Graduate Studies

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

How did you gain experience when you were a student?

I did undergraduate research and wrote an honors thesis which helped prepare me for graduate school. The same faculty member that I worked with for my thesis also provided an opportunity for me to serve as a TA for one of her classes which really helped me see a little what faculty work and graduate school would be like.

How did you become a career development professional?

My undergraduate major was psychology. I didn’t really get into this field after graduate school. I completed my Master’s and Ph.D. in educational psychology and did a lot of coursework and training on how to teach well in university settings. As a result of those experiences, rather than pursuing a faculty position after graduate school I got a position in a teaching center helping graduate students learn how to teach. That position ultimately led to my current work which focuses largely on preparing graduate students for teaching and academic careers.

Who is someone who impacted your career development?

My two main faculty advisors (one for my undergraduate years and one from graduate school) were the two people who most influenced my career path. They both took the time to have discussions with me about my career interests and plans and help craft my school experience to help prepare me for those plans. They introduced me to new career paths, found ways for me to practice the skills that would be important in my future career, and supported my ambitions by allowing me to pursue additional training or experiences that connected with my passions.