I attended the Texas Women in Higher Education (TWHE) conference in Dallas recently and left feeling both encouraged and challenged by my career path. One thing I did realize is that the women who serve in upper-level executive positions at colleges and universities came to their positions from the faculty side of the house – not the staff side.

That was an interesting realization for a mid-level manager like me. I aspire to work in administration someday – perhaps Chief of Staff? – but must I jump ship once I finish my doctorate and teach first, in order to take on a position like that? Why is a faculty member more prepared to work as the Chief of Staff than – forgive me for stating the obvious – a staff member? Apparently, I still have much to learn about how universities operate.

At any rate, I have not ruled out teaching as part of my long-term goals. I’ve always enjoyed conducting workshops and giving presentations, and I have taught in a classroom setting before. I don’t think I have the patience to work in an elementary or secondary school setting, but I could see myself teaching at the college level and enjoying it.

I also enjoy what I do now, so who knows what the future holds?

(More thoughts on this topic in my next post …)