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An
Interview with Shannon Chronister,
UW-Green Bay Alumnus & Student Affairs Professional
Shannon
Chronister is a UW-Green Bay Alumnus who graduated in May 2003.
She completed her Master’s Degree in
Educational Leadership at Central
Connecticut State University and is now Student Activities Coordinator and
Academic Advisor at UW-Marathon County.
This interview was conducted with Shannon
while she was attending Central Connecticut State University to provide
insight to what life is like as a graduate student. If you would like
to connect with Shannon, you may contact her by phone (715-261-6236) or
e-mail: shannon.chronister@uwc.edu
1. What is a typical day like for you?
My program consists of two parts, my classes and
my internship. In my
internship I work in Operations and on a typical day I check on the set-up
crew, check on room set-ups first thing in the morning.
My job is 75% working with people; I spend a lot of time talking
with the students working at the Information desk and the Student Center
reception area. I also spend
a lot of time supervising students working on projects such as blood
drives and leadership awards. The
other 25% of my job is administrative and I spend a lot of time in
meetings.
2. What are some of the courses you have taken at
graduate school?
I take 2 classes a semester because my internship is
the largest part of my graduate work.
The two classes I am taking this semester are Administration and
College Student Development Theory. Other
classes I’ll be taking include Supervision in Schools and Program
Development in Higher Education.
3. How long does it take to complete a graduate
program in Student Affairs?
I will be finished in 2 years
4. What was your undergraduate degree?
My undergraduate degree was Communication Processes with an emphasis
in Public Relations.
5. What
should students do to prepare for graduate school?
Make sure you know how to write a research paper!
Also get to know the professors and staff you will be working with
and set expectations with them and with yourself so that you know what
will be going on. Do research
on the schools that interest you and ask more questions than you ever
thought possible. It is also
important to get into the habit of doing all your reading.
6. What
are you hoping to accomplish through graduate work?
I want to get the perspective of Student Affairs though the eyes of an
administrator. I also want to interact and learn from people with diverse
backgrounds and I want to be able to make an impact on the students I work
with.
7. What does the job market look like for your
field?
It really depends on what area I want to go into.
Right now a lot of state schools are facing budget problems and one
of the areas that takes cuts is Student Affairs.
But if you’re flexible and willing to move there is a good chance
of getting a job.
8. What are your future plans and career goals?
I will be graduating in May 2005 and I would like to find a job as a
Program Coordinator in a Student Activities Office.
I would also like to move back to the Midwest.
As for my career goals, I want to make everyday a learning
experience with lots of student interaction.
Right now everything is so open for me it’s hard to say.
9. What do you enjoy about your graduate work?
In my classes I really like the discussion.
My classes are all discussion there is not a professor just
standing up a lecturing. It’s
great to learn the ideas of all the students, not just the professor.
We talk about a lot of big picture ideas as well, which I really
enjoy.
In my internship, I like that I am able to devote
most of my time to my work. I
enjoy focusing on my work and developing relationships with the students,
it allows me to get hands on experience.
10. What
is the most frustrating aspect about graduate school?
My classes aren’t as structured as they were as an undergraduate.
There are no exams and I have a lot more reading that needs to be
done. If the reading
doesn’t get done, then you can’t participate in the discussions.
The most frustrating part of my internship is that I
need to try to blend the traditions, which have been around for a long
time with my new ideas.
11. Is
there a lot of variety and/or creativity in your daily work?
I never do the same thing twice.
Everyday is different. I
also get to see a lot of creativity; it is my job to get the creativity
out of the students.
Shannon’s advice for students
going to graduate school:
Grad school is SO different from undergraduate work,
it is really challenging and rewarding.
You will only get out of it what you put into it.
Also don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Thank
you so much for your time Shannon!
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