Running head: ANALYSIS AND ACTION PLAN 1

Analysis and Action Plan

Laura Reiter

Loyola University Chicago

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Analysis and Action Plan

While I am applying for jobs to work as an International Student Advisor, I realize there

is still a lot I have to learn. Since I am still at my internship, I am fortunate to have access to

Designated School Officials who can answer my questions and allow me to observe advising

sessions. Most students typically graduate in May and therefore able to take advantage of the

spring and summer hiring cycle. While there are always new international advisor jobs being

posted, I realize that I may have to wait for a number of months until I can find work in the field.

My plan going forward is to continue as an extern at Illinois Institute of Technology until I find

employment elsewhere. My professor, Bridget Kelly, suggested this plan and I have discussed

this possibility with my supervisor in the International Center. Doing this will allow me to

continue to grow in my knowledge and understanding of the SEVIS, J-1 and F-1 visa regulations

so that when I do find a job I will be prepared to begin to advise students.

Another way I can continue to learn about the regulations is through available online

trainings. Some of these trainings are provided by different government agencies, and some are

available on the Association of International Educators (NAFSA) website. After I graduate I

will plan to spend a few hours each week completing these trainings. This month I plan to join

the NAFSA community as a student member so that I can take advantage of all NAFSA has to

offer in terms of resources, classes, and up-to-date research on best practices for international

student advisors. Things are constantly changing in the field of international advising and I will

need to continually learn and adjust.

Another area of professional development I would like to explore is leadership. There

are a number of books and articles I currently have on my to-read list that were referenced in

assigned readings from my classes at Loyola. There are so many resources available podcasts,
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blogs, conferences, etc. that I will need to use my discretion and understanding of leadership

theory in order to choose which people are offering genuinely good advise and which are not.

Learning about leadership also comes through practice and I will continue to volunteer with

Youth for Understanding to further develop my leadership skills.