Meet Some of Our Sociology Alumni

Why did you decide to complete a Degree in Sociology? 

When I initially enrolled at UIndy, I did not intend to complete a degree in Sociology. However, I took an entry-level Sociology course and realized that I loved the discipline. I loaded my course load up with Sociology courses and couldn't get enough of it. Particularly as I grew more involved in my community from a political perspective, I found the courses to be engaging and applicable to the things I cared about. It was a perfect fit.

How did UIndy help you achieve your educational and career goals? 

After graduating from UIndy, I attended law school before passing the bar exam and being sworn in as a practicing attorney. UIndy put me on a great path by instilling a lot of the foundational skills I needed for law school, as well as continuing to spark my love of learning throughout my time there. I was able to learn how to conduct valid research (both in a quantitative sense, but also research for things like papers that are similar to the legal research I do now), critical thinking, and reading comprehension. I know all of that sounds fairly boring and boilerplate, but it was truly interesting and allowed me to be successful in law school and beyond. UIndy also provided a lot of opportunities for networking and while I am fairly bad at networking, I was able to create at least a few mentor-mentee relationships that helped me get into my career now.

What was your most meaningful student experience? 

This one is really difficult because I had many meaningful student experiences. Before I fully settled on law school as my future, I was considering going into academia and doing research for a living. While at UIndy I was able to take courses that prepared me for data analysis and using various programs and tools to manage studies. I helped analyze data for a project being run by the department and present some of the findings at a national conference in New Orleans. I also was able to take a Spring Term trip to Belize to collect oral histories from prison guards at a prison that has one of the lowest recidivism rates in the hemisphere. I could go on, but the number of meaningful experiences I had because of this department is far higher than I could ever convey.

What advice do you have for students who want a career in your field? 

It absolutely did! I use my undergraduate education to analyze each case on an individual level, but also to understand how that individual case fits into larger sociological trends. Having this ability has helped me advance in my office and I truly don't think I would be in my current position without my education at UIndy.

What advice do you have for students who want a career in your field? 

It takes time, but it is worth it! Going into any career field that requires or expects graduate school can be a little bit daunting. That being said, it is absolutely worth it once you get into the career field. Looking at law in particular, it takes time, but once you are in the field you are able to make a difference. Having that feeling makes all the long nights worth it!

Would you recommend UIndy to other students and, if so, why? 

I absolutely would recommend UIndy to other students. UIndy provides a ton of opportunities to work closely with faculty and get hands-on experience that is going to go a long way in getting you on your career path.

Why did you decide to complete a Degree in Sociology? 

I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago with family who lived in Chicago. As an adolescent, I quickly realized the differences between the two, and that’s what led me to be interested in sociology.

How did UIndy help you achieve your educational and career goals? 

Sociology helped me understand other people's experiences and the ways in which our societal systems work. This allowed me to be able to try a lot of different jobs and experiences and approach them with a sociological perspective. Day-to-day, I use my sociology skills for data management, surveying, and working with people from diverse backgrounds. 

What was your most meaningful student experience? 

I always loved having classes in Fountain Square and being able to explore and understand that neighborhood and what made it unique. 

What advice do you have for students who want a career in your field? 

I always suggest that sociology majors get real-world experience while they’re in school. Having experience working with people outside of the classroom is really invaluable and a lot of sociological careers. 

Would you recommend UIndy to other students and, if so, why? 

Absolutely! The small classes and personalized attention gave me so many great opportunities and connections with faculty! 

Why did you decide to complete a degree in Sociology? 

I was, at the time, very interested in understanding society and culture, as I explored questions of political injustice such as the on-going settler colonization and apartheid in Palestine by the Israeli Zionist state, as well as other instances of social inequality, which my degree in sociology gave me tools to explore. The various theories and methods I studied continue to inform my work now as I study historical and political anthropology, even where those theories and methods depart from Sociology.

How did UIndy help you achieve your educational and career goals?

UIndy was a great place to have a truly liberal arts experiences; I received a great deal of institutional support to pursue activities that paralleled my education, such as activism, interfaith work, and athletics, and was encouraged to think creatively by my professors and through my coursework.

What was your most meaningful student experience?

My most meaningful student experience was when the student organization I was a part of, Students for Justice in Palestine, passed a Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions resolution in the Student Senate. It meant a great deal to contribute, however symbolically, to an important cause for global justice.

What advice do you have for students who want a career in your field?

My advice for students who want to pursue a doctorate in the social sciences or the humanities is to think very deeply about what they want to study and conduct research on, and to try find a topic that is deeply meaningful and important not just to them but to communities that are marginalized and/or impacted by structures and systems of inequality, so that their research can help us understand those problems and hopefully, one day, to mitigate them.

Why did you decide to complete a degree in Sociology? 

When I first started college, I was studying psychology, but I wanted to explore subjects outside of my immediate focus through elective classes. Sociology wasn’t initially top of mind, but after taking my first course, I was inspired. The material challenged my thinking and offered so much insight. I realized sociology could complement almost any discipline I chose to pursue, so I added it as a second major.

How did UIndy help you achieve your educational and career goals?

UIndy was a wonderful place to pursue my education. I had small class sizes, which helped me connect with both professors and peers. The Professional Edge Center’s staff were dedicated to connecting students with opportunities, which propelled me as well.

What was your most meaningful student experience?

The professors in the Sociology department made my experience as a student meaningful. There were so many times they fueled my curiosity, encouraged me to keep going and celebrated my growth. It’s difficult to single out just one moment because their collective impact shaped my experience.

What advice do you have for students who want a career in your field?

My advice to students who want a career in my field is to stay engaged in your community and prioritize networking. Volunteer or intern — just show up. The work you do you do outside of the classroom is arguably just as important as the work you do inside the classroom!

Would you recommend UIndy?

Yes, the small class size enhances the learning experience. I am genuinely so thankful for professors who made my time at UIndy so fruitful, pleasant, and memorable. 

Why did you decide to complete an MA in Applied Sociology? 

Career Development 

What was your most meaningful student experience?

The learning experiences I had in the classroom with faculty and fellow students. 

What advice do you have for students who want a career in your field?

Just remain focused on your dreams.

Would you recommend UIndy to other students and, if so, why?

Yes. The low student-faculty ratio is an advantage!

Why did you decide to complete an MA in Applied Sociology? 

My one Sociology class opened my mind and all the professors were so helpful. There are lots of jobs opportunities too!

How did UIndy help you achieve your educational and career goals?

The professors were so helpful and were always there for any questions. I was pushed (in a good way) to do my absolute best

What was your most meaningful student experience?

I met one of my best friends in the program. Having such a small cohort was so beneficial!

How did you balance grad school with working and responsibilities outside of the classroom?

I kept a very strict calendar with all my deadlines and scheduled meetings with my professors to make sure I was staying on track.

What advice do you have for students who want a career in your field?

The mental health field can be draining, but take time for yourself. Self-care is so important.

Would you recommend UIndy to other students and, if so, why?

Absolutely! The campus is small and the faculty and staff are great!

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE SOCIOLOGY CLASS? WHY? 

Oh, gosh! I enjoyed most of them! My favorite was probably my first graduate class, which was Applying Sociology! I loved learning all the different ways that sociology could be used in the world.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING AT YOUR CURRENT EMPLOYER?

I enjoy the small atmosphere and making a different in the community for our youth with teen dating violence. 

Why did you decide to complete an MA in Applied Sociology? 

I have always had a greater interest in social issues and in sociology. Having more of an understanding would greatly help my career in probation 

How did UIndy help you achieve your educational and career goals?

In my undergrad, I was able to secure an internship with Marion County Probation

What was your most meaningful student experience?

The tutelage received from all of my professors helped me earn my Master’s Degree 

How did you balance grad school with working and responsibilities outside of the classroom?

For the majority of Graduate School, I worked night shift with Juvenile Probation. On slower nights, it was easier to complete larger assignments. 

Did your degree help you advance your career or get a promotion? 

It has enabled me to start my first research project and I hope as I move forward in my career it will also offer other new opportunities. 

What advice do you have for students who want a career in your field?

Stay with it. It may feel difficult, which it is. However, if you lean on your colleagues and professors, and push yourself past any hurdles, your success will come. 

Would you recommend UIndy to other students and, if so, why?

Yes. The diverse student body and faculty make for a unique experience

Why did you decide to complete an MA in Applied Sociology? 

I fell in love with sociology while in undergrad. I knew it would be a perfect addition to my bachelors degree, and the curriculum always seemed to go hand in hand with my criminal justice courses. As I began completing the undergrad sociology courses, I realized I needed more sociology courses!

How did UIndy help you achieve your educational and career goals?

Attending UIndy was beneficial in many ways. To me, the most important was being able to build close relationships with both professors and classmates due to the smaller class sizes. Professors were often able to have individual conversations, and classmates were likely in several of your classes! Creating these relationships at UIndy is easy!

What was your most meaningful student experience?

The most meaningful student experience to me was always being able to reach out to my professors and knowing I will get a caring, genuine response. Even better, I know to this day I could reach out to my professors and still get a caring, genuine response! 

Did your degree help you advance your career or get a promotion? 

Yes! I was able to obtain my job due to my MA degree! Otherwise, I would have to have 4 years of experience before getting hired. In addition to entering at a higher job level, I was able to receive a higher pay rate!

What advice do you have for students who want a career in your field?

Always keep an open mind and be willing to learn things from all perspectives! A career in sociology is rewarding and meaningful.

Would you recommend UIndy to other students and, if so, why?

Absolutely! UIndy provided many experiences, both social and professional, that I do not think I would have had elsewhere. UIndy is a university that cares about each student individually and everyone does their part to ensure your success!

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE SOCIOLOGY CLASS? WHY?

Contemporary Social Theory, this class allowed me to think of sociology is ways I never had before! It laid a foundation for me to understand sociology in today’s world.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING AT YOUR CURRENT EMPLOYER?

I am able to make a difference. I see youth at their worst, I get to work with them and guide them to be their best!

Why did you decide to complete an MA in Applied Sociology? 

Sociology offered me a plethora of resources to see the world with a different lens. It equipped me with the necessary knowledge to help others in a number of ways other than forward facing and more from a systemic point of view.

How did UIndy help you achieve your educational and career goals?

The support I received from UIndy allowed me to build the perfect path for myself. I was passionate in so many different things and I always found someone to help facilitate my growth and guided me with resources to truly understand how my passions can be more than just a paper or a homework assignment, but that I could used those as opportunities to shape me and guide me toward the professional world and what type of work I wanted to pursue.

Watch Sabrina talk about her career

What was your most meaningful student experience?

My favorite UIndy memory was being able to carry the Mexican flag during the celebration of the flags! I have always been passionate about living out customs from my culture, and I feel very strongly about it! Being able to carry the flag and represent all Mexican students on campus was so special, but what made it even more special was being able to also represent Mexican-American students on campus! Being bicultural comes with it's own feats and being underrepresented appears in several ways, so this was one way I felt we could truly be inclusive!

How did you balance grad school with working and responsibilities outside of the classroom?

I worked on campus so it made the commute very convenient! It was a task for sure, but I was able to schedule specific days of the week to dedicate to my school work. Google Calendar became my best friend during this time to ensure that I wasn't double booking myself and also being able to visualize when I would work on my classwork.

Did your degree help you advance your career or get a promotion? 

Absolutely! In the last year I intentionally was trying to find ways to use my degree. The way I was definitely most surprised about what running data! I began analyzing the incoming class at different stages of the recruitment cycle to better understand how to better serve our students. This was with intention to support our goals as the Diversity Recruitment Team and how the rest of the team can support us and/or adopt some of our tips and tricks. I was promoted in July to Senior Admissions Counselor! And I learned that I loved numbers much more than I used to!

What advice do you have for students who want a career in your field?

Sociologist is a job title, but it is not like "computer engineer" or even "teacher". That does not mean that your degree is less valuable! Sociologists hold so many different hats that don't fall under a direct path like some other areas of study. If you are passionate about something, you will absolutely find a way to use sociology! You will see the world in a unique way and will be able to offer different perspectives over an infinite number of topics!

Would you recommend UIndy to other students and, if so, why?

I would be terrible at my job if I didn't recommend UIndy! UIndy has a great way of preparing students in a number of fields. I created wonderful relationships with my professors and I know what this community is capable of!

Why did you decide to complete an MA in Applied Sociology? 

The reason why I decided to complete a degree in Sociology was because I cared about our communities and was determined to find a way to eliminate the barriers that were in front of them.

How did UIndy help you achieve your educational and career goals? 

The UIndy Sociology Department helped me achieve my educational and career goals by having intentional conversations with me regarding what I cared about and then by helping me seek opportunities to learn more about my passions. Without the guidance of the department, I would not have found my true love for Sociology and love for eliminating inequalities that exist in our communities.

Watch Mya talk about her career

What was your most meaningful student experience? 

I have had many meaningful student experiences in the department. However, I had my "ah-ha" moment when I was taking my Progressive Leadership course with Dr. Jim Pennell. This course opened my eyes to what I really wanted to be doing career-wise and gave me exposure to how nonprofits operate. The cool part of this experience was I had the opportunity to understand leadership and how I would want to lead in the nonprofit space.

How did you balance grad school with working and responsibilities outside of the classroom? 

I was blessed with working for an organization that allowed me to put my school work and mental health first. I cannot stress enough about the importance of putting your mental health first when balancing grad school and working. You as a person are more important than both your academic work and professional work. Surround yourself with people who will love, support, and cheer you on throughout your journey and lean on them when you need them.

However, I would say the biggest tip I could give is to stay organized and put everything on your calendar. Communicating with your professors is another huge tip that I would give as you are not alone in your journey, and others can/ will guide you through the balance of grad school and working.

Did your degree help you advance your career or get a promotion?  

My degree helped advance my career in many ways. I have climbed the ladder three times at my organization by applying my sociological skills. I have been able to use my skills to benefit the community by creating human-centered processes that alleviate barriers that our community may be facing, something that I would not know much about without my degree.

What advice do you have for students who want a career in your field? 

The best advice that I can give is to learn how to communicate the skills that you have learned while studying Sociology and bring them up when you are looking for a career in this field. You bring so much to the table by having a sociological framework, and it is so important to know how to tell others what you bring to the table. Remember that your passion is also something to name and own.

Watch Mya's advice for students interested in working in her field

Would you recommend UIndy to other students and, if so, why? 

Yes, I would recommend UIndy to other students as UIndy isn't a place that only cares about your academic achievements. UIndy also cares about you as a person and your growth overall. The support system, specifically as it relates to the Sociology department, is something to treasure.

Why did you decide to complete an MA in Applied Sociology? 

I realized later in my undergraduate experience that I was interested in social systems and diversity, equity, and inclusion. It felt like the next best step to pursue a Master's in Sociology to further my interest and knowledge in the social sciences. 

How did UIndy help you achieve your educational and career goals? 

UIndy gave me meaningful mentor relationships with my professors and intentional class planning that put me in play to do all of the things I was interested in, and to hone in on my specific passions.

Watch CariAnn talk about her career

What was your most meaningful student experience? 

My thesis has been a project that affirmed my love of research and evaluation. Not only was I able to apply the skills I gained in real-time at my job, but I was also able to become an expert in my field, which has allowed me to move through my career in a way that feels true to my personal mission and vision.

How did you balance grad school with working and responsibilities outside of the classroom? 

Study buddies!!! Having someone else (or a few other someones ) in my program to support me and keep me on track was essential. Having professors that “get it” was even more essential. I found balance in the friendships that I gained and in the content I was learning, which made me want to do a good job, and to show up.

Did your degree help you advance your career or get a promotion?  

Yes! My degree has launched me into a DEI career that I truly feel is right for me. I have had two promotions in the two years it has taken me to complete my degree, and with each promotion, I work more intensively on DEI and inequalities in higher ed. 

What advice do you have for students who want a career in your field? 

Apply your knowledge wherever you are. It’s imperative to understand that inequalities exist on every level, and not every “push for change” is done on a large policy scale. It’s in the conversations you have with others, the relationships you build with your colleagues, and the questions you bring to the table in every meeting. There is always work to be done, and if you don’t think it’s working, continue to push the envelope. At some point, you will look back and see that it was slow progress but big results.

Watch CariAnn's advice for students interested in working in her field

Would you recommend UIndy to other students and, if so, why? 

Yes! If you are someone who works best when you are cared for, respected, heard, encouraged, developed, and coached, UIndy is 100% the place for you.

Why did you decide to complete an MA in Applied Sociology? 

I loved the small courses and the ability to have practical learning opportunities.  The schedule was also very flexible with a lot of options to attend courses.

How did UIndy help you achieve your educational and career goals? 

The opportunity to work in the community and apply things I was learning in the MA program allowed me to meet new people and expand my personal and professional network.  That network expansion helped me progress in my career as well as motivated me to complete my degree.  

What was your most meaningful student experience? 

My most meaningful student experience was working as the graduate student assistant and being able to go to other schools and programs and talk about the program.  I loved meeting new people and being able to talk about the program and get new recruits! 

How did you balance grad school with working and responsibilities outside of the classroom? 

I worked full time, worked part-time as the graduate assistant, and went to school full time.   It was helpful to have the balance of working in a field where I could apply what I was learning.  I also encourage balancing school and work by knowing how you work best.  I am a very type-A person, so I cannot do anything without my planner.  Find what your planner is.

Did your degree help you advance your career or get a promotion?  

Yes, getting a MA helped me advance in my career.  I had the technical skills from my education to help market myself in an area that I had been in for a while.   That little push helped me elevate myself and feel confident in my personal leadership and management skills. 

What advice do you have for students who want a career in your field? 

Contact me!  I cannot express the power of networking.  If you don’t know someone in your desired field, someone else will, so ask!

Would you recommend UIndy to other students and, if so, why? 

Absolutely!  I love the small and personal attention that you get in the program.  I am also currently an adjunct in the department and have since I graduated.  It becomes a little family!

Why did you decide to complete an MA in Applied Sociology? 

I completed my degree in Sociology because I am passionate about social issues and Sociology would provide me with the skills to help change society. 

How did UIndy help you achieve your educational and career goals? 

UIndy help me create meaningful relationships which allowed me to thrive within Academia.

What was your most meaningful student experience? 

My most meaningful experience as a student was completing my Masters Thesis project. Completing this project gave me the skills and knowledge I need to better help solve problems in my community.

How did you balance grad school with working and responsibilities outside of the classroom? 

I balanced work and my coursework by being self-disciplined with time.

Did your degree help you advance your career or get a promotion?  

My degree absolutely helped me within my career. Education is a powerful tool that allows you to learn how to think critically and solve problems. More so, my degree in Sociology allows me to understand social differences across all groups of people.

What advice do you have for students who want a career in your field? 

My advice to students would be to always be an advocate for all groups of people across all backgrounds. Having passion for the work you do will always go a long way.

Would you recommend UIndy to other students and, if so, why? 

Yes! UIndy allows for you to build meaningful and long-lasting relationships with peers and professors.

How did UIndy help you achieve your educational and career goals?

UIndy helped clarify my personal and professional values and beliefs, in large part because of the new ideas and people I encountered. My network grew because faculty invited me and all students into their worlds, introducing us to their own contacts. There were learning opportunities beyond the classroom that helped me refine my skills as a confident communicator and leader. I am a better employer and guide for my employees today because of the values and skills I learned as part of the Community Leadership curriculum in the Sociology Department at UIndy.

What was your most meaningful student experience?

Travel to the Association of Humanist Sociologists annual conference, where I was part of a team that presented research on social class, environmental pollution, and the closing of an Indianapolis industrial site. The experience solidified my interest in social justice and provided connections to like-minded friends and colleagues.

How did you balance grad school with working and responsibilities outside of the classroom?

For me, balancing full-time work with a nearly full-time course load was manageable because I had not yet become a father. And my work schedule was flexible. But the UIndy faculty were mindful that students have lives and obligations outside of the classroom—they understand the importance of balancing academic rigor with work and family relationships.

Did your degree help you advance your career or get a promotion? 

I immediately received a raise and promotion from the Marion County Probation Department. Beyond that, having the degree allowed me to work two years as a consultant for Indiana Department of Child Services, two years as a researcher for the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IU, and now as a leader in technology start-ups. The trajectory solidified my interest in corporate social responsibility, building healthy organizational cultures, and improving quality of life for those I work with.

What advice do you have for students who want a career in your field?

Focus on building your verbal and written communication skills. You can never learn too much about articulating yourself well—write as much as you can, taking feedback from professors and peers into account. Develop your own voice, and learn to adapt that voice to the audience. Be clear and concise. Never stop writing and receiving critique for your writing. 

Would you recommend UIndy to other students and, if so, why?

Yes—at UIndy, you will have a highly personal student experience with faculty who make your education meaningful, self-actualizing, and fun.

Why did you decide to complete a degree in sociology?

I decided to go back to school after a few years of hiatus from undergrad to complete my Master's degree because I wanted to do more with my career. I felt like I would not be able to seek promotions or higher-level jobs without having a Master's degree. Since my undergrad was in Sociology, it made sense to get a Master's in Sociology.

How did UIndy help you achieve your educational and career goals?

Since obtaining my Master's degree, I have had many different job opportunities come about; these opportunities would not have been available if I had not received my Master's degree. I have actually surpassed my career goals by being promoted to become a partner and owner in a small, private business.

What was your most meaningful student experience?

My most meaningful student experience was my trip to Belize for an oral history research project. Going to Belize and learning about the many different cultures there and conducting research was a really fascinating experience and has still stayed with me today.

How did you balance grad school with working and responsibilities outside of the classroom?

Going to grad school while working full-time was not easy, but I was able to manage my time well. I would work during the day and take classes in the evenings. I made sure that I spent a good chunk of my evenings and weekends completing my assignments. As a result, I was able to maintain a 4.0 GPA while handling my job responsibilities.

Did your degree help you advance your career or get a promotion?

Yes, absolutely! I felt very "stuck" before I obtained my Master's degree. It seemed like many employers were starting to request Master's degrees for any positions beyond entry-level. I knew I wanted more out of my career, so I worked very hard to complete my program. My Master's degree helped me obtain the experience, education, and professionalism I needed to further my career and get promoted. My promotion resulted in me becoming a partner and owner of a private business.

What advice do you have for students who want a career in your field?

Get a Master's degree if you don't want to be stuck in an entry-level position. A Master's degree can open so many more opportunities (depending on where you want it to take you). Don't expect success to come overnight though. You must work hard and keep at it in order to be successful. Work hard and never give up. There were so many times that I wanted to give up, but I am so glad that I didn't! Trust me, it's worth it!

Would you recommend UIndy to other students and, if so, why?

Yes, absolutely! I chose to go to UIndy because of the flexible class schedules which allowed me to continue working full-time. UIndy's location was also a major plus since I didn't have to commute far from work or home. I also enjoyed the smaller classroom settings; the professors really took the time to meet with me, get to know me, and help me get through the program successfully. I didn't feel like "just another student." I felt like the professors really wanted their students to succeed.

I chose to do the in-person grad program at UIndy versus just getting a grad degree online elsewhere. I felt like I have benefited more by going to an actual campus for grad classes than I would have if I completed the program online. I have met so many great classmates and professors at UIndy that I still keep in touch with today. It is so fun to see my past classmates excelling in their careers and doing amazing things! Thank you UIndy for an awesome experience!

Why did you decide to complete a gender minor?

I chose to add the gender studies minor to my psychology degree because I was interested in how concepts like sex and gender seem so baked into culture and daily lives. I majored in psychology, which emphasizes individual-level issues, like personality and family dynamics. Gender studies gave me a broader, society-level lens to use as I learned about what makes people act, think, and feel the way that they do.

How did UIndy help you achieve your educational and career goals?

As an undergraduate, I was still figuring out exactly what field I wanted to go into and what steps I would need to take to make that happen. The smaller class sizes and more direct contact with faculty made a lot of difference for me, which I would not have necessarily gotten at a larger university. I gained mentorship from my relationship with faculty, which helped me figure out what was important to me in a career. Faculty members helped mentor me through applying for graduate school, like writing letters of recommendation and editing application essays. During graduate school, the close-knit environment of my cohort and our faculty made me feel supported as I went through the hardest hoops. Because I felt so cheered on by my program at UIndy, I felt emboldened to take on professional leaps of faith, like taking on training opportunities with "rock stars" of psychological assessment!

What was your most meaningful student experience?

It has been such an exciting process to become a part of the web of mentorship in my field. Giving and receiving mentorship is one of the most wonderful things throughout the process of education because it can eliminate the façade that we are in competition with each other for being the "best" at something.

How did you balance school with working and responsibilities outside of the classroom?

Learning this balance is tricky because there is no one solution that fits for everyone... and a solution that works for you one semester might need to be tweaked the next semester! I found it helpful to start checking myself when I noticed that I was spending too much time on a paper out of perfectionism, but I was no longer gaining much of a meaningful learning experience by re-writing the same paragraph four times. Having hobbies and activities planned that had nothing to do with my professional life was really important, too. I love yoga and history documentaries!

Did your degree help you advance your career or get a promotion? 

As I've gone forward in my career, my background in gender studies has given me a springboard for a niche area of knowledge in my clinical work. I now see a lot of clients for therapy and psychological assessment who are part of the LGBTQ+ community or have other challenges related to gender and sexuality.

What advice do you have for students who want a career in your field?

Reach out to graduate programs for the type of career you want and ask if they have any current grad students that would be willing to talk to you about their experience. The worst answer you can get is "no", the most likely result is getting some valuable information, and at best, you could gain a new mentor.

Would you recommend UIndy to other students and, if so, why?

Yes! UIndy is great because of the student-to-faculty ratio and the supportive feel of our small campus. The faculty really care about students!