policy that governs systems of education requires commitment and dedication. But several years of experience have taught me that some career lessons transcend industries and disciplines. Whether a client of mine is developing a career in counseling, administration, policymaking or teaching, I’ve been witness to a few mantras and pearls of wisdom that serve as good strategies for developing one’s professional identity.
Regardless of the industry you are aiming to join—and flourish in—here are a few things to consider while you’re chasing or developing the career of your dreams:
Pick your board of mentors.
Mentors are absolutely critical to your success as a professional. Think of mentorship like a Board of Directors that oversees a company. Much like a board provides a vision and accountability for an organization, you can identify multiple mentors—seasoned professionals or young innovative minds making a name for themselves in the profession—and seek them out. Having the guidance of several rock stars or close confidants in your industry will ensure you get the chance to hear multiple perspectives and stellar advice every time you encounter a crossroads or key juncture for making decisions in your career.
Graduate school isn’t always the right choice.
I have lost count of how many students and alumni with whom I’ve worked who have graduated from college, unable to find a job or unhappy in their current position—who decided to leap back into the halls of academia by pursuing a graduate degree. In many cases, school seemed like a safer choice than toiling in the workforce. Graduate school can be a fantastic option, when you are confident of your vocational plans and how a graduate degree fits precisely with where you want to go. But if you’re opting for graduate studies because of your indifference with a job, opt again. The cost of higher education is substantial, and too many graduate students take on additional loan debt, only to discover they still do not like the career aligned with their advanced degree.
Getting experience can be just as, if not more, valuable than another degree. Often times, it is the jobs we never considered previously that end up illuminating our life’s passions and corresponding careers. Even if you end up disliking a job, being aware of what you do not like can be incredibly valuable in the career decision-making process, too.
Learning from people can pay more than a salary.
I’ve encountered quite a few folks in recent years that were eager to take the first job opening that offered a lucrative salary offer. They basked in financial glory while their peers took positions that promised far less money, but would deliver a far richer learning experience. Bright colleagues, innovative schools or organizations and exemplary leaders for supervisors will give you the chance to develop skills and gain perspective that lasts a lifetime. A job surrounded by skilled colleagues and a superior boss will yield a much higher return on your investment than just a momentary spike in salary.
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Check out Chris’s blog about leadership and life: wednesdaywakeup.com
Contact Chris at sellchri@cns.msu.edu or on Twitter @ChrisFSell.