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Featuring Amy (Wolff) Beresik '02
I always knew I wanted an advanced degree and I
would love to pursue a doctorate. I just love to learn and grow--I want
to be the best I can be wherever I am. In addition, I knew I would have
the chance to network through my contact with the faculty there.
How did you explore graduate school?
I spoke with friends who attended, compared
application materials and visited the campus. I also considered schools
that offered graduate assistantships and had prolific faculty members I
could learn from and work with. These associations can set you apart on
a resume.
Research your grad school choice and consider how
going there would position you for optimal training as well as
networking and employment connections. In addition, depending on your
field, consider that it may not be necessary to go right away. Some
jobs will pay for you to advance toward a master's degree once you are
employed. Is it worth possibly taking on debt if you won't be employed
to the degree that you can pay it off? The risk I took was that a school
district might not be willing to pay more for my advanced degree when I
didn't have any public school teaching experience. Taking some time to
get experience can't hurt anything, but I will say that it greatly
benefitted me personally to attend full-time. I was able to serve as a
grad assistant and thereby get to know my professors especially well -
the ones who would be later writing job recommendation letters for me! -
as well as gain additional leadership experience.
I did--I was awarded a full tuition Graduate
assistantship. I remember filling out an interest form for it. The
professor ended up calling me on the phone to get a more personal idea
of what I was like. We had a great conversation and connected very
well. Remember to sell not just your experiences but the SKILL SET you
have developed in them (think broad: administration, management,
communication, planning, correspondence, etc) because while experiences
are specific, a base of skills is broad and transferrable. Remember
that the Lord has a very specific plan for you and may not lead you in
the most direct way! Be receptive to the doors that open for you and put
Him before you in your planning. See the potential and opportunity in
each situation.
More information about Amy's
experience with Fox Chapel Area School District and employment-related
tips
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