Development of Professional Identity Through Socialization in Graduate School

Abstract

Professional identity is one outcome of successful socialization. The purpose of this study was to understand how socialization in graduate programs contributes to the development of professional identity for new professionals in student affairs. Via survey, we found significant relationships between program qualities, standards, activities, and experiences and measures of professional identity. Out-of-class experiences were perceived to have a stronger influence than in-class experiences. Implications for graduate preparation programs and supervisors are discussed.