Academic Advisors: Are Your Satisfied with your Job?

I'm a bit overdue on my professional development reading, but I did manage to read A National Survey of Academic-Advisor Job Satisfaction (Donnelly, 2009) while at an appointment yesterday. (Don't worry...it wasn't a student-appointment that I was reading through!)

What I found intriguing about the article was that overall advisors are happiest when their workplace is "characterized by variety, empowerment(authority), and teamwork as well as clear communication channels between the manager/supervisor and advisor"(p. 14).

Take notice that benefits and salary are not mentioned.

The next part of the paper discusses what advising administrators and advisors themselves can do in order to create and maintain such environments.

Advisors can:

1. Keep track of their own work and accomplishments.
I don't think you can underestimate the power of a well-kept work log and an updated
resume. It's a great way to look back on all you've done when you've had a harsh day or had
to accept criticism. Not to mention, this tool can be used for performance review purposes.
2. Dialogue with supervisors regularly; not just at the yearly performance review.
I make a practice of talking to my supervisor everyday; even if it is just to say hello. The key here is
visibility and likability.
3. Look for ways to keep their practice sharp.
Blog about your advising experiences, attend as much professional development as you can
afford, try new forms of advising methods when you get the chance. This will keep things
fresh, but more importantly, you will always be learning.

Administrators can:

1. Maintain good communication regarding roles and performance.
Giving each advisor ownership of one or two items can be a powerful tool. Accountability.
2. Be able to divide and share responsibility with advisors.
Sometimes its easier to do the job yourself rather than wait for someone else to do it. Resist
the temptation and allow them to try. Don't feel like you should make all the decisions since
you are not the only one on this team. You are the captain, however.
3. Ensure that each advisor receives excellent training and understands their duties.
Training can't be underestimated. This may be the foundation for a life-long career so be sure
that it is well thought out and foundational. You don't need to cover every advising possibility;
make it foundational.
4. Provide as much professional development as possible.
If the funding is there, USE IT!





A National Survey of Academic-Advisor Job Satisfaction. Ned Donnelly. 29(1) 5. NACADA Journal.