Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of Directors of Human Resources in six service industries as to the employability of four different archetypes of mid-level student affairs professionals. In addition, if the archetypes were perceived as not desirable, information was obtained on what additional skills and experiences would be needed to increase their desirability. Also, information was collected on if archetypes were perceived as not competitive what eliminated them from consideration for a management position. The four archetypes of mid-level student affairs professionals included in this study were the Director of Career Development, the Director of Counseling, the Director of Residential Life, and the Director of Student Activities. The six service industries studied were banking, health care, hospitality, human services, insurance, and retail. This study replicated a study by Connie Hershkowitz. Methodology. Descriptive and causal-comparative research were used utilizing the survey analysis method. A set of resumes based on the archetypes and a survey instrument were sent to Directors of Human Resources at thirty service companies. The researcher contacted each Director by phone to collect the responses. Statistical tests used were the Chi-square and the Analysis of Variance to determine significant differences among the professionals and the industries. Findings. There was a 100 percent response rate to the survey. The Director of Career Development was viewed the most likely to be granted an interview, most desirable, and the most competitive archetype. Fifty-nine percent of the archetypes would be granted an interview for a management position. The Director of Student Activities was rated least likely to be granted an interview and least desirable. The Director of Counseling was rated the least competitive. Conclusions. Although mid-level student affairs professionals are viewed as having transferable skills, when an overall evaluation is conducted, direct industry experience and skills carry more weight than transferable skills. Recommendations. Mid-level student affairs professionals wishing to make a career change should develop skills in finance, business, and computers. Receiving direct industry experience through an internship or part-time position will increase ones chances of moving into a service industry.