Musings of Two Administrators for Those Considering a Career Change

Abstract

There is a learning curve when stepping into an administrative position, whether you have been planning the change for years or find yourself asked to replace someone who has left unexpectedly. Two associate deans offer perspectives on things we wish we had known prior to taking on our current position. Some are practical skills that can also be helpful in any faculty position, while others relate to the different perspectives an administrator needs. We also point out some experiences we feel helped set us up for success, which should be available to anyone considering a similar change of career. Our experiences may offer some benefit for individuals considering administrative positions by helping them reflect on what questions to ask themselves while choosing their next career step.