Professional Development
The development of knowledge, skills, and competencies is a significant function of graduate preparation programs in student affairs. Just as I have spent the last two years engaging in activities and events that develop my own knowledge, skills, and abilities, I recognize the importance of lifelong learning and continuing education. As I prepare to enter the professional field, I continue seeking ways to gain valuable experiences that will continue my development as a student affairs professional, so that I may better serve my students and institution.
|
Four Knowledge Areas
As I look to continue my knowledge acquisition and refinement, there are four areas that I would like to continue developing and gaining knowledge in:
As far as sustainable practices in higher education are concerned, I’ve had several meaningful experiences already, and would consider it a burgeoning strength that could continue developing. Having a working knowledge of alternative energy methods, communal garden practices, and green institutional initiatives. I would like to continue learning about institutional practices and methods of cutting down on the footprint and impact of the institution and each department within it.
I recognize that I have an intense desire and passion for learning. As such, moving forward, I have identified that conducting assessment and research is a means to continuing my interest in learning. I have had sparse experiences thus far in assessment and research, but do have a basic foundation on which to build. Having an ability to engage in assessment will, likely, continue to be crucial for the success and existence of programs and departments in higher education. Furthermore, with my interest in becoming faculty, it will be necessary to conduct assessment and research in order to retain my position.
The final area of knowledge I would like to develop and grow is teaching methods. At this point, I have no experience teaching courses in higher education, though an ever-growing level of experience facilitating programs and workshops. In order to enter the faculty realm, I would expect that it will be necessary to have taught some form of formal courses prior to entering that field.
- Legal issues and implications in contemporary higher education
- Sustainable best practices in higher education
- Assessment and research methods and practices
- Teaching in higher education
As far as sustainable practices in higher education are concerned, I’ve had several meaningful experiences already, and would consider it a burgeoning strength that could continue developing. Having a working knowledge of alternative energy methods, communal garden practices, and green institutional initiatives. I would like to continue learning about institutional practices and methods of cutting down on the footprint and impact of the institution and each department within it.
I recognize that I have an intense desire and passion for learning. As such, moving forward, I have identified that conducting assessment and research is a means to continuing my interest in learning. I have had sparse experiences thus far in assessment and research, but do have a basic foundation on which to build. Having an ability to engage in assessment will, likely, continue to be crucial for the success and existence of programs and departments in higher education. Furthermore, with my interest in becoming faculty, it will be necessary to conduct assessment and research in order to retain my position.
The final area of knowledge I would like to develop and grow is teaching methods. At this point, I have no experience teaching courses in higher education, though an ever-growing level of experience facilitating programs and workshops. In order to enter the faculty realm, I would expect that it will be necessary to have taught some form of formal courses prior to entering that field.
Four Competencies
As I look to continue my competency development, there are four competencies that I would like to continue developing and growing in as a professional:
My limitations in Student Learning and Development, to this point, have been directly related to the fact that I’ve been limited to practicing for only the last two years. As I continue forward, having a working knowledge and comfort implementing theory to practice will play an important role in my professional success. Working with student residents and leaders, meeting students where they’re at, and effectively challenging and supporting student learning, development, and growth are significant roles for student affairs practitioners, and continuing to acquire knowledge and experience related to student development theory.
Another competency that I intend to continue developing is Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. I have had a variety of experiences in graduate school that have helped my development in this competency, but realize that my development is very much a lifelong journey, and there are many ways in which I can continue my development. As a professional, having developed levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities in multicultural competence would only serve to better help the students I work with. Demonstrating a committed passion to developing inclusive, diverse communities helps to provide students with greater opportunities to develop their own multicultural competencies. In an ever-diversifying, global society, having the ability to work with different groups of students, and peoples, is an ever-increasing need for leaders.
The final competency I would like to continue development in is Advising and Helping. I have had several experiences advising student groups at two separate institutions to this point. I recognize, however, that in my projected career track I will continue advising student groups and, potentially, advising students academically at some point.
- Law, Policy, and Governance
- Student Learning and Development
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
- Advising and Helping
My limitations in Student Learning and Development, to this point, have been directly related to the fact that I’ve been limited to practicing for only the last two years. As I continue forward, having a working knowledge and comfort implementing theory to practice will play an important role in my professional success. Working with student residents and leaders, meeting students where they’re at, and effectively challenging and supporting student learning, development, and growth are significant roles for student affairs practitioners, and continuing to acquire knowledge and experience related to student development theory.
Another competency that I intend to continue developing is Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. I have had a variety of experiences in graduate school that have helped my development in this competency, but realize that my development is very much a lifelong journey, and there are many ways in which I can continue my development. As a professional, having developed levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities in multicultural competence would only serve to better help the students I work with. Demonstrating a committed passion to developing inclusive, diverse communities helps to provide students with greater opportunities to develop their own multicultural competencies. In an ever-diversifying, global society, having the ability to work with different groups of students, and peoples, is an ever-increasing need for leaders.
The final competency I would like to continue development in is Advising and Helping. I have had several experiences advising student groups at two separate institutions to this point. I recognize, however, that in my projected career track I will continue advising student groups and, potentially, advising students academically at some point.
The Professional Development Plan In Action
Year One
|
Year Two
|
Year Three
|