Pathways into the Profession: Student Affairs Professionals Tell All

Abstract

Student affairs professionals often find their way to the field on accident rather than on purpose. This study explored avenues used by current student affairs professionals to enter the profession. Content analysis of open-ended responses revealed six themes related to how participants found their way into the profession. Findings can be utilized by student affairs preparatory programs, undergraduate recruitment programs, and higher education professional associations to better serve their target or current constituencies.