Job One 2.0: Understanding the Next Generation of Student Affairs Professionals ed. by Peter M. Magolda, and Jill Ellen Carnaghi (review)

Job One 2.0: Understanding the Next Generation of Student Affairs Professionalsedited by Peter M. Magolda and Jill Ellen Carnaghi articulates the voices of new professionals as a guide for the next generation of student affairs professionals in navigating their transition to the profession. The editors indicate that their second edition focuses on 10 new narratives of professionals and an intentional integration of the original new professional contributors (NPCs) from Job One(2004) who could offer their reflections and insights a decade later. Magolda and Carnaghi address in their preface that the most significant changes to the work environment for new professionals in student affairs resides in major changes within the academy focusing on rising tuition costs, struggles with the economy, the growth of digital technology tools, and continuing changes in student demographics.

The book is organized into three units that explore (a) the job search process, (b) the early days of the new professional’s job experience, and (c) the intersection of job and identity. Each unit and the chapters that comprise the sections conclude with a set of discussion questions that are targeted toward supporters of new professionals and new professionals. The addition of these questions from Job One(2004) provides the opportunity for faculty and professionals to engage in an intentional dialogue about these narratives. Each set of questions are framed for personal reflection with a primary focus on the intersection of professional and personal identities.

Chapter 1, “Job One 2.0: The Next Generation,” written by Molly Reas Hall, provides a summary of the themes that emerged from the stories of the 10 new NPCs. This chapter provides an introduction to the three units that organize Job One 2.0. Hall describes five themes that emerged from the 10 NPCs stories which highlight relationships, fit, competence and confidence, generational differences, and both learning and accepting imperfections. The chapter concludes with a self-reflection on understanding the pressures associated with the first job, and calling for new professionals to understand that the first job is only the continuation of learning and growth experienced in graduate school.

Unit 1 focuses on the job search process. The stories of DuJuan Smith (chapter 2), Craig Berger (chapter 3) and Molly Pierson (chapter 4) reflect the job search process that led them to their first student affairs positions. Commonalities are drawn in chapter 5, by Kevin Piskadlo and Christana Johnson, between the narratives. The authors highlight that through the voices of DuJuan, Craig and Molly the fact is that Job One is focused on learning for new professionals. That learning is most commonly associated with understanding the importance of self, managing unrealistic expectations of Job One, fit for the environment, and the importance of support networks on the job. This chapter begins to highlight the significance of organizational structure in the job search process, with the primary focus on how these individuals made meaning of their environments related to their own development.

Unit II is focused on the experiences that are part of Job One for NPC’s, including the need to build new relationships, identify new professional roles, and understand new environments. David Stanfield (chapter 6), Sarah Steward (chapter 7), Kim Rutledge (chapter 8), and Carrie Miller (chapter 9) each articulate their own struggles to adjust to Job One. Chapter 10, by Kathleen Gardner and Craig Woodsmall concludes this unit by surmising that change is at the heart of the transition in a new work environment. The NPCs highlighted the need to be vulnerable, establish resiliency, and develop self-efficacy coping skills. The authors conclude with suggestions for students preparing to embark on the job search to not expect perfection in the search, explore alternative paths and ask for help. While this unit focuses on how personal experiences impact Job One, a...