Professional Development Plan
My professional development plan is grounded in the idea of continuing to learn from new perspectives, regardless of my familiarity with that subject. The needs and demands of students are constantly evolving with every passing day, and I intend to approach my work with a humbleness that keeps me excited to grow my pool of knowledge with all the experiences that I face. I have seen so much through student affairs, but I understand that there’s still so much out there to see.
I am aiming to build the strength of my Personal & Ethical Foundations (PPF) and Advising & Supporting (A/S) competencies from NASPA & ACPA, and my Program Delivery & Management (PDM) and Crisis Management (CM) from NODA’s set of competencies. A full breakdown of these competencies through my eyes can be found in the competencies section of my ePortfoilio. Transitioning out my Graduate Supervisor role, these competencies will be at the core of the majority of the service that I deliver. My professional development journey will flow in a manner that allows me to constantly build myself up towards the next step of my path in higher education
Short Term
For the next 3-5 years, I would like to continue working in Housing & Residential Life environments so that I can continue growing through the vast of array of experiences that this functional area brings. My only experience with Housing & Residential Life comes from my Graduate Supervisor role, and I believe that this area of student affairs still has a vast amount of growth to pass down to me. I aim to gain most of the skills listed below through ongoing reflections, journaling, and intentional check-ins with colleagues.
Understanding that relationship building is an ongoing process that doesn't always happen overnight, will serve as an important reminder to naturally give energy into relationships that give back to me. I know I can't do this alone, so I will be sure to lean on the support and guidance of others when needed. I won't always be the best person/resource to help in a situation or with a student, and I believe this functional area can help me continue to develop my identity as a community oriented professional.
Long Term
After some additional time in Housing & Residential Life, I would like to transition back into an Orientation & Family Programs role. I would love to have the opportunity to deliver this service to students and the community at my undergraduate institution of Florida International University (FIU), to continue giving back to an institution that has given me so much. I feel that I’m in my natural element doing this type of work, and I would like work primarily with family members through this orientation service. This is an area that I would not like to jump into right away after my graduate studies, since I would like some time to continue to develop my professional identity.
After serving in an Orientation & Family Programs role for about 3-4 years, I would like to further my studies by enrolling in a doctorate program. I am hoping to learn more about what my research interests may be through my various work experiences, and then honing in on those interests through a doctoral program. Taking time to process and reflect on my journey after my master’s program instead of jumping back into academia right away, will help me see if an EdD or a PhD would be best for me. After receiving a doctorate degree, I would love to continue to elevate the impact that I have on the student experience. I hope to be able to serve as a Vice President for Student Affairs at FIU, and I hope to continue building the foundation of my relatively young institution.
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I acknowledge that this journey will take a lot of work, and I recognize that section of my journey will need a variety of intentional task planning, SMART goal approaches, and honest reflections. My path will continue to remain fluid in nature in order to adapt to the changes that come through my life, but I will continue to move forward with the community that I create along the way!