If you're already working in higher education, you know the unique blend of challenges and rewards that come with regularly being on a college campus. The daily interactions with an eager, diverse student body, the intellectual stimulation provided by academia, and the dynamic atmosphere of continuous learning and growth create an enriching environment.
It’s no wonder working on a college campus is like finding the fountain of youth. A place where passion, professionalism, and promise convene to propel the next generation. It’s inspiring! But can you see yourself in your current position forever? What comes next? Is working on a college campus a good long-term plan?
Whether you're a professor, administrator, or staff member, exciting opportunities in higher education are possible…with the right platform. Explore the many benefits of working in higher ed as we shed some light on the highlights and your roadmap. Only you can determine if working in higher education is worth it for you!
The Science Behind Job Satisfaction
Studies point to several key elements that impact your sense of fulfillment in a professional role. Across various fields, findings consistently underscore the profound influence of a sense of purpose, a supportive community, and opportunities for personal growth on one's overall job satisfaction.
Employees who perceive their work as meaningful and contributing to a greater purpose experience higher levels of job satisfaction and motivation. Similarly, the presence of a strong, supportive community within the workplace bolsters employee morale and fosters a sense of belonging.
Additionally, workplace motivations are changing. While a good salary and flexible paid time off remain essential, personal fulfillment is becoming increasingly important to an employee's loyalty. Employers now face the challenge of offering roles that not only pay well and provide flexibility but also enhance the personal satisfaction of their employees. Millennials are 3x more likely than other generations to change jobs in search of a role that offers them more fulfillment and aligns better with their life goals.
It’s no wonder, then, that careers in higher education are uniquely positioned to be desirable— they innately cultivate high levels of job satisfaction. College campuses are brimming with opportunities for continued growth, united purpose, and a close-knit community.
The Benefits of Working in Higher Ed
Beyond compensation, beyond benefits, beyond the standard reasons to pursue or stay in a role, what does higher education provide that is fundamentally unique in the workplace? Through your role in higher education, you can find a true sense of purpose and passion that can last a lifetime. Which, as studies suggest, is the root of long-term happiness in a professional role. Here’s how…
Professional Development
Colleges and universities are lush with opportunities for skill enhancement and knowledge seeking. Workshops, seminars, or free courses are daily opportunities found on a college campus. There’s a sense of continued learning that higher education professionals tend to share.
Unlike many workplaces, higher education roles often offer financial support for pursuing further education for yourself or even your family. Many offices have budgets dedicated to professional development for employees underscoring the amount of support for this unique value-add. Conferences, professional development events, networking events, and virtual courses are all part of expanding your expertise and skill set. Long term, staying sharp and engaged in your industry leads to continued fulfillment.
Intellectual Stimulation
Colleges and universities are at the forefront of research and innovation. Working on campus increases your exposure to innovative findings and academic discussions. Universities regularly host guest lectures and colloquia, bringing in experts to share their knowledge and insights and exposing all college community members to fresh perspectives.
Universities often organize symposia and conferences to create convergent spaces that encourage critical thinking and promote collaborations across various fields of study. Higher education institutions provide access to extensive research and professional development resources such as libraries, research facilities, art centers, and labs.
All this innovation and creative thought fosters a high level of reflection in your life. If your role is staff, faculty, or somewhere in between, being around innovation enhances your day-to-day life. As they say, you are the company you keep!
Vibrant Community Culture
Being a part of a college campus offers a dynamic and vibrant environment where you can immerse yourself in a sense of belonging. College campuses are communities within communities, with activities ranging from theatrical productions and art exhibitions to sports events and social gatherings. Engaging in the energetic campus life encourages personal growth, networking opportunities, and a chance to form meaningful connections with students, colleagues, and the broader region. Plus, it’s fun! Depending on the size of the institution, the campus can be its own city full of arts, sports, and entertainment!
Many industries try to replicate this community—think of big tech or Silicon Valley. But very few do it as authentically as higher education.
Contributing to a Higher Purpose
Perhaps most importantly, working in higher education gives you the chance to shape the lives and careers of future generations. Through teaching, mentoring, and guidance, you play a direct role in imparting knowledge, skills, and values to students, making a lasting impact on their education and careers.
A college campus naturally creates a sense of community and shared mission. By being part of an institution dedicated to education and societal betterment, you join a community of individuals united by a mutual understanding and commitment to making a positive difference in the world, creating a fulfilling and purpose-driven work environment.
No, your role in higher education may not put you at the forefront of curing cancer. But, you might be part of the system that fosters new developments and improvements in society.
At the granular level, you can impact a student’s life positively. Your dedication to working in higher education can directly benefit one student, but most likely, you can benefit thousands of future leaders.
That’s a benefit that only those working in education can truly claim.
Added Bonus: The Variety of Careers in Higher Ed
Unlike other industries, a university is a self-contained entity, meaning universities hire many diverse roles to form a robust and interconnected campus. Each position contributes to the university ecosystem, from campus safety officers to IT specialists and librarians to event planners, fostering an environment for learning, innovation, and progress. These roles make up the administrative powerhouse that keeps running a college smoothly by attracting new students and developing core university programs.
What does this mean for you?
There’s no shortage of hats to wear in higher education. If you’ve tried one on and like the fit—great. If you want to try something else, working in higher education gives you a solid foundation from which to explore new roles. Even more, pursuing advanced education in higher education administration might be a good fit if you want to take your career to the next level.
Moving Up on Campus
If there’s an industry that respects higher degrees, it’s academia. The value of a graduate degree and its credibility are well regarded on a college campus. Now, that’s not to say you have to have a master’s or doctorate to advance, but there is an advantage to advancing.
Beyond deepening your knowledge in a specific field, a graduate degree equips you with advanced skills in critical thinking, research, and decision-making, essential for leading change within the higher education landscape. Employees with advanced degrees are also better positioned to pursue more advanced leadership roles that prioritize strategic vision, academic expertise, and management skills.
If you see yourself as a higher education professional long-term, consider an advanced degree in the industry.
Is it Worth It?
Working in higher education is like discovering the fountain of youth. The benefits—beyond compensation—are unique to the industry. From continued access to professional development, exposure to cutting-edge research, or finding a community with endless enthusiasm, choosing to work on a college campus keeps you sharp.
As you evaluate your future career, consider how a career in higher education could align with your personal and professional goals. If you’re passionate about shaping future generations, contributing to research advancements, or being a part of a vibrant and diverse community, a career in higher education can provide a perfect fit.
If you’re interested in learning more about an advanced degree in higher ed, check out our guide to earning your M.Ed. or Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration.
