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Konnor, Professional Development Manager at University of San Diego: Advize Career Interview
A career as a Professional Development Manager at a university like the University of San Diego offers a dynamic and fulfilling path for those passionate about guiding students through their career journeys.
The role involves everything from career exploration to job offer acceptance, building relationships with external partners, and supporting student organizations. Daily tasks are varied, including student appointments and event planning.
Key skills include empathy, relationship-building, and organizational prowess. The most rewarding aspect is witnessing students' professional and personal growth.
Challenges include overcoming student apathy towards proactively engaging with career resources. Thriving requires being people-oriented and tailoring advice to individual needs.
Entry-level positions like professional development specialist or coordinator can provide a pathway into the field.
A key lesson learned is the importance of seizing every opportunity and actively engaging with resources available during college to explore different opportunities.
While "helping professions" can be challenging and underappreciated, the impact on students' lives makes it worthwhile.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Konnor McMillen
Professional Development Manager
University of San Diego
San Diego State University
University of California- Santa Barbara
Psychology
Education
Education
Honors Student, Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student
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Career Path Of A Professional Development Manager At University Of San Diego
Konnor started as a psychology major at San Diego State University, with an internship at Moores Cancer Research Center, but realized academic research wasn't for them after graduation, leading to a role with a social and emotional training company that involved extensive travel, revealing "a love for education and passion for working with students". This passion drove the pursuit of a master's in education and later led to a role at an ed-tech startup before finding current position at the University of San Diego, where a desire to guide college students during a formative time is fulfilled.
Main Responsibilities of a Professional Development Manager at University of San Diego
As a Professional Development Manager at the University of San Diego, Konnor's primary focus is supporting accounting students throughout their entire career journey, from "career exploration" to "job offer acceptance." A key aspect of the role involves managing relationships with external partners like firms and organizations to ensure they continue recruiting University of San Diego students for internships and full-time positions.
A Day In The Life Of A Professional Development Manager At University Of San Diego
Konnor, a Professional Development Manager at USD, describes a varied daily routine, including "four to five" student appointments to guide them in their career journeys. A typical day can also involve logistical planning for events like "firms in the foyer" to connect students with recruiters, along with supporting student organizations such as the accounting society.
Key Skills for a Professional Development Manager at University of San Diego
For a Professional Development Manager, "empathy" is key, allowing one to understand and meet students where they are in their career journeys, while "relationship building" is crucial for collaborating with both students and external partners to understand their needs. Strong organizational skills, including program and project management, are also vital for ensuring events and resources are effectively delivered, ultimately helping students secure internships and jobs.
Favorite Parts of Being a Professional Development Manager at University of San Diego
Konnor most enjoys working with students, noting that it's been "the common thread running throughout [their] entire career journey." Seeing students progress both professionally and personally during a time of uncertainty and growth brings a lot of joy and is what they "get a lot of joy out of within [their] career."
Biggest Challenges For A Professional Development Manager At University Of San Diego
Konnor's biggest challenge as a Professional Development Manager is "getting students in the door" and encouraging them to proactively engage with career resources, because while the university provides ample opportunities like events and resume workshops, "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink." Overcoming student apathy towards professional development, especially early in their college experience, is a persistent hurdle.
Favorite Parts of Working in Higher Education as a Professional Development Manager
Konnor enjoys working in higher education, particularly the opportunity to work with students and witness "how they have just developed over the years" both professionally and personally from freshman to senior year. The most fulfilling aspect is being a consistent presence in students' journeys and observing "how they change as people."
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Professional Development Field According To A Professional Development Manager At University Of San Diego
To thrive as a professional development manager, being "very people oriented" is crucial, as the role involves working with individuals at various career stages and understanding "what's driving them or what's scaring them." Developing empathy and tailoring advice to each person's unique circumstances, rather than applying a formulaic approach, is what sets successful professionals apart in this field.
What a Professional Development Manager at University of San Diego Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Education Industry
Konnor wishes someone had emphasized how challenging "helping professions" like education can be; while driven by passion and a desire to help others, these roles are often shorthanded, lower-paid, and easily blamed, a societal issue exemplified by the treatment of teachers. Despite this reality, Konnor doesn't regret the career path, but believes it's crucial to "come to grips with" these challenges before fully committing.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Professional Development Managers
Konnor suggests that aspiring professionals in the field can consider entry-level positions such as "professional development specialist or professional development coordinator positions" where initial responsibilities might involve less direct student interaction until trained up to "coach them through different like certificates or just through experience." These roles offer a pathway into the field by building foundational skills and knowledge before taking on more direct coaching responsibilities.
Significant Career Lesson From a Professional Development Manager at University of San Diego
Konnor learned the importance of seizing every opportunity, especially as a student. Reflecting on their undergraduate experience, they realized that taking advantage of resources like career fairs and alumni networks can provide crucial direction and exploration, leading to a more focused career path, stating that it is important to "get involved and to take advantage."
College Tips For A Professional Development Manager At University Of San Diego
Konnor regrets not being more proactive during college, admitting to being "complacent" by only focusing on classes and friends; instead, they recommend students get involved on campus, network with alumni, and explore internships in various fields to challenge themselves and discover their passions, rather than just "coast." They now advise students to do the opposite of what they did and use their college years to explore opportunities for career growth.
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