Resources for Careers in Higher Education
The field of Higher Education careers includes positions in many diverse areas, including Administration areas of Academic Advising, Academic Support Services, Admissions, Alumni Relations, Athletics and Recreation, Campus Safety, Career Services, Communications, Counseling, Development, Disabled Student Services, Event Planning, Experiential Education, Facilities Management, Financial Aid, Financial Management, Food Services, Greek Affairs, Health Services, Human Resources, Institutional Research, International Student Affairs, Judicial Affairs, LGBT Affairs, Multicultural Affairs, Registration, Religious Life, Residence Life, Student Activities, Study Abroad, Technology Administration, Women’s Centers and others.
In addition, teaching positions range from entry level Instructor positions to Professor. Positions are available in a range of settings including community colleges, liberal arts colleges, and universities. Some positions require advanced degrees such as a Ph.D. or Masters Degree; however there are some areas in which entry is at the Bachelors level (residence life, admissions, alumni relations, sometimes development).
Students who are interested in Teaching Careers can talk with their faculty members to learn more about which graduate programs might meet your interests. Moreover, taking opportunities to conduct research during your undergraduate education is a way of increasing your knowledge in your major area, as well as developing research skills which you will use as a college professor. Sometimes summer opportunities are available to continue research in a department for a faculty member.
Students who are interested in careers in higher education can look to gain valuable experience in student affairs areas. Positions as Peer Educators, Peer Advisors, Career Peer Advisors, Residential College Advisors, student government leaders, campus sports participation, community service activities, writing for student publications, participation in student-run agencies and organizations, College Council membership, Outdoor Action leadership, and other service positions all serve to develop skills and experiences which will build strengths in the Student Affairs areas. Summer internships and employment can be diverse, with options in non-profit organizations, camps, business, and social service groups where leadership and other important skills can be developed.
Alumni Careers Network
Alumni have VOLUNTEERED to have students contact them for advice and information about majors and careers. The Alumni Careers Network (ACN), with 4,500 volunteers worldwide, is a searchable on-line database of Princeton alumni who are willing and eager for you to contact them so they can provide you with advice and assistance about their industry or career field.
Selected Online Resources
Academic360 -http://www.academic360.com/general/US.cfm - This excellent web site includes many of the most popular sources for higher education jobs, such as HigherEdJobs.com, Chronicle of Higher Education, Academic Careers online, American Association of Community Colleges, StudentAffairs.com, Women in Higher Education (WIHE) as well as newspaper classifieds. Also links to over 400 college and university job listings.
Academic Keys -http://academickeys.com/ - This comprehensive website includes job postings (from faculty and researcher of diverse disciplines to administration), resources, news and updates, and discussion forums.
Academic Position Network - http://www.apnjobs.com/ - Provides direct links to the homepages and HR WebPages of 1683 institutions throughout the United States.
APCA Directory -http://www2.myacpa.org/comm/profprep/directory/ - Online directory of Graduate Programs that prepare student affairs professionals. Also has great articles such as how to select the right program and how to figure out if a career in student affairs is right for you.
Chronicle of Higher Education - http://chronicle.com/
Advice Column from the Chronicle of Higher Education -http://chronicle.com/jobs/ - Interesting articles about all of the different fields in higher education.
Higher Ed Jobs -http://www.higheredjobs.com/default.cfm - The job search engine allows you to browse by locations or job functions.
NASPA Directory -http://www.naspaa.org/students/faq/graduate/schsearch.asp- A comprehensive, searchable online directory of all known graduate programs in Student Affairs Administration.
StudentAffairs.com - http://www.studentaffairs.com/ - Comprehensive job listing site for all areas of student affairs.
Occupational Outlook Handbook - http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos007.htm - Describes the field and future employment outlook.
The Times Higher Education Supplement – UK and Europe - http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/ - Site includes jobs and news articles for United Kingdom and Europe.