Leveling Up in Higher Ed: My Experience at the NASPA Annual Conference & AVP Symposium as an ASN Intern

Author Alauna Jones presents on student voice and new resources during an Advising Success Network session at the 2025 NASPA Annual Conference.

As an Advising Success Network (ASN) intern, I’ve been fortunate to participate in meaningful professional development experiences. These opportunities have been instrumental in shaping my early journey in the field of higher education. As a current graduate student, I’ve made it a priority to seek out spaces where I can both learn and grow. I knew that networking and gaining hands-on experience would be essential to my development. Attending the AVP Symposium in Columbus, Ohio allowed me to explore senior-level leadership through a new lens. Shortly after, I traveled to New Orleans for the NASPA Annual Conference, where I connected with professionals from across the country. Both experiences provided valuable insight, inspiration, and a renewed sense of purpose in my pursuit of a career in higher education. 

AVP Symposium Reflections 

The NASPA AVP Symposium is a three-day program for AVPs and other senior student affairs leaders (“number twos”) focused on their unique leadership roles. Designed exclusively for those reporting directly to the top student affairs officer, the symposium offers high-level, interactive sessions led by experienced AVPs.

During the symposium, I had the unique opportunity to engage from two perspectives—both as part of the event operations team and as an attendee. This dual role allowed me to gain a well-rounded understanding of how large-scale programs are planned and executed by professional associations. On the operational side, I assisted with various behind-the-scenes responsibilities, including managing the event schedule, supporting speaker coordination, and contributing to room setup and flow. I observed how each moving part—from registration to technical logistics—played a crucial role in the overall success of the event. Being part of the planning and execution team gave me firsthand experience in problem-solving, time management, and maintaining professionalism under pressure. 

As an attendee, I had the opportunity to fully engage with the symposium—participating in sessions, exploring the content, and observing the overall attendee experience. One session that stood out to me was titled “Sustaining Mentorship Through Cross-Campus Collaboration and Mentorship.” As someone deeply passionate about mentorship and its impact in higher education, I found this session especially meaningful. It was exciting to learn about the strategies student affairs professionals are using to build and sustain mentorship across campuses. 

The session also gave me valuable insight into the importance of thoughtful program design, clear communication, and creating a welcoming, engaging atmosphere for participants. This experience deepened my understanding of event and program management in a professional setting and further fueled my passion for creating impactful, student-centered events in my future work. 

NASPA Annual Conference Highlights 

The NASPA Annual Conference is the premier student affairs professional development event. This year’s event had over 6,500 participants and exhibitors.

Attending the NASPA Annual Conference was an incredibly impactful and inspiring experience. Much like the AVP Symposium, it gave me the opportunity to network with professionals across the field of student affairs while actively contributing as a team member with the ASN. A major focus of my internship has been the 2025 ASN Student Choice Awards Case Study, a project designed to spotlight innovative and student-centered practices in holistic advising. Through this project, I conducted interviews with the select institutions that won this award. I created the narrative for each institution as they identified programs and approaches that exemplify excellence in supporting students beyond traditional academic advising. I conducted interviews, analyzed themes, and helped develop the case study that displayed the impact these institutions have on their campus and what other institutions could do to engage in the same work.  

This project allowed me to engage directly with professionals across diverse institutions, learn from their models, and contribute to meaningful conversations about student success. It deepened my understanding of how equity, care, and intentional design can shape advising experiences that truly meet students’ needs. Presenting on this work at NASPA was a moment of affirmation—it validated the skills I’ve developed and reinforced my voice as an emerging leader in the field. 

As a first-time attendee, I found the sessions to be both informative and empowering, reigniting my passion for higher education and reminding me of the “why” behind my career path. The conference ultimately served as a pivotal moment in my graduate journey, reinforcing my commitment to student success and to creating inclusive, equity-driven spaces in higher education. 

Personal Growth & Networking 

Since joining NASPA as an intern, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with some truly incredible mentors who have played a pivotal role in my professional growth. These individuals have gone above and beyond to pour into me, offering guidance, sharing their expertise, and providing consistent encouragement throughout my journey. Their support has not only helped me navigate the early stages of my career with greater confidence, but also opened doors to meaningful opportunities, including attending major conferences this semester. Their belief in my potential and investment in my development are a big part of why I’ve been able to engage so fully in these experiences, and I’m incredibly grateful for their mentorship and advocacy. 

As I reflect on this journey, one of my biggest takeaways has been the power of community and intentional mentorship. The experiences I’ve had—from presenting at national conferences to working alongside seasoned professionals—have affirmed my passion for student affairs and my commitment to creating impactful, equity-driven spaces for students. As I step into my professional career in Student Affairs, I’m excited to carry with me the lessons, relationships, and confidence I’ve gained here with the ASN. I look forward to continuing this work in a full-time role where I can support, empower, and advocate for students—just as so many have done for me. 

Alauna Jones is a Marketing and Communications Intern with the Advising Success Network. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Central State University and a master’s degree in Higher Education/Student Affairs from Wright State University