While the higher education and student affairs (HESA) landscape is constantly shifting, building a meaningful, sustainable career within it requires intentional decisions. This session (re)introduces the five core components of career strategy from the newly released second edition of The Strategic Guide to Shaping Your Student Affairs Career (Ardoin, 2026). Participants will explore what these five components are, why they are essential for crafting adaptable, healthy, and fulfilling careers, and how individuals apply them in real-world career contexts. Whether you are looking to move into, advance through, or transition out of the HESA field, this session provides the practical framework you need to make career decisions with confidence.