The Journey to Becoming an Academic Advisor: Insights on Career Planning and Leadership

For nearly a decade, I have been an academic advisor at a top 20 university, where I have earned advising and leadership awards. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of mentoring over a dozen first-year advisors on Developmental Advising theory and worked with thousands of students—including hundreds of dual-degree and double-major, and triple-major students—countless minors, and numerous faculty and administrators. I also run a YouTube channel called "Your Favorite College Advisor" and offer consulting, speaking, training, and teaching on the side.

Like many advisors, my journey into this role was a bit unconventional. It all began when my family friend, Linda, told my mom that I would be perfect for the job. Linda was in a leadership position at the university and had a reputation for always knowing what she was talking about. Despite my initial reluctance and protests about moving back to my hometown, I eventually took the advice my mother had given me and, to my surprise, secured the position. As it turns out, both Linda and my mother were right. Over the years, I have come to love this job and found it to be my calling.

My Academic and Professional Background

My experience in academia and research has been instrumental in my journey. I have a background in psychology and career planning, having worked as a researcher for many years. In addition, I have extensive experience advising students on career planning and post-high school education. I have a deep understanding of the importance of making informed decisions about majors and careers because I myself am a product of a "useful liberal arts" major. My career path, while fulfilling, has also come with challenges and lessons. I share my experiences on Quora to help others avoid the pitfalls I encountered.

My Quora Insights

On Quora, I mainly answer questions about career planning, especially with a focus on post-high school education. My motivation for sharing my knowledge comes from my own experience of not receiving good advice about career planning. Despite my educational achievements, including two simultaneous full-tuition scholarships, a first-year PhD fellowship, and law school, I eventually found myself in a low-paying career. Moreover, many recent law graduates struggle to find decent-paying jobs, often capped around $45k to $75k. Average student loan debt for new law graduates can reach $165k, and the demand for in-house lawyers is low.

The Importance of Career Path Planning

One of the main challenges in career planning is the lack of comprehensive information available when I was in school. Today, the internet offers an extensive amount of resources that were not even available to me. To help students make informed decisions, it is crucial to consider several factors when developing a career path plan:

Market Demand: Understanding the current job market and demand for various careers. Skills and Interests: Identifying your personal strengths and passions to align them with suitable career paths. Education and Training: Evaluating the necessary education and training required for the desired career. Long-Term Goals: Setting realistic and achievable long-term career goals. Networking: Building a network of professionals in your desired field. Flexibility: Considering the adaptability of your chosen career to future changes in the job market.

By considering these factors, students can make more informed decisions about their academic and professional future. It is essential to keep in mind that the field of academic advising and career planning is constantly evolving, and staying updated with the latest trends and resources is crucial.

Conclusion

My journey from being a reluctant advisor to a dedicated professional has been rewarding. As an academic advisor and a career planning expert, I strive to provide valuable insights and guidance to help students navigate the complexities of higher education and career planning. Whether through my YouTube channel, consultations, or articles, I am committed to sharing my knowledge to help others forge successful career paths.