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College Academic Advisor

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You'd expect the prime requirements for academic advising to be good listening skills, superior communication skills, compassion, caring and intelligence. According to one advisor, you can add the ability to withstand crushing hugs to that impressive list!

It's all part of the job description, says Julie Steinke -- and a very welcome one at that. Steinke is the director of student athlete support services at the University at Albany.

"After the graduation ceremony of a school I'd worked at for two years, I came upon a particular student-athlete who had gone through a difficult time personally and therefore had problems that distracted her from doing as well as she could have academically," explains Steinke.

"However, she found a way through and graduated on time. When I found her after the ceremony she immediately ran up to me and hugged me with the strongest hug I have ever felt; I thought she was going to crush me! She also started crying and just kept telling me 'thank you' and how she wouldn't have made it there if it wasn't for my help."

That kind of heart-felt gratitude can make the job of an academic advisor all the more worthwhile. And there's no doubt it can sometimes seem like a long road to travel before receiving those words (and hugs!) of thanks.

Steinke admits, "The job also entails a lot of non-traditional hours (evenings and weekends) which can, at times, be difficult to balance with other aspects of my life. But you have to make it a point to find that balance!"

Patrick Ouellette, college coordinator, says there's nothing quite like helping a student "walk out of my office like he's had a huge weight lifted off his shoulders." But he also says there are downsides to the job.

"Having to listen -- with a smile and straight face -- to 1,000 versions of 'my dog ate my homework' from a lackluster student who simply is not willing to put the effort required into his studies can be a challenge."

Still, the type of person who chooses to help students become successful, contributing citizens isn't the type to shy away from a challenge. The rewards speak for themselves.

As Anthony Tanjoco, senior academic advisor at a college, puts it, "I know that I'm helping change the world by helping these people get the needed skills to help other people."

For college manager William Garbarino, the hint of future success is often enough to fuel his enthusiasm for his job. "I am currently working with a student that is nearing graduation and is having some tremendous challenges balanc[ing] the pressures of being a single mom, and her academic and employment responsibilities.

"I have plotted out a course of action that hopefully will help her complete the program on schedule and reduce the overall stress of the situation. It will be very gratifying to see this student cross the finish line."

Optimism is just one of the useful job requirements. Superior listening skills seem to top the list of most academic advisor's "must-have" lists.

"We have to listen to what is said as well as what is not said. Often times you have to read between the lines to get a more accurate picture of what the student is trying to convey," says James Kelly, academic advisor at a university.

Being people-oriented is key to an academic advisor's effectiveness, according to Debbie Graczyk, advisor and coordinator at a university. Advisors must also be assertive, and have good judgement and a good sense of humor.

A keen desire to continue learning and growing is also crucial. This desire is essential to not only the academic advisor's success, but also to his or her student's future success.

Ouellette's advice for the would-be academic advisor? "Be sure your skin's thick, and your emotions are shielded before making the leap!"

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