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[entry-level jobs]

I've noticed some entry-level jobs are only posted on the college's website, so for those using the bigger websites (Chronicle, HigherEdjobs.com), don't forget to make a quick trip over the web pages of your top-choice schools.

[aherman]

Nate: You might also consider checking out www.academic360.com which has a geographical index (by state) that links directly to instituion's H.R. page.

[artone]

Nate,

It sounds as though you have many broad experiences in student affairs, but no narrowed focus, which is what will make you stand out among other candidates when applying for jobs. 

Getting your masters degree is definately a must, you'll never progress without it.  However, when you are applying for jobs, my question would be how focused is your resume?  Are you posting every experience you ever had in student affairs on your resume for every job?  This is usually a bad idea.  Departments tend to look at resumes of candidates that give specific experience for the job they are applying for.  I have been on many search committees and usually have anywhere from 70 to over 100 applications for a job.  The first screening of resumes is used to weed out any applications that do not have specific experience evident right away.  It is simiply to cumbersome to comb through every resume for possible experience.

I would think it would be beneficial for you to consider what exactly it is in student affairs you are interested in.  I will give you a personal example from my job search.  Before moving into higher education, I worked extensively in the non-profit arts sector, first as a public high school teacher of visual and theatre then I became the director of a visual and performing arts center.  I also had done a great deal of grant writing and development for non-profit theaters.  After graduate school I focused in on what school I wanted to work for.  I wanted to continue working in the arts so I applied specifically to private and public art colleges.  Since I had so much experience with programming and the development of programs I then honed in on jobs that specifically had those qualificiations.  My resume was very specific.

I know this more narrowed search was more effective because when I began applying for jobs last december I took a general approach, applying for every job that listed at least one thing I knew I could do with a resume that listed everthing I could do.  After I met with the career services office at my current institution and they revamped my resume and forced me to narrow my search I was more successful.  Sure, I was applying for fewer jobs overall, but I began getting responses where I wasn't before.  I am now working for a private art college doing major event planning, professional development for students, and running a performance center on campus.  All the things I love to do.

[sibyl]

Nate,

It's just not true that you need to have a master's degree to get ANY job, though I do think you need to earn one at some point if you want to make it your career.

You've been getting good advice from others, but you've got to widen your net.  You need to apply to more than eight positions.  Student affairs is competitive, even at the entry level.  It's an attractive option, especially for recent BAs or BSes who have strong leadership experience and skills and not a lot of certainty about career paths.  A lot of entry-level jobs go to recent grads for just this reason.  Ask yourself this:  How many of your classmates applied for eight or fewer jobs, not counting people who got job offers from places where they volunteered or interned?

Cast your net more widely, and don't give up so soon.

Sibyl