Running Head: CAREER TRAJECTORY PAPER

Career Trajectory Paper: Careers in Higher Education

Priyal Morjaria
Georgia Southern University
Dr. Calhoun
April 28, 2014

CAREER TRAJECTORY PAPER

2
Career Trajectory Paper

Careers in Higher Education

My friends often ask me how I ended up with a career in higher education since my
aspirations after graduation had nothing to do with the higher education setting. I graduated from
the University of Georgia with an undergraduate degree in advertising. With my hopes high I
started applying to advertising and marketing positions throughout the Atlanta area. After a few
months of constant searching I took a position as a financial aid counselor with Strayer
University. At that time I was taking the job for a short period of time until I could find what I
considered my ideal job. After a year of working in financial aid and two years of working in
academics I realized that I had a passion for student success and achievement. I continued to
speak with faculty at Strayer and networked with as many individuals as I could because after
three years of working within a proprietary school I knew that I wanted to work for a public
university system. I was ready for my next move.
In December of 2012 I was offered a position as academic advisor at Georgia State
University. I started working at Georgia State January 2013 and I knew I had found the route to
career foundation I wanted to continue on with until retirement. The opportunity to work with
young students and influence a positive change in them motivates me to get out of bed every
morning. While working at Georgia State Ive had the opportunity to meet and work with many
colleagues from various departments within the University. Ive asked questions and gotten
acquainted with many career prospects with the different areas as well. Ive come to the
conclusion that my ideal track in higher education is towards Director of International Student
Services. I am aware that it will take more networking, a change in my current role as advisor,
completion of my masters degree and participation in various higher education associations.

CAREER TRAJECTORY PAPER

Career Aspirations
I know there are a few more steps or rungs on the ladder to climb before I reach my ideal
position in higher education. My first and foremost target is to look for and attain a position as
International Student advisor within a research university setting. I see myself transitioning into
this role within the next one and a half to two years. I intend to first complete my masters in
higher education program at Georgia Southern University. I attended a NACADA (National
Academic Advising Association) national conference last year and it was my first experience
attending a higher education conference. The seminars that I attending during the conference has
helped me develop my unique approach to assisting students. This is a skill I can use throughout
my career within higher education. Along with NACADA, I would also like to gain memberships
in IASAS (International Association of Student Affairs and Services) and NAFSA (Association
of International Educators). NAFSA was originally known as National Association of Foreign
Student Advisers. NAFSA has an upcoming conference in San Diego, California that I am
planning to attend. Participation within all three of these organizations will assist me in
developing the needed skills for a role in International Student Services.
I understand that a leadership position within International Student Services will also
require me to be up to date with all international student immigration policies and procedures as
well as remain vigilant about legal changes in that arena. Ive already started researching ways to
complete my senior graduate practicum with an International Student Services Department at one
of the many University System of Georgia schools. After six to seven years of experience as an
International student advisor I should be ready to transition into the role of assistant director
within that department. Individuals working within International Student Services have to be
very perceptive to cultural differences and taboos. Students come from all around the world to

CAREER TRAJECTORY PAPER

student in a place that is very foreign to them. Its very important to assist them with an open
mind and provide the needed comfort level and clarity that they need to get through their
education. It may take anywhere between fifteen to twenty years before I can see myself
transitioning into a role as Director of International Student Services for a urban research
institution.
What Influenced Career Decision?
Ive thoroughly enjoyed my past and current experience as an academic advisor within a
higher education setting. I know I have passion for this field and have a genuine concern for
students and their academic well-being. My passion for International services arise from two
experiences in my life. One is that I myself am an immigrant in this country and just recently
attained citizenship through naturalization. That feeling of working towards and achieving the
American dream is and always will be ingrained in me. Ive gone through the confusion, the
legal procedures, the cultural barriers and identity crisis that these students often go through. My
second experience stems from a recent meeting that we had with the current Director of
International Student Services at Georgia State University. In her speech to the advisors she
summarized the entire experience that she has with international students, her passion towards
influencing a positive educational change in them, her apathy towards them and her role as the
director. I was so affected by her personality and her passion for her field that I could see myself
in her shoes at some point in my life.
Short-Term and Long-Term Goals
Short-Term Goals. My short term goals are goals that I can see myself attaining within the next
two to six years.

CAREER TRAJECTORY PAPER

As a member of NACADA continue to network and engage myself in NACADA events

to build myself as a highly capable advisor.

Become a member of both IASAS (International Association of Student Affairs and

Services) and NAFSA (Association of International Educators).

Familiarize myself with all current and upcoming international student related

immigration procedures, policy and legal ramifications

Acquaint myself better with the international student services department at Georgia State

University and shadow the Director if given the opportunity

Complete my graduate degree in higher education administration before fall of 2015
Obtain a position as an international student advisor by fall of 2015

Long-Term Goals. Long Term goals are those that I see myself attaining within the next six to
fifteen years.

Work towards a position as Assistant director of International Student Services by 2020

Transition into the role of Director of International Student Services after five years as

the assistant director

Start my doctoral program in higher education admiration and student affairs

Job Qualifications for Future Career

An International Student advisor has many of the same qualities and skills sets as an
academic advisor. Most positions as an advisor in this setting require prior experience with
student affairs, academic affairs and counseling. A recent opening that I saw at the University of
California, Riverside required experience working with international students in a
college/university setting and demonstrated knowledge of their adjustment and support needs
(UCR Jobs, 2014). As an academic advisor I have experience working with international students
that have to follow very different procedures from the average student. International student
advisors also need to be aware of federal laws and regulations regarding the various visa
processes that students have to go through (UCR Jobs, 2014). As I continue to gain confidence

CAREER TRAJECTORY PAPER

and experience within this field I can transition into a leadership position over time. A leader in
the field of international student services is required to not only guide but also to be an advocate
to student rights. A leadership role requires understanding and respect of cultural differences and
the confidence to stand up for these differences. Legal awareness of policy change is a prerequisite for any individual that wants to excel in international student services (IASAS, 2014).
Strengths and Areas Needing Improvement
As an academic advisor I often see the positive and negative aspects of working in higher
education. My ability to engage students and to gain their trust in a positive and motivating way
is what makes me a commendable advisor. This is a skill that Ill continue to hone in on and use
throughout my career. Student success is my first and foremost goal. I empathize with my
students without spoon feeding them. As an advisor its important that I assist a student in
recognizing his or her capabilities. The toughest area in higher education for me to relate to is the
corporate structure that it often turns into in some aspects. If I intend to grow in this field I need
to both accept and work with the business aspect of higher education. Student enrollment and
retention is beneficial for students and the university as a whole and I should accept that this
often comes with its share of problems. Numbers are and will always remain a priority. In its
statement on professional development the International Association of Student Affairs and
Services recognizes that importance of managing budgets and allocating resources effectively
(IASAS, 2014). If I want to grow into a managerial position I need to start understanding the
financial and monetary aspect of higher education. I also need to find a mentor in international
student services that will aid me in my pursuit, answers any questions I may have, assist me with
networking and guide me as I try to transition into the world of international students. As I

CAREER TRAJECTORY PAPER

continue to achieve my goals in higher education I know without a doubt in my mind that I can
reach my ideal position as director of international student services.

References
International Association of Student Affairs and Services. (2014). Professional Development.

CAREER TRAJECTORY PAPER

Retrieved from http://www.iasasonline.org/professionaldevelopment
University of California. (2014). UCR Jobs. International Student Advisor. Retrieved from
https://irecruitportal.ucr.edu/irecruit/!Controller?
action=jobs_webui.show_page&page=jobs_detail&requisition_id=201404025303