No higher ed experience, do I stand a chance at being admitted?

[ctgal]

While I have a fairly strong academic background (3.7 in legal studies from a well-respected university in my area), I have absolutely no experience in higher education administration. I was an office/outreach assistant part-time for 2 years at my school's center for multi-cultural advancement and student success program, but that's it. No experience in res life, admissions, student affairs, etc. Is it even worth applying? I'm very passionate about the field of higher education, but is it possible for me to convey that with no experience? Will my personal statement be weighted enough to allow me to compensate for my lack of experience by expressing why i'm deeply interested/motivated? Thanks in advance. 

I am also an underrepresented minority, I'm not sure if that helps or not.

Edited November 3, 2015 by ctgal

[phillyhed]

It depends on the program. If you are applying for a master's program, you can definitely market your office assistant work and any student activities into a decent resume for a higher ed master's program. Don't under-sell yourself.

[rgreen]

Yes, you definitely have a chance! There are plenty of people who end up in student affairs without a strong undergraduate background. I would suggest making sure your references are able to tie what they write back to student affairs and why you're a strong candidate. Good luck :)

[higheredhopeful]

You should be fine. I would look for 2-year programs with a required internship so you can build up your work experience, which will be invaluable for after you graduate. Take a look at NYU, Vanderbilt, Boston College--all those schools have a lot of people coming straight out of undergrad with not a ton of work experience.