Socialisation and Professional Identity: Reflections of an Administrator’s Pathway into Student Affairs in the United States

Abstract

Pathways into student affairs careers may not always be clear or well defined. Often, student affairs professionals experience unconventional beginnings. Formal and informal relationships with faculty, staff and students in higher education may eventually inspire a career in student affairs. This process of socialisation positively influenced my development as a student and continues to shape my perspectives about college student development as a professional. My professional identity, influenced by the student affairs socialisation process and reflective practice as a professional in higher education, are discussed.