Degree(s): Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Minor in Education, Specializing in Children & Adolescents
Current Job Title and Affiliation: Children's Services Coordinator with UMass Memorial Health—as my field placement of choice through the William James Behavioral Health Service Corps Program
Summary of Position:
I was accepted into the William James Behavioral Corps Program at William James College in Newton, MA. This program allows for students like me who have just recently graduated, but are not quite ready to go to graduate school to gain more experience at a field site of their choice whilst taking a 3-credit Master’s level course each semester, only on Fridays. You get keen experience AND a free 6 credits you can transfer to graduate school for when you go! Not to mention the scholarship opportunities!
More specifically, my field site is with UMass Memorial Health, and I am currently a Children’s Services Coordinator at a residential facility. Here, I conduct weekly meetings with mothers in recovery from drug use—to create a safety plan for their child, discuss their child’s developmental milestones, create a treatment plan if necessary (to be coordinated with the on-site therapist, clinical director, and case manager), provide referrals for resources, track their child’s progress, etc.! Whilst moms are in treatment at the program, I monitor the children (when and if they aren’t in school) and we work on the goals that were set in place by the mom, myself, and Early Intervention Services. I have weekly meetings with the clinical team and coordinate with DCF and social workers as needed!
What do you love most about this career path?
It feels rewarding when you know you are making a difference in someone's life- particularly kids- our future generations!
Future Goals
Upon completion of this program, I plan to attend graduate school in the Fall of 2025 semester. I am debating between a Master's or a PsyD in Clinical Child Psychology or Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Children & Adolescents. Its possible I might intertwine my interest in forensics as well!
How did UMass and/or Psychological and Brain Sciences help prepare you for your career?
My Professional Development Class with Prof. Christina Metevier was most helpful! She is the one who recommended the William James Program to me and had she not, I wouldn't be in this role right now! The Psych Career fairs, as well as resume workshops were also helpful.
Advice for Current Students
1. BUDGET YOUR TIME. If you want to land a job right after you graduate, I wouldn’t recommend waiting until the end of April to start applying. Before classes pick up too much, start now! (If you are nervous to apply because you don’t think your resume/cover letter aren’t up to par- there are free workshops on campus for that!)
2. Figure out if you want to pursue graduate school or not. Options without higher education may be a bit more limited and are not well known for the best pay, so make a spreadsheet and compare/contrast options now!
3. Give it your all for your last year of undergrad. It goes by insanely fast. Study and work hard- but also don’t forget to make time for yourself!
4. Get involved! Good grades are one thing- but employers want to see how else you spend your time. I had the privilege of being the President of the Diversity and Psychology Club (DIPC) on campus. I’m not sure if dates/times have changed, but here is a flyer I created and you can reach out to Prof. Kwak for more details! Her e-mail- youngbin@umass.edu
Advice for Alumni
Keep applying skills learnt in undergrad! They're setting us up for success!
