HESA launches new Lunch and Learn series with a focus on professional development

This year, the Department of Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA), formerly the Student Affairs Administration (SAA) Department, introduced a new curriculum emphasizing professional development and hands-on experiences. The program's new name aims to reflect the wide range of student-focused roles in higher education not limited to student affairs. The focus on experiential learning, including internships, ensures that graduates are well-prepared with career-ready skills, allowing them to "hit the ground running," according to Margie Gates, director of admissions and student services.

HESA launched its Lunch and Learn series as part of its new curriculum rollout. These informal one-hour panel and Q&A sessions, featuring program alumni and other higher education professionals, will be held virtually and in person.

"Our new Lunch and Learn series provides students with essential professional development to support our focus on career readiness," said Deborah Taub, HESA department chair and professor. "In addition, it provides our students with opportunities to expand their professional networks by connecting with higher education professionals, including program graduates."

The series kicked off on Wednesday, Sept. 11, with "Oh the Places You'll Go: What You Can Do with a Master's Degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs," featuring a panel of Binghamton University SAA alumni working on campus. The panel included Madison McQueeney, MS '22, assistant director of fraternity/sorority life and Late Nite in the Office of the Dean of Students; Upward Bound Director Richie Sebuharara, MS '19; Meryl Stromberg, MPA '20, MS '20, assistant director of Hinman College, Residential Life; Kayla Wilson, MS '20, biology and environmental studies academic advisor coordinator in Harpur Academic Advising; and Emily Ziemba, MS '23, assistant director of New Student Programs.

The panel opened the discussion by sharing their career path stories and highlighting the importance of internships and assistantships in shaping career aspirations, acquiring versatile (and transferable) skills and sometimes securing a 'dream' job.

"I recommend doing your graduate assistantship in something you're passionate about," McQueeney said. "But always do an internship in something that maybe you never even imagined doing, even if it isn't something you end up pursuing. You might learn, 'I hate this, I don't ever want to do that,' and that's fine. But I can guarantee you'll learn at least 10 new skills from that area to bring into your next role."

Another common refrain throughout the discussion was the value of building and establishing networks. These professional associations often originate from relationships with peers and connections made in class and internships, but they can also lay the groundwork for future collaboration and career advancement.

"I have peers who work at different institutions, and I often call them for advice or feedback," said Stromberg. "I might ask them, 'What does this look like at your institution?' I can't emphasize enough how the connections you make now will prove invaluable when you ultimately graduate."

Panel members also encouraged attendees to be flexible and open to new opportunities. They emphasized the importance of being willing to take risks, seek new experiences and apply for jobs, even if they are currently in a position they like.

Dorian Wendler '24, a Binghamton undergraduate with degrees in history and classical civilizations, is in his first year of the HESA program. Wendler attended the first session, and although he is planning a career in residential life, he appreciated the panels' advice to explore all areas of student affairs and be open to opportunities. He pointed out that one of the program's strengths is its focus on career preparation.

"The classes provide the knowledge framework to be effective in my chosen area, and my graduate assistantship in residential life provides me with invaluable hands-on experiences," Wendler said. "Thanks to the program, I can meet and work with various student affairs professionals, gaining experience and making important connections."

Future Lunch and Learn sessions will cover topics such as résumé building, finding internships to support your career path, the power of networking and professional associations and exploring career opportunities beyond higher education. In short, these sessions are part of the program's renewed focus on ensuring graduates are well-equipped to meet the challenges of whatever career they choose.

MS HESA student Mel G. Carousso '24. Westchester County native Mel Carousso '24 is in year one of the HESA program. Carousso's previous experience in higher education has focused primarily on orientation and residential life. Still, they are interested in exploring opportunities in student conduct and admissions recruitment and believe the HESA program will provide the opportunities to get there.

"The HESA program is a supportive community that works to promote student success," said Carousso. "I thought the first Lunch and Learn session was wonderful! It was inspiring to hear about the experiences of higher education professionals in various roles and how the program prepared them for success. I look forward to attending as many sessions as possible."

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.