Before You Begin: What Every New Student Affairs Graduate Student Should Know (A Student Affairs NOW Field Guide)

By Heather Shea

Before You Begin: What Every New Student Affairs Graduate Student Should Know is the guide every future student affairs educator wishes they had before the first day of graduate school.

Blending personal stories, practical advice, and the collective wisdom of more than 60 faculty from graduate programs in student affairs and higher education, Heather D. Shea offers an honest, encouraging roadmap for navigating the transition into graduate school-and ultimately into the profession.

More than a survival guide, this field guide helps readers develop the mindsets, relationships, and professional identity needed to thrive. Through faculty insights, reflective activities, and real-world lessons, readers will learn how to:

Build meaningful relationships with faculty, supervisors, and peers.Make the most of assistantships and graduate school opportunities.Think, read, write, and reflect like a graduate student.Develop a professional identity grounded in purpose and values.Launch a fulfilling career in student affairs with confidence and curiosity.

Whether you're just beginning a master's program or supporting students as a faculty member, supervisor, or mentor, Before You Begin serves as a companion for one of the most transformative seasons of a student affairs educator's journey.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0HFBDY5BM
• ISBN13: 9798192236666
• Release Date: August 2026
• Publisher: Independently published
• Length: 104 Pages
• Weight: 0.43 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 0.2" x 7.5"