Psychology Major Jobs and Graduate School Acceptances 2019
A titillating student-research proposal spotlights drama behind a highly publicized scandal in Dickinson's history.
Emily Armando
Major: psychology
Hometown: Haverford, Pennsylvania
Employer: Kelton Global
Job title: quantitative research analyst
Job Responsibilities
I will be designing consumer surveys/questionnaires to gain more insight about specific products and brands, analyzing survey data and delivering data interpretation presentations.
How has Dickinson prepared you for life after graduation?
Dickinson has prepared me for postgrad life by introducing me to lifelong friends, providing me with an abroad experience that allowed me to grow immensely as a person and expanding my curiosity about people and the world.
What are you most anticipating about your career or postgraduate pursuits?
I'm excited to continue learning more about the world and about myself. I'm eager to gain some valuable work experience, but I also hope to go back to graduate school at some point in the future.
What are some of the defining moments of your Dickinson experience?
I've loved my experiences conducting research both at Dickinson and while abroad. My favorite research experience was designing a survey for Carlisle residents that gauged their thoughts on walkability and food accessibility and then presenting our findings to the community at the end of the semester.
Internship Experience
LGBT Center intern at Dickinson College Archives, intern at the Forum on Education Abroad (Carlisle), research assistant at the University of Otago Social Cognition Lab (Dunedin, New Zealand).
Rebecca Safranek
Majors: psychology, educational studies
Hometown: Smithtown, New York
Graduate School: Queens College
Field of study: applied behavioral analysis
Internship Experience
Worked at a preschool for children with disabilities.
MEG BOOTH
Major: psychology
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Award: Fulbright
Purpose of award: English teaching assistant in Ecuador
Job Responsibilities
I will be responsible for assisting an English teacher at an academic institution in Ecuador. I will work directly with students while also building community networks and developing collaborative projects within the local community where I will be living.
How has Dickinson prepared you for life after graduation?
The classes that I have taken, the professors that I have met and the students I have formed relationships with have challenged me to develop critical thinking skills that I will use after graduation.
What are you most anticipating about your career or postgraduate pursuits?
I am most excited to truly feel like my education has been put to use in meaningful ways that further social justice and the creation of small scale solutions.
What are some of the defining moments of your Dickinson experience?
One of the most defining moments of my Dickinson experience has been joining the inspiring ranks of Wheel & Chain. I have been blessed to be part of a group of women who push me towards progress every day just by their existence. Another defining moment in my Dickinson experience has been the opportunity to study abroad in South America (in Ecuador and Argentina).
Internship Experience
Jewish Family and Children's Services—Immigration Legal Department. This was a pro-bono law firm that was made up of about four regular staffed attorneys. I was responsible for client intakes, low stakes case management and project management. I sat in on staff meetings and attended workshops/client meetings.
Kelly O'Connor
Majors: English, psychology
Hometown: Pennington, New Jersey
Graduate School: Virginia Commonwealth University
Field of study: counselor education
Internship Experience
Carlisle Autism School.
Halle Winkler
Majors: educational studies, psychology
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Employer: Deloitte
Job title: consulting analyst
Job Responsibilities
I will be working with Deloitte's public sector clientele, specifically within the strategy and operations division.
How has Dickinson prepared you for life after graduation?
Independence, perseverance, doing things for myself.
What are you most anticipating about your career or postgraduate pursuits?
Entering into a totally new field in a new city. I am super excited.
What are some of the defining moments of your Dickinson experience?
The amazing friends I have made.
Internship Experience
In the summer of 2017, I was an educational policy intern at the Oregon state capitol. In the summer of 2018, I was a supply sales intern at Pacific Office Automation doing high-stakes sales.
Michael Hinckley
Majors: economics, psychology
Hometown: Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
Graduate School: Boston University
Field of study: counseling with a concentration in sports psychology
What are you most anticipating about your career or postgraduate pursuits?
Working with athletes.
What are some of the defining moments of your Dickinson experience?
Experiences with playing basketball for Coach Alan Seretti.
Internship Experience
Premier Sports Psychology - intern assisting with project ongoing and my own relating to team culture, assessment development, cultural assessment project, etc.
Brittany Horgan
Major: psychology
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Employer: Children's Institute of Pittsburgh; Brain Balance Achievement Center of Wexford
Job title: teacher's aide; sensory-motor coach
Job Responsibilities
At the Children's Institute of Pittsburgh, I will work in the day school as an aide in an autism support classroom. Kids that attend the day school come from all around the Pittsburgh area to receive a more hands-on and specific education. I'll use applied behavioral analysis techniques to help teach new information and prepare students for life outside of the classroom.
At Brain Balance Achievement Center of Wexford, I will work with kids of all ages with behavioral, social, academic and emotional issues. Some with diagnoses and some without, these kids typically need an extra boost to help make their everyday lives a little easier. I'll help take kids through a developmentally based program that helps strengthen the brain as a whole to increase performance and well-being.
Yichi Zhang
Majors: mathematics, psychology
Hometown: Jinan City, Shandongsheng, China
Graduate School: University of Southern California
Field of study: quantitative psychology
How has Dickinson prepared you for life after graduation?
Dickinson definitely prepared me well for my future. My Ph.D. program focus on quantitative psychology, a combination of statistics and psychology. This requires me to have both data analytic skills and writing skills, which I obtained through my double major in math and psychology at Dickinson. Moreover, I will be a TA in the first year of my Ph.D. program, one of my responsibility will be to lead weekly discussion. Senior seminar at Dickinson well prepared me for that.
What are you most anticipating about your career or postgraduate pursuits?
Maybe work in a research institution or college to continue my research.
What are some of the defining moments of your Dickinson experience?
The whole Service Trip week and study abroad in Denmark.
Courtney Pollard
Major: psychology
Hometown: Bellevue, Washington
Employer: T-Mobile
Job title: associate specialist, career development
Job Responsibilities
Two-year rotating position around HR to learn all the different aspects of what HR consists of. At the end of the two years, I’ll pick what part I feel is the best fit.
How has Dickinson prepared you for life after graduation?
Dickinson has given me many tools to communicate effectively and efficiently. Dickinson has taught me how to be understanding while still standing firm in what I believe in.
Internship Experience
T-Mobile Human Resources internship: Three-month full-time job that prepares you for HR responsibilities.
Whitney Polich
Majors: psychology, women's, gender & sexuality studies
Hometown: Wilmington, Delaware
Employer: IGNTD Recovery
Job title: research assistant and marketing intern
Job Responsibilities
I will take care of all marketing, social media and community outreach. I also conduct research and write for the company.
How has Dickinson prepared you for life after graduation?
It was great for my major and helped me to gain professional experience.
What are you most anticipating about your career or postgraduate pursuits?
I am anticipating a big adjustment!
What are some of the defining moments of your Dickinson experience?
The small, magic moments of being with friends or doing well on an exam. It’s the little things.
Internship Experience
Planned Parenthood: I worked in development and community outreach.
Emily Melville
Majors: psychology, Spanish
Hometown: Dover, Massachusetts
Employer: Rocket Software
Job title: recruiting coordinator
Job Responsibilities
I will be working in the recruiting department and will be focusing on job applicants later in the application process, such as connecting them with specific hiring managers for interviews, and I will be their general contact.
How has Dickinson prepared you for life after graduation?
It has taught me a lot about hard work and working with others.
What are you most anticipating about your career or postgraduate pursuits?
Hoping that I enjoy what I do.
What are some of the defining moments of your Dickinson experience?
I’ve had a lot of really good professors in multiple majors.
Internship Experience
I had an internship with Rocket Software in human resources.
Lydia Orr
Major: psychology
Certificate: health studies
Hometown: Lexington, Virginia
Graduate School: Virginia Commonwealth University
Field of Study: social work
How has Dickinson prepared you for life after graduation?
Dickinson has provided me with valuable learning opportunities, including the breadth of classes I was able to take over my four years and the amazing ability to study abroad and learn about a new culture. Even though I am a psychology major with a health studies certificate, I was able to take classes in other fields of interest to allow for the most comprehensive education. One of the most memorable classes I took was a Brazilian culture and social issues class that I took originally to fulfill a general education requirement, but it quickly became one of my favorite classes. I would have never thought to take that class beforehand, but I learned so much about a different culture and the issues that are specific to that country. I think this class solidified my choice to study abroad because I knew I wanted to know more about many different cultures. Even though I did not study abroad in Brazil, I had the opportunity to be in Copenhagen, Denmark, for four months, which was incredible. I believe that having this background and willingness to learn about something new is essential when embarking on the next step after graduation, whether that be a job, more schooling or a fellowship.
What are you most anticipating about your career or postgraduate pursuits?
I am excited to go further into my studies and narrow in on my interests. The graduate program I am attending also has a certificate in gender violence intervention, which is specific to my interest in victim advocacy and counseling. I am excited to take classes that are geared toward that interest in addition to having a field placement with another nonprofit organization that stands up to gender violence.
What are some of the defining moments of your Dickinson experience?
Some of the best moments at Dickinson happen outside of the classroom. I will always remember Dickinson as a place where I created long-lasting friendships. I know that though I may not stay in touch with every single person, there are many people who I hope to be in contact for the rest of my life. These are people I have met in the classroom, in passing or at a school event. It is nice to know that when walking to class or going to the dining hall, I will always see someone I know.
Internship Experience
I completed an internship in the summer of 2018 with the YWCA Carlisle Sexual Assault and Rape Crisis program. I worked as a victim's advocate in the Harrisburg Child Resource Center, talking with families about the available resources and providing emotional support.
Mia Brenneman
Majors: psychology, religion
Hometown: West Chester, Pennsylvania
Graduate School: Temple University
Field of study: school psychology
How has Dickinson prepared you for life after graduation?
The professors have helped guide me toward what program might allow me to do what I want and also wrote my recommendations.
What are you most anticipating about your career or postgraduate pursuits?
I am looking forward to getting hands-on experience.
What are some of the defining moments of your Dickinson experience?
Finding my group of friends, having professors who gave me positive feedback.
Katie Schmidt
Major: psychology, Spanish
Hometown: Plymouth, Minnesota
Graduate School: Messiah College
Field of study: school counseling
Kara Schwartz
Major: psychology, women's, gender & sexuality studies
Hometown: Berwyn, Pennsylvania
Employer: Hankin Group
Job title: community outreach & events coordinator
Job Responsibilities
As community outreach & events coordinator, I will be responsible for planning, developing and implementing programs and events that enhance the visibility and strengthen the connections between Hankin Group and the local community. My responsibilities will include accountability for and oversight of the Corporate Social Responsibility program; managing the Hankin Foundation (the company’s charitable giving program); planning, organizing and implementing Town Center events (concerts, movie nights and festivals) and corporate events (engagement events, health fairs, day of service, etc.); developing and maintaining strong working relationships with influential community and civic organizations and elected municipal officers; keeping external stakeholders informed of company practices, business decisions and programs that impact the community; and building stakeholder loyalty and satisfaction, managing the company Match Program and collaborating with the communications specialist regarding all press-related needs.
How has Dickinson prepared you for life after graduation?
Dickinson offered me the opportunity to cultivate and explore my own interests. Because I was able to participate in the Internship Notation Program, I am graduating with strong interpersonal communication and professional skills. I think that the curriculum of both the women's, gender & sexuality studies (WGSS) and psychology majors have provided me with valuable experiences and skills I can bring into the "real world." Additionally, the Dickinson community has provided me with the greatest support system I could have imagined, including friends, classmates, professors and staff.
What are you most anticipating about your career or postgraduate pursuits?
I am eager to continue to grow and develop my professional skills. Although I have some idea about where my career will take me, I have learned from my time at Dickinson that my experiences will continue to shape my goals in life. I hope to grow in my chosen field and also hopefully complete a graduate degree within the next five years.
What are some of the defining moments of your Dickinson experience?
I do not have a defining moment, but I do have defining relationships. First, I am thankful that I was able to take a class with Professor Katherine Schweighofer during my first year. Her ability to communicate, educate and develop valuable relationships with her students was what first interested me in the WGSS major. Discussions and classes with Dr. Schweighofer sparked my interest in research on gender, sports and sexuality. This has culminated with my final project at Dickinson, which focuses on bonding, masculinity and male athletes. My advisors, Associate Professor of Psychology and Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies Megan Yost and Assistant Professor of Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies Katie Oliviero, have also had a meaningful impact on my time at Dickinson. The conversations had in classes and office hours with them have helped me develop my academic and professional interests, as well as my personal ideals and values. Importantly, I am also lucky to have known Communications Officer Rob Stone from DPS during my time at Dickinson. Rob was a staple of the HUB/academic quad crosswalk during my first, second and third years. In addition to performing the duties of his job, he also made a concerted effort to know students, ask how everyone's day was and give out high fives with a smile. Rob has taught me the value of caring for others and maintaining a positive attitude despite any circumstances. The ability to see Rob change the days and attitudes of many people is inspiring, and he has provided me with the valuable lesson of simply being kind, no matter what.
Internship Experience
In my time as a Dickinson student, I completed three Internship Notations. I interned at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, the Hankin Group and the YWCA Carlisle.
Ciarra Rieth
Major: psychology
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Graduate School: Vanderbilt University
Field of Study: counseling psychology
Internship Experience
Copper Hill Real Estate, Philadelphia - marketing intern.
Maddie Underhill
Major: psychology
Certificate: health studies
Hometown: Charleston, South Carolina
Graduate School: Johns Hopkins University
Field of Study: Nursing Prerequisite Program
How has Dickinson prepared you for life after graduation?
Dickinson has pushed me to seek bigger opportunities for myself that I would not have otherwise pursued. I am not afraid to try new things, talk to new people and jump into something new.
Internship Experience
I worked for the spring 2019 semester at Sadler Health Center in Carlisle. In this position, I was able to work with medical assistants and staff to ensure that patients who had not completed recent cervical cancer screenings, colorectal cancer screenings or other necessary procedures would get them scheduled during the year 2019.
What are you most anticipating about your career or postgraduate pursuits?
I am anticipating that my classes will be difficult but that they will prepare me well for an ABSN program and to eventually become a nurse.
What are some of the defining moments of your Dickinson experience?
Giving a tour to Steve Smith '92 (President and CEO of L.L.Bean); studying abroad in Dunedin, New Zealand; and having my photography project displayed in the dining hall.
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Published March 27, 2019