Members of Ventura College’s Psychology and Sociology clubs were given the opportunity to take a glimpse into the life of a successful graduate student.
On Wednesday, March 17, Amy La of Washington State University visited the school to speak to avid club members about her academic achievements. Sociology professor and Sociology Club Advisor Albert Chen introduced La to a group of over two dozen students, as La described her personal goals for the meeting.
“I want students to be motivated to get out there and get a higher education,” she said. “I want students to be determined so they can reach the goals they have set for themselves.”
La shared her experiences in academia, including the obstacles she came across and the successes she obtained. Among these accomplishments is her selection as a 2011 Doctoral Candidate in Counseling Psychology, a position over 100 applicants sought after and only four received.
“It was a brutal process,” she said of the experience. “If you really want something, make sure it’s worth it. It’s a major investment so know what you’re getting into before you commit.”
La, who is currently a counseling assistant at WSU, also answered students’ questions on transferring, graduate school and careers in psychology.
“In terms of preparation for transfer, it’s going to be more intense,” she warned. “The coursework will be harder. Just to give you an idea, the classes will be bigger and the one-on-one you’re so used to getting here won’t be there.”
Her transfer advice opened the eyes of students in the audience.
John Ortiz, a 23-year-old engineering major, took La’s words of wisdom to heart and admitted that he came to the lecture to gain more knowledge on graduate programs.
“I’ve set myself on this path to be an engineer, but I know it’s going to be tough to get those internships,” he said. “I wanted to hear more about the difficult process and learn about what I can do to jump those obstacles.”
La’s advice also included motivational words to apply for scholarships.
“Don’t be disheartened,” she said. “A lot of offices can be your friends. The financial aid office and the scholarship office–know them well.”
La also described the many career paths psychology majors can take upon graduation. La, for example, assists in alcohol and drug counseling, assessment and prevention services. Other job opportunities include working for the government, social services, human resources, or law and paralegal careers.
“Psychology can lead you down so many different paths,” she said. “Once you get the fundamentals with this degree, you can build the necessary skills to apply for other jobs, including skills in communication and writing.”
For students who are unsure about their majors and career choices, La explained that she personally chose psychology because of her listening skill and her fondness of people.
“Don’t go into a specific career simply for the money,” she said. “It can be nice to gain the big bucks but you have to be into what you’re doing. You have to have heart.”
