Hate the thought of leaving college after commencement? If so, a career in student affairs may be for you.

As part of Student Affairs Month, sponsored by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), Career Services and Cooperative Education will offer a seminar on breaking into the industry. “Careers in Student Affairs” takes place Thursday, November 1, 4:30 – 6 pm in the McDermott Conference Room, Donahue 128. A panel of college administrators representing student life, academic advising, financial aid, alumni affairs, residence life, and student activities will share their career perspectives on the profession.

John Silveria, Assistant Dean of Students, started his higher ed career as a Interfraternity Council advisor at UMass Amherst before heading to graduate school. After a work experience in corporate America, Silveria returned to college life. “I came back to higher ed after a stint in corporate because I missed it. I missed the student interaction and I missed the atmosphere – the corporate world was not all it was cracked up to be.”

In an effort to encourage college students to consider careers in student affairs and college administration, last January NASPA approved the creation of membership category geared towards undergraduates. Student membership, available at http://www.naspa.org/membership, offers insights on the profession, reduced fees for conferences, networking opportunities, and job postings

While a master’s degree is often a requirement to advance in the field, there are many entry-level opportunities for BA/BS graduates in admissions, advancement, and support functions.

Sarah Port, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Suffolk, found her niche while a student at the College of Holy Cross. “As an undergraduate, I served as a tour guide and also as a senior interviewer. It was this experience that really sparked my interest in a career in higher education.”

Upon graduation, Port worked as an admissions counselor at Wheelock College prior to coming to Suffolk where she supervises the Trustee Ambassadors and is working on her master’s in communications. As for the rewards, Port stated, “For me, there is no greater reward than helping students navigate the ever-daunting college search process.”