Graduated in 2018 Worked at FYE 2016-2018 |
Jordan worked in the First Year Experience (FYE) office since she was an undergraduate student starting in the fall of 2013 and became a Graduate Retention Fellow when she started the HESA program in 2016. |
In addition to being a Graduate Fellow, I worked at Tufts University as their NODA Undergraduate Orientation intern and working out of their Office for Campus Life. In the fall of 2017, I also worked as a graduate fellow at SSU and at Wentworth Institute of Technology where I worked in their Center for Student Engagement and with their team on a multitude of projects.
1.) What was one take away that you learned from working in FYE?
One take away I have learned from working in FYE is the importance of accuracy. When handling any situation that may arise in the office or working with students you want to make sure you have the most updated information as well as all of the appropriate tools that could help you find the right answer. I recommend taking detailed notes in meetings, asking questions when you are unsure of the answer that is given to you, and reading all of your emails thoroughly.
2.) How did your experience in FYE prepare you for your first job after Salem State?
I feel that I have learned not only a lot about student affairs in the HESA program but have had plenty of opportunities to apply it in my fellowship and assistantships. I have become more aware of academic affairs and student affairs offices on campus. It is important to take advantage of all of the opportunities that are presented to you and collaborate with others to have successful outcomes for events, meetings, etc.
3.)What is your favorite memory/the best part of working in FYE?
My favorite memories of working at FYE include the student interaction and working with the student staff. Each day you have the opportunity to work with a diverse population of students and help them transition to SSU. The students are seeking out assistance in problem solving and are appreciative of your help. In addition, you have a phenomenal student staff that is eager to help and be involved with any project. Their knowledge of campus and relating to the student experience is helpful.
4.) What skills did you learn from working in FYE, how are they applicable to your current job.
Two skills I have learned from working in FYE is multitasking and leadership. I have learned how to simultaneously handle multiple work projects at one time while effectively managing my time. In addition, I have been able to work on my supervisory style when working with student staff members. Each of these skills are directly transferable to an entry-level position and have prepared me for additional assistantship positions while in graduate school.
5.) In what way(s) do you feel like FYE supported you in your growth throughout the HESA program?
FYE has helped me apply theory to practice. The overlap from the graduate program to direct practice has been helpful in seeing my growth as a new student affairs professional. I have tangible skills that I can take with me to class and in the work place. FYE is a unique experience in that we have the opportunity to do projects that can have a positive impact on the campus culture and create a welcoming environment for first year students.
6.) What is one piece of advice you would like to give a first year graduate student who is about to start their Graduate retention fellow in FYE?
FYE becomes to be a family and it is important that you express when you need help or support. It is important to reach out to your colleagues and supervisors when you are feeling overwhelmed. The student staff is always willing to help so do not hesitate to delegate tasks so you can focus on larger projects.
1.) What was one take away that you learned from working in FYE?
One take away I have learned from working in FYE is the importance of accuracy. When handling any situation that may arise in the office or working with students you want to make sure you have the most updated information as well as all of the appropriate tools that could help you find the right answer. I recommend taking detailed notes in meetings, asking questions when you are unsure of the answer that is given to you, and reading all of your emails thoroughly.
2.) How did your experience in FYE prepare you for your first job after Salem State?
I feel that I have learned not only a lot about student affairs in the HESA program but have had plenty of opportunities to apply it in my fellowship and assistantships. I have become more aware of academic affairs and student affairs offices on campus. It is important to take advantage of all of the opportunities that are presented to you and collaborate with others to have successful outcomes for events, meetings, etc.
3.)What is your favorite memory/the best part of working in FYE?
My favorite memories of working at FYE include the student interaction and working with the student staff. Each day you have the opportunity to work with a diverse population of students and help them transition to SSU. The students are seeking out assistance in problem solving and are appreciative of your help. In addition, you have a phenomenal student staff that is eager to help and be involved with any project. Their knowledge of campus and relating to the student experience is helpful.
4.) What skills did you learn from working in FYE, how are they applicable to your current job.
Two skills I have learned from working in FYE is multitasking and leadership. I have learned how to simultaneously handle multiple work projects at one time while effectively managing my time. In addition, I have been able to work on my supervisory style when working with student staff members. Each of these skills are directly transferable to an entry-level position and have prepared me for additional assistantship positions while in graduate school.
5.) In what way(s) do you feel like FYE supported you in your growth throughout the HESA program?
FYE has helped me apply theory to practice. The overlap from the graduate program to direct practice has been helpful in seeing my growth as a new student affairs professional. I have tangible skills that I can take with me to class and in the work place. FYE is a unique experience in that we have the opportunity to do projects that can have a positive impact on the campus culture and create a welcoming environment for first year students.
6.) What is one piece of advice you would like to give a first year graduate student who is about to start their Graduate retention fellow in FYE?
FYE becomes to be a family and it is important that you express when you need help or support. It is important to reach out to your colleagues and supervisors when you are feeling overwhelmed. The student staff is always willing to help so do not hesitate to delegate tasks so you can focus on larger projects.