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[nuznovm]

I have recently applied to my dream job as an academic advisor. I have been researching the university and the school the position the position is in and I can't help but wondering, how much research is needed? Or at least what is quality information.

What do search committees expect you to know already? What would impress them?

I know I can read every fact I can find (which I most likely will) and take notes but I'd really like to know what would be most valuable to bring to the table.

Thanks for taking the time to read and respond!

[irhack]

Enough that when they ask you, do you have any questions, you can ask two thoughtful ones about something you've read, preferably a new items, NOT about benefits, something like "I see your provost is planning on retiring at the end of this year, how will that affect this position" or "I saw in the news the Gates foundation awarded you $1billion, how will this affect this position..."

something like that anyway.

[michigander]

Normally, when interviewing for garden variety academic advisor positions it's not necessary to have done tons of research.  Interviewers usually ask a uniform set of pre-approved questions exploring your education, experience, and abilities including what you'd do in various hypothetical situations, and you probably won't be there very long (maybe 90 minutes).  It's not like a day or two of interviews for a tenure track faculty position.

You should know the basics:  what the mission is, which programs and degrees are offered, whether the school is public or private, who their students are, what the advising model is (central office, individual programs, major stress on faculty advising) and so forth.  If they provide specific information such as an academic advising handbook for students or advisors, you should read it.  Skim through enough of the individual program curriculum outlines to get an idea of how vocationally based or not the programs are because that will have a big effect on the kinds of things you'll be discussing with students in advising sessions.

Then, look for distinctive things.  If the web site has a link to a strategic plan, read it.  If the school has religious sponsorship, check out what that looks like and if you'll need to sign a faith statement or adhere to a code of behavior; if it's a Catholic school find what the founding order's role is.  If there has recently been a redesign of the curriculum or if a set of new programs has recently been added, look that information over.  These are the things that will help you to generate intelligent questions.

Remember that the interviewers want to find out what you can do for their students and whether you'll be a good fit.  You're doing your research so that you can do the best job of answering those questions.  Interviewers will be impressed that you've read the strategic plan or studied the curriculum redesign only if you bring them up in the context of demonstrating your ability to advise their students and work productively as a member of their department.  They won't like it one bit if you use that information to come across as a show off. 

[nuznovm]

Thank you so much for all the information. This is exactly what I was looking for!

[nordic]

At a minimum I would say you should know the basic facts and figures, such as # of students, # and types of degree programs, etc. I would also make it a point to be familiar with the school mission statement so you can discuss how you fit into the school's mission.

One thing that worked pretty well for me was reading the school's newspaper to get a sense of hot issues on campus or other community matters. For example, when interviewing with the University of North Dakota I was able to ask them about their thoughts of changing the school's nickname. I think questions like that show you have taken an interest in the school and allow you to engage with the interviewers in a more casual manner. I think it worked very well as a technique for me.

Good luck...

Nordic

[olemissbiker]

I recommend going to the faculty senate web page, if they post meeting minutes, you can read the minutes from the past 6-12 month rather quickly.  This typically gives good insight into current initiatives, debates, etc.  You can then fashion questions about how various outcome of those initiatives may impact the position you are apply for.

[caracalla]

I have just gone through interview AT R1 institution for an advising position. i researched everyone who I knew was going to be interviewing me, what they do and what research interests or particular projects they were working on and tried to work them in to the interview. I also wrote down the names and jobs of everyone in the department I would be working. From there I studied admission requirements and curriculums to get an idea of what students would be taking. As well at that on a larger level I looked to see what the major advising or student affairs initiatives were for the college, the mission statements and any particular things that I have had a similar experience with and relate the two in writing, all able to be brought up at any point during the interview. Know what computer software systems they use (banner, angel etc) or DARS, degreeworks etc. finally write down your philosophy as well as you can articulate it and be ready to give it. As for questions the position was in another state so I would be relocating so i had at least twenty prepared questions on the institution and the area. I didn't ask them all but i had them ready in case. This all may be a bit much but in my opinion there can never be too much research.

[sibnadian]

I am a person whom advisors directly report to. Therefore, I particiapte in a number of interviews. Realistically, I care less about how well people have done their research about our instituion, although some is a must of course. But I care a lot about their strategies and approaches when advising students and how they (would) help students to succeed.
As already mentioned, it is a good idea to research admission requirements, programs offered etc along these lines.

[nuznovm]

Caracalla - I hope you got the job. good luck.

Sibnadian- thanks for your advice. It is really nice to get a some perspective for someone who participates in the hiring process. If you don't mind me asking, what stands out most to you in a cover letter for an advising position?

[heptameron]

Have you been able to talk with students at similar institutions to get a sense of common issues they bring up in advising sessions?