8/12/2019 Critical Analysis and Action Plan

1/2

In my specific field of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), my first year in

the field of higher education will require that I become an expert in the various technologies

involved in the roles as Designated School Official and/or Alternate Responsible Officer. This

process will involve mastery of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)

and extensive knowledge of regulations implemented by the United States Citizenship and

Immigration Services (USCIS). I predict that my first year will be building upon my

foundational knowledge of these technologies and databases, as well as more interaction with

students through advising international students and possibly supervising in-office student

workers. As I gain more confidence in advising students on regulations and buildingrelationships with them, I will then have the chance to focus on intentionally implementing my

knowledge and skills in student development theories, listening and counseling skills and general

advocacy for international students at my institution others in the United States.

My action plan for continued professional development in the field of higher education is

based upon my desire to continually learn and gain as much knowledge as possible. The daily

action will be to read publications such as The Chronicle of Higher Education and regularly visit

the on-line news section of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. I will also maintain

close connections and relationships with my colleagues from the Masters in Higher Education

program. We will all be new professionals at universities across the nation and we have been a

support system for each other over the past two years, why stop these relationships after

graduation? The career aspirations I share with my colleagues have supported the cultivation of

strong friendships that will serve as a network of support as we are learning how to navigate our

new roles and environments. I also plan to continually build my professional network as a

member-leader in NAFSA. After graduation I foresee having more time to dedicate to a

8/12/2019 Critical Analysis and Action Plan

2/2

leadership role in this organization which will strengthen my commitment to the field and

advocacy for students.

Finally , my next educational aspiration is to either earn a second masters degree in

multicultural communication or potentially a doctorate in higher education or an internationally

focused program. I think it is critical to my growth as a professional that I continue to learn and

especially improve my knowledge in new cultures and possibly even a third language. If I do not

earn another formal degree after May 7, 2014, I plan to always be enrolled in a class in my effort

to continuously improve as a professional and global citizen. As professionals in higher

education we unconditionally support our students, but we also demand a great deal from them

and I think it is important for us to lead by example and ensure that we are always educating

ourselves.