Using a constructivist paradigm, this qualitative study investigated the impact of social identities on how professionalism is learned, practiced, and challenged by new professionals in student affairs. Collaborators in this study included 25 recent graduates of a student affairs professional preparation program. Findings suggest race, gender,…

While many studies have examined work-life satisfaction within the field of student affairs, few have examined the dissonance between new professionals' expectations for professional practice and their experience in the first few years. Using a narrative inquiry method, this qualitative study investigated how professionalism is both practiced and…