Preparing New Professionals: Lessons for Graduate Preparation Programs from the National Study of New Professionals in Student Affairs

The National Study of New Professionals in Student Affairs is a year-long study of the transition of 90 new professionals to their first full-time job in the field. Data collection for this qualitative study was conducted monthly through an online survey system. We report findings of the study that bear on graduate program curricula, administrative practice, and future research. Implications address the content and process of graduate education in higher education and student affairs.