Category: Graduate Study
5 Alternative Career Paths for Life Science PhDs
I still remember when I first stepped foot onto the campus of the University of Albany. I’m a Long Island native, so the school was by no means “new” to me. Not only did I have a few friends that were attending, but I also heard a lot of good things about the university as a whole. When you’re going into one of the “hard sciences”, you want to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. For me, UAlbany was a no brainer: good reputation, fun student activities, and they were (partially) paying me to go there. It couldn’t get much better than that. Continue reading “5 Alternative Career Paths for Life Science PhDs”
Albany Law School Open House for UAlbany Students
The Albany Law School is hosting an Open House just for UAlbany Students on February 9, 2018; Noon to 5pm.
Register Today
Albany Law School cordially invites
University at Albany students and alumni to Our Open House.
Registration is Required. Click Here to Register.
Friday, February 9, 2018
Noon – 5:00 p.m.
Albany Law School
80 New Scotland Ave.
East Foyer
Agenda:
- Refreshments
- Welcome from current students, UAlbany Alums, and remarks from Dean Ouellette
- Pathways to the Profession
- Mock Class
- Student & Faculty Panel
- Financial Aid
- Admissions Workshops
- Reception & Closing Remarks with Faculty and Alumni
Take an optional tour of campus at the beginning or end of the event
Self-Reflect to Self Direct
Reflection is the key to growth. I find value in reflecting on past experiences because it helps me realize how far I’ve actually come. Right now, as I wrap up my third week of my first fall semester of grad school, I am able to reflect on how much I’ve grown since last fall.
A year ago, I was in my third week of my senior year, brainstorming post grad plans. I was torn between taking a gap year, going straight into grad school, going to Denver, CO; staying in Albany, NY; or going back home, to Queens, NY. I didn’t know where I wanted to go or what I wanted to do. This was odd for me, as someone who loves to plan and know what my next steps are. But for some reason, when it came to post-graduate plans, I just could not figure it out. I put too much pressure on myself to make decisions on things that I needed time to think about. I knew my ultimate career goal was to become a special education teacher, but I was unsure of which path I should take to get there. I was so worried about making the “wrong” decision and choosing a path I would not be happy with.
I talked through my ideas as much as possible with friends and family, however, there is one resource on campus I wish I had taken more advantage of during my senior year. I wish I went to Career and Professional Development to talk to a Peer Career Advisor, who could have helped me narrow my choices. I think I became too overwhelmed because I had too many options. I bet you’re wondering, “How can having too many options be a bad thing?” It is when you are indecisive like myself. I am indecisive in almost every aspect of my life: when it comes to figuring out what I should eat, what to wear, what to do for post grad—you name it. I was given so many options from people I knew in the teaching profession; from Teach for America, Blue Engine Teaching Apprentice, Relay Graduate School for Education, Denver Literacy Fellow, City Year, UAlbany Special Education & Literacy II Program (ding ding ding…we have a winner), Queens College, St. John’s University, NYU, and the list goes on.
I was also torn between going straight into a job that would give me teaching experience right away, versus going into a teacher preparation, graduate school program that would teach me about things like classroom management so I would be better prepared. I was always told, “Experience is your best teacher.” I was also told, “It’s best to feel as prepared as possible before jumping into anything in life.”
I think a year ago, I had enough research done to figure out what my next steps should have been but I did not take the right steps to eliminate options that were not best fit for me. I was able to see myself in every environment that I was considering. It is important to consider getting rid of ideas and options that are not the best fit for your personality, values, needs, etc. It takes a lot of self-reflection to do this and I did not get to this point until March of my senior year. I went all those months, from September to March, not sure what environment was the best fit for me.
If there is any senior who is unsure about what they want to do, or where they want to go, first realize there is no “wrong” path when you are deciding between two or more options. Then realize what your needs and desires are, and truly look into all options to see which one is best fit for you. You just have to take it a step at a time. Process of elimination and weighing pros and cons never hurt. Don’t be afraid to be selfish with your decision. This is your life you are planning for!
Please Note: The views of our student bloggers do not necessarily reflect the views of the UAlbany Advisement Services Center. These are their stories – their voices.
Resources:
About the Author:
Kerry D.
Class of 2017
Major: Psychology
Minors: English and Education
Blog Theme:
Pulled Back to Move Forward
My Path is Bright
This last week I found myself making slow but deliberate steps towards my future, and it feels great to know that I am finally on a path. In my last post I wrote about the impact of meeting my favorite poet this week. He inspired me to dig a little deeper and go for the things I want out of life, even if it is only for just now. So this past weekend, not only have I have finally started my application to graduate school at the University at Albany, but I have decided what program and field of work I want to get into as well, though it may not be what you think.
Many of you may be thinking, “Oh you definitely applied to continue with your English students”, or “maybe she’ll start working on her MFA since she loves creative writing so much”. But nope, while these were all, definitely, real options that I have mulled over in my mind, I actually decided something completely out of the norm of what I ever thought I would be doing after graduation. Continue reading “My Path is Bright”
Somewhere Towards the Horizon
I hope I haven’t already
driven past my greatest moments.
I hope there is something beautiful in the horizon
That’s just as impatient as I am.
Something so eager,
It wants to meet halfway.
A moment that is diligently staring at its watch, frustrated,
Butting at the seams
And wondering at the seams
And wondering what’s taking me so long to arrive.
Horizon – Rudy Francisco
One of the biggest things influencing me this semester, is the question, “What will I do once the semester ends?”
Truthfully, I have never known what I would like to do after college. All I knew was that I have always had a love for words. I have always had a love for books, but poetry, as I have been expressing lately, is something I really just grew into. When I was younger I didn’t much attention to it. It was stories that that I liked. Nonetheless, poetry has become a rock. Continue reading “Somewhere Towards the Horizon”
What can you do with a History Education?
A roundtable and discussion
with alumni, faculty, and students
Sponsored by the Chi Delta chapter of Phi Alpha Theta
University at Albany, SUNY
Tuesday March 7th , 6:30 to 8:00
Social Science 145
Light refreshments served
Undergraduate Majors and Graduates students welcome Continue reading “What can you do with a History Education?”
The In-between: Dreams Deferred Interview Series Part 1
Usually when we have a discussion about “following your dreams,” or living a happy and successful life, we look to public figures, famous people, and wealthy people to speak on their experiences. We hear their stories in hindsight, only after they’ve already gained prestige and notoriety. This model of inspiration is useful for creating a side by side image of “then” and “now,” who they were and who they eventually became, to show the great distances, to show the vast improvements, and the stark contrast between starting from the bottom and ending up at “the top.” But this model also glosses over the actual process of “becoming” because we meet these people only when they are already “successful” and “accomplished.” While this model offers a vision for us to think, “If they can get there, so can I,” I think it is important to recognize the process as it is actually happening. I think it offers genuine perspective and a sort of companionship when we see the people around us who are on that journey to where they aspire to go right now in this moment. And so for this interview series, I picked 3 people who I believe exemplify a fresh model of inspiration, a kind that invites us to watch the path as it unfolds, a kind that shows us there is no magic teleportation that takes us from point A to point B. These are real people who aspire to accomplish “big” things and who truly hope to inspire others along the way. Continue reading “The In-between: Dreams Deferred Interview Series Part 1”
Interested in Psychology?
What Can I Do with a Psychology Degree?
Come and talk to Professor Rosellini; Director of Undergraduate Admissions for Psychology & Dayna Newton; Director of Psychology Advising and we will tell you ALL about:
- Careers in Psychology
- How to prepare for graduate school
- Timeline for your undergraduate career
Monday, February 29th
6pm – 7pm
Business Building Room 225
Meet Christie Allen
Christie Allen
Transfer Student
BSW – Class of 2014
MSW – Class of 2015
Major: Social Welfare
I left my first career in the corporate world to pursue my dream of becoming a social worker. Social work offers a depth and breadth of experience that many other careers can’t offer. I care deeply about the well-being of others and as a professional social worker, I can be utilized as a change agent to make a difference in another person’s life.
As a returning adult student, it isn’t easy to manage a family, finances, and college. My family supported my journey back to college and encouraged me to relentlessly pursue my dream of becoming a social worker. I am grateful for their support but also the financial sacrifice that they were willing to make to help me achieve my educational goals.
I was overwhelmed when I first came to UAlbany. I didn’t know how to navigate the services available here. The university is rich with resources! I strongly encourage you to meet with your advisor and ask questions. They will strive to help you. I know that when I felt overwhelmed, I went and spoke with my advisor and she was a light in the fog! She listened, cared, and provided contact information for people who were relevant to my success at the university. I couldn’t have done it without her!
If you are a student who struggling, first take a deep breath and say to yourself, “I am not alone.” UAlbany is committed to helping all students achieve academic and personal success. Don’t hesitate to meet with your advisor. They are here to help you. Your education is your responsibility. Own it! If you need help don’t be afraid to say so. I encourage you to reach out to other students and form study groups. If you are struggling, you may want to utilize the Counseling Center. There are counselors available to help you navigate your difficulties and bring back hope!
I would recommend that new students research services and resources available at UAlbany before you start classes. Before I started my first semester, I explored the Uptown Campus. I strongly recommend that you know how to navigate the campus. Know where you are going before your first day of class so that you feel more confident navigating around the college and can relax and enjoy your college experience. Remember to utilize your instructor’s office hours; they want to help you be successful. Remember, this is your educational experience. You must take ownership of it. Talk to people, ask questions, and embrace your learning. College isn’t easy but it is worth it. Remember, never ever give up. You will be graduating before you know it!
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