Recently, I came across an insightful article highlighting the indispensable role of student affairs in higher education ("Student Affairs Leadership is Critical to Student and Institutional Success" - https://www.agbsearch.com/newsletter/student-affairs-leadership-is-critical-to-student-and-institutional-success). For student affairs to continue to provide value to institutions, graduate preparation programs for student affairs must retool for new professionals to be successful in the evolving operational landscape of higher education. Leadership within the profession is responsible for providing ongoing support to new professionals, aiding them in navigating their roles successfully. Continuous training is crucial in the development of new professionals. Beyond initial graduate education, structured mentoring, coaching, and practical experiences are essential. Feedback, reflection, and guidance nurture their development and enhance retention rates in the field. Student affairs leaders must prioritize implementing robust, ongoing training initiatives throughout the first three years of a new professional's career.