u/knuckleheadluna

Academic Advisors, I really need some advice about two competing job offers.

For background: I’ve been working in higher ed at an HBCU for 4 years in a small, constantly busy Registrar’s office. I’ve done everything from enrollment and data reporting to transfer credit articulation and degree conferral. I know curriculum and policy requirements very well, but my advising experience has mostly been limited to impromptu sessions with last-minute admits every semester. I actually really enjoy those interactions, though, which is why I want to transition into advising.

I could see myself being successful in either position, so I’d really appreciate hearing from experienced advisors about which environment you think would be better for someone making this transition.

School 1

Pros:

- It’s another local university, so I wouldn’t have to move.

- It’s part of the same state public university system as my current school, so I’m already familiar with its core curriculum and many of its policies.

- I’d be able to transfer my vacation/sick leave, and it’s part of the same retirement system.

- It’s an R2 that has recently been absorbing smaller colleges and universities around the state, so it seems to be on its way toward R1 status.

- The student population is extremely diverse, with students from all walks of life.

- The IT department is reliable. The student and faculty/staff portals are well developed, and they use Degree Works as their program audit system.

- I really like the city. It has a beautiful, vibrant downtown and access to pretty much every amenity I could want, so life there is pretty cush.

Cons:

- My caseload would be around 300 students, and I might be advising multiple majors.

- School 1 uses the registration PIN system, so I’d be required to meet with all of my underclassmen every semester. I worry that this would make our meetings pretty transactional for the most part.

- Some of the older, non-traditional students might see me more as an obstacle to registration than as a resource.

- The younger students would likely need a lot of developmental advising around things like time management, task prioritization, and navigating college in general.

- Some students would struggle more academically and require a lot of additional support.

- I haven’t had the opportunity to meet any of the other advisors or faculty yet, so I haven’t really gotten a sense of how the team works together. I’d be going in somewhat blind.

School 2

Pros:

- My caseload would be much smaller, between 150-200 students.

- It’s a top-50 public university and an R1. It’s a very big name and very well known. The school spirit is kind of unbelievable.

- The students tend to be young, but they’re also at the top of their respective classes, since admission is extremely competitive.

- Advisors are assigned to specific subject departments, so I’d be able to develop expertise in a particular area.

- Although it’s recommended, students are not required to meet with their advisors.

- Advisors also do not register students for classes, which is very different from the system I’m used to.

- From what I’ve gathered, advising meetings involve course planning but also long-term goal-setting, career planning, and grad school advising.

- The other advisors seem like great people who genuinely like what they do.

Cons:

- It’s out of state and would require a pretty major move.

- The area is beautiful and has four distinct seasons, but it’s relatively isolated. The surrounding cities aren’t very large and don’t have the amenities I currently have.

- For an R1, the IT department is surprisingly lacking. They’re currently experiencing issues with Banner, and they use DARS rather than Degree Works.

- I’d be required to do more than advising. For example, one of the departments I spoke with wants its advisor to regularly travel to recruitment events.

- The vibes from the department heads and higher leadership seem off. I can’t exactly put my finger on why, but things seem tense right now, and that makes me a little nervous.

- I have migraines and regularly see a neurologist for medication. I’m not sure how quickly I’d be able to establish care with a specialist in the new area.

So, from your years of experience as an advisor, which position would you choose?

Thanks in advance!

EDIT: School 2 is paying 10k more. Cost of living and commute time with both cities are comparable.

Virginia Tech Employees:

Hi, folks!

I've made it to an on-campus interview at Virginia Tech, and I'm extremely excited about the possibility of working there! If I’m fortunate enough to receive an offer, I’m seriously considering settling down in the NRV and making it my long-term home.

That being said, I don't want the beautiful campus, great academic reputation, and promise of a higher salary to give me rose-colored glasses. I'd really love to hear from current and former Virginia Tech employees about what it's actually like to work there.

What do you like about working at Virginia Tech? What do you think needs to be improved? What are some things you wish you'd known before accepting your position? Good, bad, or ugly, I'd love to hear it all.

Thanks in advance! If you'd rather DM me, that's perfectly fine. And if you happen to have experience in an enrollment management or student services position, I'd be especially interested in hearing your perspective.

Hello! I have a potential job opportunity at Virginia Tech and wanted some opinions on my possible future living situation.

Context:

I'm a woman in her 30s.

If I score this gig, I will be moving from Georgia to Virginia alone, ahead of my husband. We will be living separately for about a year until he finishes school, so our household income will be split. This will be tight, but we both make decent money, so it can work for us.

I'd prefer a studio or one bedroom apartment for $1500 a month or less (base rent). Doesn't need to be fancy, but it does need to be livable. I'd also really like a dedicated place to park my car, even if it means paying a little extra.

Questions:

1. Roanoke seems to have a cheaper cost of living than Blacksburg, but the commute to Virginia Tech looks like it ranges somewhere between 40 minutes to an hour. This is my current commute time, so it’s not a deal-breaker. Still, gotta ask: How bad is the traffic situation? Is it manageable if I leave for work early enough?

2. On that note, would it be better to try to live in Blacksburg or the surrounding areas, even if it means paying more? It seems like renters there cater mostly to students or people willing to have roommates (I am not). Are there actually any properties out there for working adults?

3. What are some rental properties or companies in Roanoke that I should avoid at all costs? I've been liking what I see on the Allegheny Partners site, but I know property managers vary and that looks can be deceiving.

4. Do you have any apartment places that you recommend?

Thanks in advace, folks! I appreciate your time and input.