Florida State University is highlighting career opportunities in student affairs during October’s Careers in Student Affairs Month. The Division of Student Affairs (DSA) has organized a series of events and networking sessions aimed at increasing awareness about the profession among students, faculty, and staff.
Student affairs includes various aspects of campus life such as housing, health and wellness, entertainment, personal growth, and leadership development. These programs are designed to support students throughout their college experience and help prepare them for life after graduation.
Amy Hecht, vice president for Student Affairs at FSU, said: “At Florida State, we’re dedicated to supporting student success both inside and outside of the classroom. We’re honored to help students navigate this pivotal time in their lives and we will always strive to enhance their quality of life while at FSU.”
The month-long initiative invites undergraduate and graduate students to engage with campus leaders through one-on-one meetings to discuss possible career paths in student affairs. Zduy Chu, associate vice president for DSA, explained: “This year, we’re offering a ‘backstage pass’ so students can connect and discover new possibilities with professionals in the field. The field of student affairs is continuously changing as our students’ needs change.”
Development opportunities provided by DSA include job shadowing experiences across departments such as Campus Recreation, Student Conduct, Career Center, Marketing, and the Basic Needs Hub. Students interested in participating can select a department and submit an interest form by October 15.
Additional events include DSA’s presence at Market Wednesday on October 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., where attendees can meet graduate school representatives and FSU Student Affairs professionals on Legacy Walk.
A panel titled “Pathways to Leadership in Higher Education” will take place on October 16 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Globe Auditorium. Panelists include Amy Hecht (FSU), William E. Hudson Jr. (Florida A&M University), and Amelia Parnell (FSU alumna and President of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators). The discussion will cover career building strategies, challenges faced by leaders in higher education, and future opportunities.
FSU students have complimentary access to NASPA resources such as webinars, job boards, peer networking opportunities nationwide, and updates on trends within higher education.
For staff members interested in further academic pursuits, FSU offers the chance to audit a higher education graduate course taught by Associate Vice Presidents Brandon Bowden or Zduy Chu.
More information about Careers in Student Affairs Month is available on the university’s website.
