I have learned that opportunities for growth are only unlocked through proactively taking initiative. For me, the NAFSA Academy for International Education was fundamental in providing the necessary tools and framework to empower me to take advantage of future opportunities. The Academy’s focus on professional development, combined with my own initiative, has been pivotal in shaping my path in the field of international education.
While I was formally introduced to NAFSA during my graduate studies, I wasn’t very familiar with the entire scope of the organization’s work. When I first learned about the NAFSA Academy, I knew it would be a unique opportunity to not only learn more about NAFSA but also to develop new skills to help me make a larger impact in my role and at my institution—and to build new relationships with my Academy coach and cohort of fellow trainees.
The Power of Networking
I truly value the networking piece of the Academy because having a good network is fundamental in so many ways, whether I’m looking for a new opportunity or seeking another opinion on immigration compliance or student services. Networking can be overwhelming, but the NAFSA Academy makes it easy to build your network. When I first met my cohort on a zoom call in January, it felt just like the first day of class: the vibes were a little awkward. However, after a few more calls by the time we met up in New Orleans for the annual conference, meeting up with my cohort there was very heartwarming. It no longer felt awkward—in fact, our cohort’s relationship deepened throughout the week!
My advice to anyone participating in the Academy is take advantage of these opportunities to connect with other trainees during the day of Academy training that takes place before the conference begins. Take that next step to shape your career path—it will be well worth it in the long run.
A Tailored Approach to Goal Setting
Another aspect of the Academy that I found to be especially helpful was the learning plan. To me, this is the best tool to support your professional development during your participation in the Academy and beyond. In every Academy trainee’s learning plan, objectives are designed to align with their current role, so plans will look different for every trainee in the program, depending on their role and what part of the field they work in. Academy coaches work with each participant in creating their learning plan to support their goals and facilitate their success.
It’s also important to note that the Academy uses a flexible approach in creating and adjusting learning plans, to accommodate unforeseen opportunities and challenges. For example, one of my original objectives was to use a website project in my office to learn more about the J-1 program. However, when the project timeline shifted and I realized I wouldn’t be able to complete my related learning objective for the Academy within an appropriate time frame, I was able to pivot and adjust my learning plan to focus on supporting the F-1 team instead. This adjustment was a good learning experience for me and will inform me next year, when I plan to pursue the original J-1 objective again. Yes, the learning plan is a tool used in the Academy to help facilitate progress and completion of the program, but the related strategies can be used beyond the Academy whenever one wants to create new goals or return to shelved ideas.
Making the Case: How the Academy Benefits Your Institution
Overall, the Academy is a wonderful opportunity to network and develop new goals for yourself. But it’s also important to think about how the Academy will support your office or institution. I’m fortunate to be on a team that prioritizes professional growth and involvement with NAFSA, but this may not be the case for everyone. How can you convince your supervisor or institution to let you participate in the NAFSA Academy? In my case, it was important to demonstrate how the skills I would be developing in the Academy would support institutional goals. By highlighting the focus on professional development, best practices, and networking, I could illustrate the return on investment for our institution.
Another idea is to offer a presentation after completing the program, to demonstrate how you’ll apply the lessons learned and insights gleaned going forward. Share the knowledge you’ve gained with colleagues by hosting workshops or developing related initiatives.
To anyone who is considering applying to the NAFSA Academy, I’d say “Don’t hesitate!” I can confidently say the program is worth the investment and has been a transformative experience in terms of building new relationships and developing skills that will enhance my work in international education for years to come.