First Six Weeks Transition from Graduate Student to Student Affairs Professional

As an international student studying College Student Personnel and graduated in May 2016, I began my job searching since January 2016. I still remember those days: everyday seeking for jobs that fit my interest and skill sets on Higheredjobs.com; days that I even questioned myself if I was too picky or impatient. During my entire undergraduate and graduate studies, I worked and volunteered at a very broad category of tasks related to international education. I very much want to work in this field so that I can return the support I have received by helping other international students and promoting internationalization on campus. Finally, I got this campus interview opportunity at Shoreline Community College for the position of International Programs Manager – China Specialist, one of my most desirable jobs in higher education.

Flying to the job interview, getting the job offer, relocating, and everything went so smoothly for me. August 8th, 2016 was the first day of work for me as a student affairs professional, not a graduate student anymore. The first one week was not overwhelming but still quite challenging for me. I got to learn more about employee benefits, set up my information at the College, jumped in the new working environment, and participated in a student conduct hearing! I was so curious of everything like a sponge absorbing as much water as possible. Time flies and I can’t believe our international student fall orientation has already finished on this past Saturday with a Seattle tour as the ending.

When I look back to the past six weeks, I realize the biggest change of me is how I position myself as a staff, not a graduate student anymore. This transition happened because I had more responsibilities and more professional working experience. My own decision does not just affect my work, but also has an impact on others, the whole department, or even the whole college reputation. I am surprised of myself how I began to consider student development when I was interacting with students at the orientation. I am also surprised of myself how I truly understand the “Starfish” story* now and feel accountable to every student I have met. I also keep reminding myself not to lose the feeling and viewpoints as being a student because I need to be able to think in their shoes with compassion and empathy. I feel very lucky and proud for how every coworker in our department is so welcoming and helpful, how the College welcomed and trained new employees, and the professional development opportunity at Fall Convocation of the Opening Week for all faculty and staff.

The transition from graduate student to student affairs professional is so wonderful and thrilling. The view has changed, but the faith and passion are getting stronger. Here are a few more things I want to share.

• Prioritizing and multitasking: All the job responsibilities listed on your contract will all be on your plate plus many unexpected tasks.

• Learning about the institutional policy and state law: Every institution is not the same, and Washington is so different from Arkansas!

• Getting to know your coworkers: I was suggested to have short training with each person in the department. It is so important and helpful to learn about what other people do and how you can support each other.

• Learning about the entire campus and other institutions nearby: Having the knowledge from diverse sources can help you offer better service to students; inspiration and new opportunities are hidden somewhere waiting for you to discover and make progress.

• Setting up a work social media: Like other coworkers, I opened a new Facebook account: Linda Du at Shoreline. This way, I can use social media at work to share information with students and maintain professionalism at the same time.