October is a month that often feels like a turning point. The excitement and urgency of the start of the semester have settled, routines are becoming established, and many of us find ourselves looking ahead. What comes next? What skills do I want to develop? Where do I see myself in five years?
For student affairs professionals, these questions can be especially meaningful. We spend so much of our time encouraging students to explore possibilities, pursue their goals, and invest in their personal development that we sometimes forget to ask ourselves the same questions. Continuing one’s education is one of the many ways higher education professionals can choose growth, expand their perspectives, and create new opportunities for themselves.
As I write this, I am nearing the completion of my Doctor of Education (EdD) program in Leadership and Innovation. What initially felt like a daunting commitment has become one of the most rewarding professional experiences of my career. While a doctoral program certainly deepens knowledge within a specific field, the greatest impact for me has been the confidence and skills I have developed along the way.
The experience has strengthened my ability to conduct research, evaluate evidence, and benchmark practices across institutions. These skills have translated directly to my work, allowing me to approach complex problems with greater confidence and provide more informed recommendations to senior leaders and other stakeholders. Whether developing reports, assessing programs, or considering new initiatives, I have found myself better equipped to connect data, theory, and practice in meaningful ways.
Beyond the coursework itself, continuing education creates opportunities to engage with new ideas and perspectives. In higher education, we frequently encounter challenges that do not have simple solutions. Learning alongside professionals from different functional areas, institutions, and backgrounds can broaden our thinking and help us approach familiar issues in new ways. Some of the most valuable lessons from my program have come not from textbooks, but from conversations with colleagues whose experiences differed significantly from my own.
One aspect of returning to school that is often overlooked is the power of community. Graduate programs bring together individuals who are navigating similar challenges, balancing professional responsibilities, family commitments, and academic expectations. Having a cohort of supportive peers who understand those realities can be incredibly valuable. These relationships become spaces for encouragement, collaboration, and occasionally a necessary reminder that you are not the only person trying to finish a paper after a full day of work.
For those considering further education, it is also worth exploring the resources already available through your institution. Many colleges and universities offer tuition remission or educational assistance benefits as part of their employment packages. These programs can significantly reduce financial barriers and make advanced education more attainable than many employees realize. If professional growth through formal education has crossed your mind, it may be worth investigating what opportunities your institution already provides.
Of course, pursuing another degree is not the right choice for everyone, nor is it the only path toward professional development. Certificates, conferences, professional associations, and self-directed learning can all be meaningful avenues for growth. The larger question is not whether you should earn another credential, but whether you are intentionally creating opportunities to learn and develop.
As higher education professionals, we often talk with students about investing in their future selves. Perhaps October is a good reminder for us to do the same. Growth begins with a choice: the decision to remain curious, embrace possibility, and continue learning. Whether that path leads to a new degree, a professional development opportunity, or simply exploring a new area of interest, the investment you make in yourself today may open doors you cannot yet imagine.
And speaking from experience, sometimes saying “yes” to that opportunity can be one of the best decisions you make!
