"I love meeting with so many different students, learning about all the majors offered
and helping students pick which fits their interests best! After I interned in academic
advising during my undergraduate years, I knew this was the career for me. My advice
is to join SAGA, do more than one internship and pick electives you like! But don't burn yourself
out."
Julia Rumsey
Julia Rumsey, MS SAA 2022
Assistant Director of Graduate Programs, Providence College
"Think about how the course materials and your assignments are applicable to your
Graduate Assistantship, internship, and future career. No one in the workplace will
make the connections between theory to practice for you, so its an important skill
to have if you want to utilize skills from the program. My advice for students interested
in pursuing this degree to meet with faculty, staff, and current students to talk
about the program. Everyone in SAA is super supportive and wants to see students succeed!"
Bernard Fleming
Bernard Fleming, MS SAA 2022
Program Specialist, Binghamton University
"I went into this program because I wanted to make a difference in college students'
lives, like those had done for me. My advice for those considering the SAA program
is to make sure it's your passion and something you know you want to do. Trust the
process and make the most of your time in the program."
Madalyn Petherick
Madalyn Petherick, MS SAA 2022
International Services Coordinator, SUNY Brockport
"I had a really great experience in undergrad and had amazing mentors who helped me
discover who I am. I wanted to be that person for other students. SAA brings so many
opportunities to create positive change in the lives of students. It is such a rewarding
field to be a part of."
Caitlin Wuest
Caitlin Wuest, MS SAA 2022
Admissions Counselor, Binghamton University
"I love working with college students and this degree gave me the opportunity. I would
suggest talking to people in the student affairs field to learn about all of the different
functional areas you could go into. There are some amazing professionals in the field,
so don't be afraid to ask them questions. I would recommend that students go to events
hosted by the program, have a graduate assistantship and do a few internships, because you never know when any of the skills you learned from these will become
helpful in the future."
Jessica Appleby
Jessica Appleby, MS SAA 2020
First-Year Experience Coordinator, Paul Smith’s College
"My goal has always been to make a difference in the lives of others, specifically
college students, and I get to do that everyday! In just a year in my role, I got
to revamp and assess existing processes in academic programs like First-Year Seminar
(which I get to teach and oversee the common curriculum for) as well as Orientation,
Welcome Week, and our academic success programming for new students! Working at a
small private college was never on my radar in graduate school, but I’ve really loved
the impact I’ve been able to make in my role!"
Kayla Krause
Kayla Krause, MS SAA 2020
Academic Advisor, Binghamton University
"I absolutely loved being in college and thought that could be a nice middle ground
of working with students, but not being a teacher or professor. Know that there are
so many different offices you have the opportunity to work in, which means a multitude
of ways to work with students and help them on their academic journeys! Don’t be afraid
to apply to graduate assistantships and internships outside what you were originally interested in, because you might discover another
good fit for a future career and gain some great transferable skills that could help
you down the road."
Victoria Lococo
Victoria Lococo, MS SAA 2020
Admissions Counselor, SUNY Purchase College
"I love being able to interact with new students on a daily basis and help them figure
out what they want to do with their future. Being able to assist them in applying
to college and continuing their dreams of earning their degree makes it all worth
while. Having an SAA degree helps with being more knowledgeable and being able to
bring that to my team and all students I interact with. The best way to get experience
is to make long-lasting connections. Some partnerships can help you land jobs, so
grow your connections and learn from others."
Zachary Lomas
Zachary Lomas, MS SAA 2019
Program Coordinator for Office of Student Involvement, Rutgers University - Camden
"I pursued an SAA degree because I knew I wanted to be involved in higher education.
I was so touched by the student affairs professionals in my life as a student, that
I wanted to ensure future students could have those same experiences. What I love
best about my job is seeing students learn, grow and bring their events to life, all
while developing confidence and skills they can apply to their careers. My advice
is to think about the various functional areas in student affairs and consider yourself
open to exploring them."
Reginald Gardner
Reginald Gardner, MS SAA 2015
President of Associated Graduate Students/Adjunct Lecturer, University of California
Irvine and University of Southern California
"Do it if you love it! There's plenty of room to grow and find out what aspects of
college life you're most interested in. What I enjoy most about my job is working
with students and making research content accessible. My advice for students entering
the SAA program is to read everything at least once, even if you think you can go
without. You'll be better with it!"
Gregory Diller
Gregory Diller, MS SAA 2010
Coordinator of Transition Programs, SUNY Cortland
"I love that I get to work as both an academic advisor and with our orientation program,
combining what I love to do in higher education. I get to work with wonderful student
leaders and connect with students who need help with their transition to college.
My advice to students considering this program is to diversify your experiences. Don't
get involved only in one area that you feel comfortable in. The more areas you work
in, the more experiences you get, the more you'll learn about how all parts of a college
work."
