Chapter 4: The Art of Supervision in Student Affairs

As new professionals enter the HE/SA field, what words of wisdom would you share with them as they begin to build their careers? Would you describe their career paths into senior leadership positions as being linear, or are there other considerations? If you were starting your career path over today in student affairs, what would you do differently? What are some considerations for the career trajectory of those looking to become a Senior Student Affairs Officer (SSAO)?

Supervision within the professional realm of student affairs is a rewarding and challenging experience. Supervision is gratifying because of its developmental opportunities and relationship building between a supervisor and supervisee. Holmes (2014) shares, “Supervision skills are important for job satisfaction, curriculum development, enabling new professionals to be successful in their positions, and preparing supervisors of new professionals to better engage with their staff” (p. 12). Supervision is challenging in the way that it is not only difficult to define and to teach, but, once you think you have it “figured out,” you are presented with a new challenge. Schneider and Bailey (2009) also reiterate the challenges of supervision. They state “helping shape the professional and personal growth of another person is not a responsibility to be taken lightly” (p. 61).