Hi, Nick. Thanks for taking this on and getting the students through the final week or so of the class. Let's start with the same set of question that our other colleagues have responded to and see what the students come up with for follow-up.
1.) Describe your path in your career, the key points of your decision making, the forces that got you to where you are now.
2.) What are the key things you've learned about yourself and how you work and what the rewards are for you?
3.) Describe a challenging, difficult situation you've faced, how you handled it, and what you learned from it.
I've enjoyed this blog a lot, and I look forward to more of the same!
Thanks again, Nick.
Best,
Tom
Greetings,
ReplyDeleteI am new at this so in the tradition of Goldilocks, please let me know if this is too much, too little or just right.
1.) I would say my path has been relatively traditional. It began with arrested development. I started in this field because I liked what our dean did, enjoyed college life and didn’t want to leave higher education. Along the way, we started a family, lived around the county and continue to have a great experience. I have also been “re-organized” out of a position, a very painful, but valuable, experience.
2.) I have learned that plans are just that, plans. Ultimately, we control very little, except how we deal with what life and career send our way. To hang on to the right things and let the other stuff go is correspondingly challenging and freeing. What gives me most satisfaction is making a difference at my institution, either with an individual or organizationally through creatively solving a problem or launching an initiative. Consequently I tend to be very collaborative in my approach to work.
3.) There have been many, but for purposes of this discussion, the loss of my position might be useful. It was almost 20 years ago and recovery took a long time and I am stronger for it. I apologize if this seems cliché, but some of the lessons were; don’t define yourself solely by your position or status-its ether, don’t stop trying-something good will eventually happen, and even in challenging situations there is abundance around us.
Hello,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Tyler Dean and I'm curious to learn more about type of differences you made with individuals or through initiatives. Can you give me an example? Also, recently my staff education position was also "re-organized" due to budget cuts, yet I feel it has also given me some freedom to pursue other interests at the university and in student affairs. Did you feel that you had the opportunity to explore other interests in student affairs and how was it beneficial to you in the long run?
Tyler
Tyler,
ReplyDeleteAs far as individuals go I can go into detail if you like, but generally it has been those personal encounters that occur for a variety of reasons, for example: advice to young professionals who want to pursue a career in Higher Education, the judicial process has created teachable moments, the evaluation process with staff, and dealing with folks in crises to name a few. Over the years, I have had those rare instances when years later a former student or staff member recounts an experience we had that at the time seemed of little moment but was very significant for them.
Some initiatives have been the restructuring of our career office and Counseling Health and Wellness Center at Alma College. At another institution I was deeply involved in leading the institution as it navigated financial trauma and at the same time had to sustain credibility for the leadership.
When my position was eliminated it was at a small institution, I was a VP and there was no place to go within the organization. My staying would have been uncomfortable for all concerned. What was beneficial mostly has to do with attitude; beginning with the affirmation that comes with overcoming a major setback that profoundly shook my confidence. Learning that I can do the job well in other settings was a vindication of sorts. Also, it tuned me in to the political pitfalls and climate of organizations and leadership. Finally, it gave me a perspective on my job and some of the negative noise that surrounds work anywhere. I am grateful to be able to do something I like. No job or place is perfect but it is usually far superior to not working.
Hi, I'm Jaymi Butler and I'm an academic advisor.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you've had some frustrating, challenging experiences in your career in higher ed. Have you ever gotten to the point where you thought about doing something else? If so, what ultimately kept you going in wanting to continue your student affairs career?
Hi Nick; I'm Christopher Combie and I'm an admissions recruiter advisor. What were the warning signs that were a precursor to your "reorganization" out of a job? With leaving such a senior position, was it easier to secure another related position at another institution, or did you reflect and ponder what your career goals were at the point? How political savvy were you at the time and how do you understand politics in education in hindsight?
ReplyDeleteHi Nick,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Kelly Pearson and I am also an Academic Advisor at USF.
Aside from your experience being "re-organized" out of a VP position, what has been the most enlightening experience of your career? Was there any one position that you feel helped to define you as a Student Affairs professional?
Thank you,
Kelly
Greetings Nick,
ReplyDeleteI am a latecomer to these postings,but was assured by TEM that I could still participate!
I am an academic advisor in the College of Education. From what I gather, Alma College is a small liberal arts school. What other types of institutions have you worked with in Student Affairs, and does Alma College fit your preference for the institutional type you most enjoy?