Community, Mentorship, and Growth: Stories from the TACUSPA Fellows Program

This phenomenological study explores the experiences of seven participants in a four-month fellowship program for graduate students and new professionals sponsored by a state professional association. Interviews explored participants’ backgrounds, fellowship experiences, and possible impacts on their professional and career development. Participants pursued the fellowship to deepen their expertise, expand professional networks, and advance their careers. Analysis revealed three main themes: Benefits of the Fellowship, Quality of Mentorship, and Met and Unmet Expectations. Participants reported professional growth and valuable networking opportunities but also experienced challenges such as inconsistent mentorship and unclear program structure. Despite the challenges, participants viewed the fellowship as a transformative experience that increased their sense of belonging, cultivated their professional identity, and contributed to their career trajectories as a higher education administration.