by Katie Rendon, AVP for Student Success & University Registrar at Aspen University
"Field Notes" is a regular Connect column covering practical and philosophical issues facing admissions and registrar professionals. The columns are authored by various AACRAO members. If you have an idea for a column and would like to contribute, please send an email to the editor at connect@aacrao.org.
Sometimes, working in a registrar’s office can feel isolating. You are perhaps the only one at your institution who does your type of work. If you work at a small institution, you might even be the only person in your department. It may feel like you don’t have anyone to turn to when you need to brainstorm or discuss best practices. That is where networking comes in. Networking can help you learn from others and develop a support system; absorbing this knowledge about successes, failures, and guidance from your peers will give you the tools to navigate difficult times at your own institution.
This is how I felt when I first began doing registrar’s office work. When I started in this field, I was one of two registrar’s office employees at my institution. There was no budget for registrar’s office professional development, which left me with very little access to meeting with other professionals. But we thankfully had an AACRAO membership, which granted access to the webinars, listservs, and community groups. Though this vast AACRAO network was accessible, I was still too introverted to participate as more than an observer. I felt like everyone else knew more than I did or that they already had relationships with one another. Working at a small, proprietary institution, I felt like my thoughts might be disregarded or worth less than the opinions of those working at large, public institutions. I was experiencing an imposter phenomenon and was sure that I didn’t belong within this group of esteemed professionals.
Branching Out
I wish that I could go back and encourage myself to step out of my comfort zone and start building my networks sooner. Getting started with networking really isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. If proactively reaching out to ask questions or to introduce yourself isn’t your style, try making connections by offering assistance instead. AACRAO Exchange is a great place to get started. You can respond to people’s posts and build your connections by offering your insight. If you’re newer to the profession, taking an online course, like Registrar 101, can help you connect with others who are in a similar position and start talking about your experiences. Getting involved in a Caucus or Professional Activity Committee can also be a lower-stakes way to build your network. Since these groups are smaller, it’s easier to introduce yourself and build meaningful peer relationships. I found myself eventually joining AACRAO’s Women’s Caucus, Prior Learning Assessment and Alternative Credentials Committee, and State & Regional Relations committees. I started to recognize faces and make friends through attending these caucus and committee meetings. I was starting to fit in. Slowly, I began contributing to these groups more as I became more comfortable, eventually getting involved on a deeper level. Currently, I’m serving as the Vice Chair of the State & Regional Relations Committee, trying to smooth the path for other new members joining our group.
Attending conferences is also a great way to meet people and enhance your professional development at the same time. It probably took me three AACRAO Annual Meetings before I spoke to a single person (see above: imposter phenomenon). But I listened, and I still professionally developed through absorbing information. Eventually, I started with some low-stake conversations, like telling a presenter that they did a good job or that their topic related to my own work in some way. If a conference topic interests you, I’d encourage you to speak with the presenter after a session. Or, as an intermediary step, get a copy of the presenter’s business card and email them your thoughts later; this will give you a chance to draft (and redraft) your conversations on your own schedule while still building your network.
Your State & Regional Organization’s annual conference might provide a more intimate conference setting, helping you practice making connections in smaller groups. When I attended my first Rocky Mountain ACRAO conference, I didn’t speak to many people, but I started to learn the names and faces of those registrar’s office professionals within my region. Eventually, I began chatting with a few folks and decided that I wanted to branch out and get more involved. I eventually joined the board; staying on trend, I opted to put myself forth for an appointed position that didn’t require a group vote. This was my first introduction to service on the board, and I eventually gained the confidence, largely through the encouragement of my new RMACRAO network, to run for an elected position. I’m now proudly serving as the past president of RMACRAO.
Small Steps
To close, if it takes you a while to get comfortable networking, that’s ok. It might take you a few conferences before you exchange contact information with a new friend. You might read Exchange posts for a while before posting yourself. While you’re getting your bearings, you’re still learning and developing professionally. And remember, everyone has something of value to contribute. Whether you are new to the field or a seasoned employee, your opinions and experiences are valid and worth sharing. We’re all here learning from and leaning on each other. I never thought that I would eventually serve on a board, contribute to a committee, present at a conference, or write for a publication, but here we are. Through networking, I gained the knowledge, confidence, and connections to keep moving forward, putting myself out there, and giving back to this amazingly supportive community. I would encourage you to make an effort to expand your network and see how that opens new avenues for your personal and professional growth.