Finding joy in your career is essential for personal fulfillment and overall happiness. When you spend a significant portion of your life working, it's important to find a job that brings you satisfaction and a sense of purpose.
Do you feel like you’ve found that job yet? Are you looking for inspiration?
In the field of higher education, there are numerous roles that can provide meaningful and fulfilling careers. Working on a college campus brings energy and excitement (but don’t let it drain yours, more on that later). College campuses are a hub for opportunities and the thrill of new discoveries. Browse our list of new opportunities that can spark your next discovery.
Do I need a master’s degree to work in higher education?
First, do you even need a master’s degree to work in higher ed?
While it’s not always a requirement to have a master's degree to work in higher education, having an advanced degree can significantly enhance your career prospects and open doors to higher-level positions.
You may already be working in higher education and notice when opportunities for advancement come up the words “master’s preferred” seem to stop you in your tracks.
Many roles within higher education, such as university administrators, academic advisors, and student affairs professionals, often prefer candidates with a master's degree due to the specialized knowledge and skills it provides.
Having a master's degree can pave the way for a higher salary, increased job satisfaction, and opportunities for advancement within the field. It signals to directors and vice presidents your innate commitment to advancing the mission of higher education.
What is a Master’s in Higher Education?
A Master's in Higher Education is a specialized degree that focuses on preparing professionals for careers in various aspects of higher education.
The degree equips you with in-depth knowledge and skills related to college administration, student affairs, academic advising, institutional research and more.
It provides a comprehensive understanding of the complex higher education landscape and prepares you to take on leadership roles in academic institutions.
What do you get with an MEd in Higher Education?
- Understanding the structure and functioning of higher education institutions
- Developing strategies for student engagement and success
- Analyzing and interpreting data for decision-making in higher education
- Implementing policies and practices to promote diversity and inclusivity on campus
- Building strong collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, and students
Fulfilling jobs in higher education that require an MEd
You might already know the department you’d like to pursue or maybe you want to try an entirely new field. No matter what you’re looking for, college campuses provide an excellent foundation for a fulfilling career. Every single job on campus helps to influence the student experience and offers rewarding opportunities to impact the lives of young people.
Here are a few roles on college campuses that spark joy:
Fulfilling jobs in higher education that require an MEd
You might already know the department you’d like to pursue or maybe you want to try an entirely new field. No matter what you’re looking for, college campuses provide an excellent foundation for a fulfilling career. Every single job on campus helps to influence the student experience and offers rewarding opportunities to impact the lives of young people.
Here are a few roles on college campuses that spark joy:
Student Affairs Administrator
Department: Student Life
As a student affairs administrator, you will create and maintain a positive and supportive campus environment for students. You will oversee student organizations, plan events, provide counseling services, and advocate for students' needs.
Looking to spark joy in your life? This is a natural fit. You have the ability to impact the joy of the entire student body.
Academic Advisor
Department: Academic Affairs
Academic advisors play a crucial role in guiding students through their educational journey. You will provide academic support, help students navigate degree requirements, and assist in their personal and professional development.
You have a front-row seat to watching students find their passion and set out on a journey of self-discovery. You can use your vast knowledge of academic programs and careers to help connect students to their futures. You may not cure the common cold in this role, but you might just influence the future scientist who does.
Institutional Research Analyst
Department: Institutional Research
As an institutional research analyst, you will collect and analyze data to inform decision-making and strategic planning in higher education institutions. You will help improve institutional effectiveness, evaluate program outcomes, and contribute to accreditation processes.
If you’re comfortable around numbers, look no further. Colleagues from across campus will lean on your expertise to inform decisions and future planning. You’ll spend a good amount of time working with different departments and even outside contractors. You make sense of things people are relying on. Seeing you on campus will spark joy for your colleagues–and in turn, spark joy in your own life.
Associate Director of Admissions
Department: Enrollment
Admissions counselors are responsible for attracting and recruiting prospective students to the institution. You will evaluate applications, conduct interviews, and provide information about programs and opportunities within the university.
Wanting to spark joy? Seeing a student get admitted to their dream school is pure joy! The admissions team plays a small role in the story of every student who attends your institution. There are daily moments of joy and days full of joy (like move-in day).
Career Services Coordinator
Department: Career Center
In this role, you will assist students in exploring career options, developing job search strategies, and connecting with employers. You will organize career fairs, workshops, and networking events to support students' transition from academia to the workforce.
If the goal of higher education is job preparation, you are the catalyst for many students’ success. You’ll be working on resumes, providing an endless list of industries, and gently guiding the lost and the determined.
How to Love Your Job in Higher Education
It’s easy to chase the feeling of joy in your job. But chasing the joy can lead to depleted energy, a work/life imbalance and questioning your career. Here are some tips to balance loving your job and knowing it is a job:
- Set healthy boundaries with your supervisors and supervisees
- Practice self-care by maintaining healthy habits like journaling, walking, and pursuing your hobbies
- Set realistic expectations with yourself on what you hope to achieve in your job
Getting Your MEd in Higher Education at SMU
Remember, finding joy in your career is not just a luxury – it is a necessity. Chase your passion, make a difference, and embrace the joy that a career in higher education can bring.
If you are considering pursuing a Master's in Higher Education, Southern Methodist University offers an exceptional program that can equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the field. The Simmons School of Education MEd in Higher Education provides a comprehensive curriculum taught by experienced faculty members who are dedicated to shaping the next generation of higher education professionals.
Have 10 minutes to invest in yourself today? Download our guide.
Your Future in Higher Ed– Guide to Pursuing Your MEd or EdD in Higher Education Administration
