Author: Karen S Vance
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Mentorship Strategies for IR Professionals: Building Trust
In institutional research and data analytics, the most meaningful professional growth doesn’t come only from mastering tools or techniques; it comes from relationships. Mentors, advisors, coaches, and sponsors all play unique roles in helping IR and analytics professionals navigate complex data environments, institutional politics, and the nuances of turning analytic into institutional change. But before…
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Power Your Path: Mentors, Advisors, Coaches, and Sponsors (MACS)
In the fast-paced, data-driven world of Institutional Research and Institutional Effectiveness, professional growth often feels like a solo endeavor. Yet long-term success isn’t just about technical expertise. It’s also about the people who help you navigate, grow, and thrive. I encourage you to reflect on four distinct roles that can power your professional journey: Mentors,…
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Designing Mixed Methods Studies in Institutional Research
Mixed methods research, one of the most powerful and flexible approaches available to institutional researchers, integrates both quantitative and qualitative approaches, allowing us to develop a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of complex issues in higher education. Quantitative methods help us answer questions about what is happening—patterns, frequencies, or measurable outcomes. But qualitative methods help…
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Exploring Careers in Institutional Research
Are you passionate about data, decision-making, and improving the way colleges and universities operate? Consider a career in the field of institutional research. Institutional research professionals play an important role in analyzing data, assessing learning outcomes, and supporting strategic planning in higher education and beyond. Whether it’s supporting student success, informing strategic initiatives, or aligning…
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Who’s in Your Professional Support Network?
If you asked yourself that question, what would your answer be? For many professionals, it might be “I’m not sure” or simply “my colleagues.” Whether you work in a one-person office or as part of a large team, it’s easy to assume that career advancement and effectiveness depend solely on technical skills, subject expertise, or…
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Book Connection – TALK: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves
How do we move beyond transactional conversations and build meaningful professional relationships with our colleagues across departments and institutions in higher education? Professionals in the institutional research space are skilled at collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and reporting data. They ensure that stakeholders have the data needed to inform important decisions. It’s important work that, at times,…
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A Practical Framework for Institutional Research Studies
When people hear institutional research, they often think it’s all about crunching numbers. But before you dive into datasets and statistical models, it’s worth remembering that institutional research is just as much about asking the right questions as it is about finding and sharing data. Over the years, I’ve seen plenty of projects go sideways—not because…
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Welcome!
In the ever-evolving world, the art of forging genuine connections remains timeless. Whether it’s with colleagues, clients, or partners, establishing a genuine rapport paves the way for collaborative success.
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