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!"