Here are some suggestions to help you out.
Working in higher education, learning is at the heart of all you do. Learning new things is a good way to challenge yourself and build your capabilities. For example:
Being a great Student Services leader isn’t just about experience. It’s about knowing your strengths, spotting what you want to get better at and staying open to learning. The best leaders keep growing, lean on their networks and find new ways to face challenges with confidence.
As a busy Student Services leader you’ll have developed a wealth of experience and expertise throughout your career. But the UK Student Services sector doesn’t have a formal framework for you to record and document what you know. So you may want to consider other ways to consolidate or document your expertise in a sector-recognised format. This can be useful if you’re looking to advance in your career or argue for more pay or status.
Aside from your expertise in Student Services, you are a leader and manager. It’s important to develop and refresh your skills and approaches to ensure you’re strategic and impactful, and you’re getting the best from your teams and supporting them with what they need.
If you’re an expert in your area, you may find it fulfilling to share your expertise with your colleagues, to give them the benefit of your insights and good practice. Our AMOSSHE community offers several ways for you to do this. You could offer to mentor a junior colleague, speak or lead a session at one of our events, or join our Executive Committee to lead and steer your professional association.
You don’t have to go at it alone. Student Services people are a friendly, helpful bunch. Our community is collaborative and supportive, so you’re sure to find people who can help you with advice, shared good practice, and encouragement.
Maybe it’s time to take on something new— a new role or an expanded remit, to challenge you?
If you’re looking for new challenges as a Student Services leader (within your current organisation or elsewhere) or you want to build on what you’ve achieved already, there are many options for you.
If you’re feeling frustrated or demoralised, there may be a negative impact on your health and wellbeing. Paying attention to your self-care may help you get a sense of perspective or just refresh your energy.
Student Services leadership can be demanding, stressful and at times upsetting. You’re responsible for the welfare and wellbeing of others (your staff teams as well as students), you hold and manage risk, and you often deal with difficult topics and situations (including death, bereavement, suicide, harassment, racism, sexual violence and trauma).
