From Handshake to Hired: A Psychology Student’s Career Journey at LAS
By tapping into LAS career resources and embracing peer leadership, Katherine turned her exploration into purpose to build a path toward a fulfilling future.
Name: Katherine H.
Major: Applied Psychology
Minor: Black Studies
Year in School: Junior
Katherine H. interview
What inspired you to decide to study Applied Psychology and Black Studies?
I decided to major in Applied Psychology after taking multiple Psychology courses at a community college during my senior year of high school. I had a wonderful professor named Dr. Barker, and he deepened my understanding of human behavior and the complexity of the brain. Not only did I enjoy learning about psychology, but I am an advocate of mental health and education, and I learned that I wanted to participate in a career that explores these values. I like helping people and have always been a mediator in my interpersonal relationships (and as the oldest child). Exploring Black Studies will contribute to my success because it’ll deepen my understanding as a black person myself and of others in the black community. Mental health appears different across each culture. Our history is a big part of this, especially across generations.
How did you choose to attend the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences?
I decided to attend the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences not only because of my major, but also because I was able to previously explore pre-med concentrations. Even though I didn’t pick this route, I was still able to try them out and get connected to the right personnel.
How did you get connected with the Career Development and Internships Office?
I didn’t get entirely connected and familiar with the Career Development and Internships Office until I applied and interviewed for the Peer Leader Position. I saw the position on Handshake and explored more about the office on their page. I also felt deeply that my experience throughout my life and college would be able to be implemented in this position. In addition, I developed ideas to bring to the office before the interview so I could help more than what the job title entailed. But before this, I connected with the Career Development and Internships Office at the Career and Internship fairs. As well as the involvement fairs at the beginning of the academic year. I was able to explore different routes students took in their career journey and their majors. I also took LAS 110, which is recommended for incoming freshmen and transfer students. This class familiarized me with the different resources at UIC, helped me make friends, and connected me with various places at UIC, like the Recreation and Wellbeing Center.
How has your experience being a Peer Leader at the Career Development and Internships Office impacted your time at LAS?
My experience being a Peer Leader at the Career Development and Internships Office impacted my time at LAS in a variety of areas. For one, I’ve been able to share my own journey with those who are unsure of what to study or what career to pursue. I would have students reach out to me in class or via email to discuss their own interests and struggles. I’ve been able to support those feeling stuck and help them get out of that loop. A lot of us face impostor syndrome when we think everyone else has figured it out but ourselves. But the truth is, not everyone does, and nothing is set in stone. It is okay and normal to explore your options before deciding. And even so, it is normal for people to change these decisions down the line if it doesn’t fulfill them or if they’d like to try something new. In addition, I learned more about myself by doing different career strength tests and activities. I also strengthened my public speaking skills in this position and have found it easier to speak in front of others without being nervous. This office also helped me edit my resume, reach out to alumni, and explore different career paths, even if I felt sure in mine. I have also been able to find additional positions at UIC with the skills I gained from this position. For example, I recently got hired for research at the College of Dentistry and for the campus housing student desk worker position. In addition, I have been working as a behavioral technician because of my transferable skills.
Was there a class that taught you way more than you expected? What made it so surprising?
A class I took that taught me way more than expected was Statistical Methods in Behavioral Science. Not only did we learn how to apply and do the various formulas used in research, but also how they contribute to real-world applications. Statistics play a vital role in medical research as well as addressing issues in the communities we live in. I was able to see how the data has impacted and changed the lives of people in the world.
What support systems have helped you in navigating your college experience?
My support systems in navigating through my college journey have been my family, friends, and professors. My family has always been supportive of what I do, especially since not all of them have gotten the chance to have a college education. My friends have always been a shoulder when I’ve been stressed out or just needed someone to talk to. And for my past professors, they have been able to guide me to the proper resources when I shared my interests or provided me with additional help for their class. Attending college hasn’t always been an enjoyable experience, but it gets better over time.
What advice do you have for new students entering the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences?
I would tell incoming LAS students that it is okay not to have it all sorted out, but to explore your interests and expose yourself to new experiences so you can learn more about yourself. Don’t be afraid to initiate new friendships because you don’t have to be alone. Attend the various events UIC holds, especially if they’re free. Tuition is expensive, but you might as well take advantage of it. You should also take advantage of office hours even if you aren’t struggling in the class. You don’t know what doors it might open. And finally, try not to let the noise get to you. Whether it is family or your peers, pick something that will make you happy. Not something that will satisfy someone other than yourself. It is your life to live, not theirs. Money cannot buy all happiness. Especially everlasting happiness.
What are your aspirations after graduation?
I aspire to travel the world after I graduate and to narrow down my career choices by gaining additional experience in research or with children. So far, I’d like to get my master’s in education and become a School Psychologist. I am also still exploring a career in becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor or something dealing with research. Further down the line, in my late 30s to 40s, I’d like to become a professor one day. But in the meantime, I am enjoying my time at UIC, the current careers I hold, and volunteering at UI Health.