SUNY Schools..

Do they pay well as far as staff/administrative employees? Any pros and cons to the "SUNY" System?

Re: SUNY Schools..

I've known a couple people who worked for the SUNY system and left after a few months. I don't know if it was so much the pay but the high level of bureacracy, and basically being expected to do like 3 jobs (so yeah, maybe it is the pay too!!).

Re: SUNY Schools..

I work in the SUNY system, and there are a bunch of people on here who also work at jobs in various SUNYs. Compared to other higher ed. jobs, the SUNYs generally pay among the best, second only to the community colleges which pay surprisingly well. It's not as much as some other fields, but it's good pay (I came from Wall Street, and took a big cut, but having been there over 5 years I am making about double the amount I was hired at, though I did change jobs for higher salary). I actually don't know anyone who has left, so I am surprised at the previous post.

It's very difficult to get into, especially now with the job market as it is, since everyone wants a gov. or state job for stability. Like most colleges, the most openings are in Admissions which has high turnover due to traveling and time away from home. For other positions it is good to have experience doing whatever you'll be doing--computer stuff, writing, editing, etc. I've been on a few hiring committees in the past year and we had over 100 applicants for each job, most applying from private colleges in the area. Generally with two equivalent applicants the person within the college gets the job, so it may be worth taking a low-level position with the hopes of moving up, since most higher-level positions are filled with internal candidates. We have great benefits and retirement.

I love it. It really depends on the office, and the other people. I did not love my last job within the SUNY, but since I have changed I adore my job and the people I work with. They have been very accomodating with giving me merit raises and increasing my job level to reflect additional duties, so I feel like my work is recognized and appreciated. Any questions, feel free to FM!

I really don't see any cons when compared to private colleges. There is a bureaucracy, but I think that's the case in any college. I suppose a very small private college may have less red tape, but you will find they pay significantly less. I would never leave for a private college. I have been in the SUNY system long enough that I was granted permanent appt--the state equivalent of tenure for teachers, so even if my job is done away with, I cannot be fired--they must find another job at equal salary for me. It's a great feeling of stability, esp. seeing so many posts about people being laid off.

Message edited 1/13/2008 5:33:26 PM.

Re: SUNY Schools..

It may just have been the particular school they worked for, as well, if that makes any difference ;).

Re: SUNY Schools..

Re: SUNY Schools..

Posted by MsMBV

I have been trying soooo hard to get into the Higher Ed sector. I actually want to go back for my masters, and I would love to work in a college or university. Most people who do call back for an interview are admissions, and although I wouldn't mind it I just cannot travel right now with a 7.5 month old at home

Re: SUNY Schools..

Posted by nov04libride

Posted by MsMBV

I have been trying soooo hard to get into the Higher Ed sector. I actually want to go back for my masters, and I would love to work in a college or university. Most people who do call back for an interview are admissions, and although I wouldn't mind it I just cannot travel right now with a 7.5 month old at home

It's so hard to get in, but I do think it's worth it when you do...That's part of the reason why it's so hard to get in--people never leave! Keep trying, even for very entry-level positions. It's much easier to move up when you are an internal candidate.

And I hear you about the Admissions, I wouldn't want to do it now either, even just being married with no kids. It's a tough lifestyle.

Re: SUNY Schools..

I can't speak specifically for SUNY schools, but in general higher ed jobs are really nice. Yes, there's beaurocracy but there's also lots of freedom, great benefits and perks, and a feeling of being part of something important and noble.

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Sounds sweet from what Beth is saying - go for it!

As you know, I don't work for a university, but even admin jobs in education related fields can be very satisfying...and when the economy is bad, more people want to go back to school, so it's not subject to the kind of fluctuations other fields are.