Grand Valley Magazine Summer 2015 - (Page 17)

EVOLVING AS A PROFESSIONAL Grand Valley career paths aided by unique programs, mentors and networks by Michele Coffill photos by Bernadine Carey-Tucker A generation ago, workers sought jobs and vied for promotions that led them on a career path that required an upward, straight climb and resembled a hill. The winding path today's workers take resembles a meandering road of short hills, straightaways and curves. Kim Monaghan called it a roller coaster. Monaghan is the on-site career contractor for Grand Valley's faculty and staff members, helping them identify their strengths and engage the necessary resources to support their professional development goals. "I've seen professionals at Grand Valley move from department to department, change titles and try something completely different to get a foothold somewhere," Monaghan said. "It's a roller coaster ride in their career journey." Monaghan said in order to meet one's career goals it's first important to recognize that the path may not be in a straight line and to be open to opportunities. For MarcQus Wright it meant being prepared to tell his supervisor the truth when he was asked, "What is it you would like to do?" Wright started working at Grand Valley in 2005 as a living center director, an entry-level job for people who want to work in student services, which includes an array of fields such as advising, housing, student life or inclusion advocacy. He began prepping his career path early by giving presentations at conferences and advising student groups. "My wife and I didn't have any kids at the time, so I was more mobile and I was trying to do everything," Wright said. He pitched the idea of bringing a professional development assessment "My philosophy is to always be planning for your next move. Be great where you are, but prepare for the next opportunity." MarcQus Wright DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES 17 Grand Valley Magazine

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Grand Valley Magazine Summer 2015

Campus News
Athletics
Donor Impact
Fall Arts Celebration
Evolving as a professional
Finding fellowships
Mastering a subject
Research
Focal Point
Q&A John Berry
Off the Path
Museum School
Alumni

Grand Valley Magazine Summer 2015