The month of September can lead to amazing experiences for all members of the SA community. New and experienced SAPros may have goals and updates within their positions to work on for a new start in their positions. SAGrads might be finishing or starting their graduate journey towards earning their Master’s Degree or completing a successful graduate year. One particular group that inspired me to write this post now are the members of the SA community that are still searching for their professional positions on the #SASearch. This time period can be emotional and professionally difficult for members that are waiting on decisions or still applying for jobs to become full time SAPros. I wanted to share some ways to help motivate fellow search members to stay positive and active during this time:

Play Your SASearch Playlist

The three categories I have for my SASearch music playlist:

• Interview Motivation
• Good News/Updates
• Cheer Up (Rejection Letters/Job Fulfillment)

Some of my sample songs include WWE themes, Aloe Blacc, Kayne West, Childish Gambino, and more. It’s a fun way to turn my search into a learning experience while enjoying myself. Through apps such as Pandora, Spotify, and more, use music as a way to express yourself during the good and bad days.

Use Hobbies As A De-Stressor

The pressure to find a job during the entire search can become very draining with preparing for interviews, networking, and searching within your desired field. Personally, video games are one of my favorite activities to help take my mind off of the search and think about new ways to approach my job searching goals.  Using hobbies to relax and take a break from working hard to find a job is an important self-care tip that can bring creative thinking within your job search. Remember to balance your search efforts by having fun and rewarding yourself.

Celebrate Each Step Of Success

Did you get a phone interview? Made it to the on-campus stage? Had your resume looked at by the HR Team? If so, these are all amazing steps of success to celebrate. During the SASearch, it can become easy to feel as if you have a long way to go without any updates on the next step. These are all good parts of life to enjoy whether you gain the job or not. They’re reminders that your professional story is always growing. Although gaining a professional experience is the end goal, use the little steps of success along the way as motivators towards your job search.

Never Give Up On Your Student Affairs Goals

Even with a tough job market, never forget that you have the skills to be successful as an SAPro. Yes, the path towards landing your first job may have been different from others but you can still impact students in a positive way. There is no one way to find your path towards your first professional job. Within student affairs, various members of the SASearch have found jobs during different job searching seasons. As long as you never give up and believe in yourself, you will reach your goal of a full-time student affairs position. Remember that you have something amazing to offer the world each day. Keep a positive attitude and high level of determination on your path towards success. Timing is everything and when one door closes, another one can open and become that right fit for you.

Best wishes to all who are still on the #SASearch. Know that your path to success is still there. Keep applying, networking, and working hard on your success. 

“Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost”-J.R.R. Tolkien 

> BONUS <

Podcast With Josie Ahlquist on Digital Identity, Social Media & Leadership