I had a revelation yesterday when meeting with my advisor, Pamela Felder. We were talking about which courses I would be taking next semester and somehow we got on the topic of jobs (Pamela is also the professional Development teacher, so you see how this could easily happen). We discussed how in this one year program, it is difficult for some students not to be overly focused on the practical: how to network, how to get a job. For me, though I know the whole job search process looms over all our futures, things have never been that way. Pamela and I started discussing this and in our conversation, I just stopped at one point and said, ""if this were just about a job, I wouldn't need a master's degree." The job application process does not worry me. I know that after this I can get a job. Even before this I could. Admissions, the area I am most interested in, does not require a master's degree. I have experience too. I could have walked out of my undergraduate degree and into a decent job working as an admissions counselor. Allotting this time to learning and growing as a professional is not about the difference between having a job or not, it is about having the job I want.
Dr. Felder agreed. This whole process is about gaining a knowledge base around higher education. Learning about governance, access, higher education finance, college choice and campus culture helps me to understand my career path. What kind of institution will I work for? Will it be a small, selective private school or a large state school? Studying here and going on a visit to the Community College of Philadelphia has even opened my eyes to the possibility of working in the community college setting. Where will it be? What exactly do I feel comfortable doing and what are the areas in which I stand to gain competency? These are the kinds of questions that I think about rather than whether or not I will find work at all.
It is my belief that people thrive in situations in which they were meant to be, kind of like soul mates for jobs. Mushy, I know. But that's me. This year, I am soaking in all that I can in terms of information, connections and skills so that when I do start looking for that job, I know precisely what is going to help me thrive.
By the way, I got that mentorship! Starting this November, I will be assisting a low income high school student in the Kensington area of Philadelphia with their college application process! I will keep you updated!
This blog is awesome. You seem so happy at Penn GSE and I love how you really bring your experiences to life! Also, I find it delightful that you mentioned community colleges. I graduated this past May and am currently working at a community college and applying to grad programs in higher education adminstration (including Penn GSE, of course!). I love all that I have learned about higher ed so far and am also seeing the differences in various types of higher education institutions . I wish you all the best, Rhiannon! Keep up the excellent work, and consider me a new "follower" of your blog!
ReplyDeleteBriannaD : Thank you so much for your comment and for following my blog. I will try and keep sharing the interesting things that I am learning. I wish you luck in your application process!
ReplyDeleteHi Rhiannon,
ReplyDeleteI submitted my app. to the higher ed. master's program a couple days ago, and your blog has given me great insight into student life and the grad. experience at Penn. Thanks!
With regards to finding a job after graduation, does Penn. have good professional student affairs and admissions networks? I'm certainly looking for an enriching grad. program, but beginning a career in my desired field is my end goal. Do you know what job placement rates are out of the master's program?
Have a great break, and I look forward to reading more!
Best,
Rich F
Hi Rich,
ReplyDeleteAs far as networks, Penn GSE has a vast alumni network that helps current students to navigate the job search process. We also have networking opportunities with the Executive Doctorate students (people who are already far along in their careers who are studying here to get a doctoral degree). Then, we have each other! We go to networking events and conferences together to see what kinds of jobs are out there and we share information about that with one another.
Then, there is always the assistantship supervisor. For me, the supervisor is the one person who teaches you the most about professional development and the work that you will do after the program. So far the most useful for me has been bouncing ideas off the cohort and learning about what kinds of things I am interested in through my coursework and assistantship.
I know that most of last year's cohort is currently employed. For the placement rate, I would contact our program adviser, Pamela Felder, at felderpp@gse.upenn.edu. She can give you the exact number for the placement rate.