President's Message June 2021Hello everyone, Happy summer! While it is not officially summer on the calendar, we can all associate with the excitement of commencement and welcoming the graduating class as new alumni. In our shop, we consider our busiest times to be those that follow graduation and New Year’s Day with resolutions around career happiness. As we support our newest alumni in launching their careers and guide our alumni in transition, we must also manage our own careers in the changing climate within the work world and Higher Education. As I peruse the topics that will be discussed at our virtual conference in July, I anticipate great conversation applicable to what we are all experiencing right now. Our speakers will discuss navigating one’s career through the changing world of work, relevant issues within HR and hiring, and how to change the world through good efforts. There is a lot going on in our world of work. Students are considering ROI with their decision to attend college and incurring debt. Our institutions are incorporating certificate programs for career readiness. We are being asked to incorporate new strategies to engage alumni based on mega data. We must understand the importance of infusing DEI in all that we do from hiring practices to programming to stewardship. We will have the opportunity to discuss important issues within alumni career services as we gather in July. In these ever-changing times, don’t forget to take ownership for your career trajectory. Consider upskilling by volunteering with ACSN. Add to your personal value proposition document and list of your accomplishments. Discover new interests. Soon you will be offered the opportunity to join our many committees where you can develop new skills and work with ACSN colleagues that are perhaps not currently part of your personal network. I look forward to seeing you soon at the 2021 Virtual Conference! Be well, Marilyn Bury Rice |