The transition from student to new professional may be either a gradual process or an abrupt change. However, beginning the transition from student to new professional prior to graduation can be extremely beneficial. Students who begin the transition to professional early display a strong commitment to the field and may have distinct advantages following graduation and as they begin searching for a job.

There are a number of arenas that family professionals work in, including research, education, therapy, practice, and policy. Within those arenas, family professionals specialize in a number of areas as diverse as the families they serve. There are a variety of strategies that students may employ to familiarize themselves with the extensive diversity of careers within the field of family science.

• Visit work sites of interest and talk with people in the field you are exploring or conduct informational interviews about the family field.

• Gain internship and/or volunteer experience working with populations of interest to you and with programs serving families, individuals, and children.

• Seek out research experiences (even if you do not think you are interested in conducting research).

Establishing yourself in the family field requires that you develop a sense of your own interests, strengths, and philosophies regarding working with individuals and families. The above suggestions may be helpful in identifying what arenas and specializations within the field are most appropriate for you. Also, pay attention to news, policies, program initiatives, and public opinion so that you can develop your own informed opinions about issues affecting families and children.

Becoming a member of professional organizations and participating in their activities provides one of the best pathways professional development. Participation in professional organizations often provides a variety of opportunities to:

• Attend conferences and workshops.

• Network, network, network! Take advantage of opportunities to meet professionals in the family field.

• Seek out mentors (upper level graduate students, professionals, faculty members).

• Work on public speaking and presentation skills and develop written communication skills.

• Accept leadership roles in clubs and professional organizations.

• Build your CV and/or résumé (and keep it up to date).

Since NCFR promotes the professional development and socialization of family science professionals, it provides many opportunities for students and new professionals to communicate with colleagues who have similar interests. Furthermore, being an active member allows students to become involved in the profession and network with other students and professionals in the field. Seek out opportunities to be involved in NCFR and your local state or student affiliate. (Visit www.ncfr.org/affiliates.)

Take advantage of NCFR's many resources (such as the "Careers in Family Science" booklet) and maintain involvement in NCFR beyond attending the conferences by volunteering to be a conference proposal reviewer for one of the sections of NCFR or serving on the local arrangements committee when the annual conference is being held in your city! For additional ways to become more involved or if you are interested in running for a Student/New Professional (S/NP) Representative position within one of the NCFR sections, contact your S/NP Representative. (Visit www.ncfr.org/snp.)

State and student affiliate councils provide an opportunity to get involved on the local level. They often host their own conferences or events and are governed by their own boards. Involvement and leadership roles within the affiliate councils offer a gateway into leadership opportunities in NCFR. If there is not an affiliate council in your area or at your university, consider starting one.

Preparing to become a professional is a process, which allows students to become knowledgeable about the family science field so that they can establish themselves in, advocate for, and contribute to the field. However, it is important to keep in mind that membership in a professional organization or attendance at conferences is not enough. Developing yourself into a professional requires intentional effort and involvement in the field of family science.

References
National Council on Family Relations Careers in Family Science booklet

University of Maryland, Department of Family Studies "Careers in Family Studies: What Can I Do with this Degree?" handout