By Andy Murphy ’17
Siena College prides itself on having an alumni network like no other, but you don’t have to wait until you’ve graduated to use it as a resource. Siena grads are eager to help current students learn how to leverage their Siena education to pursue their career goals and that’s why seven psychology alumni returned to campus this fall.
The alumni panel included people currently in graduate school, a person with a Ph.D., an attorney and even a Siena psychology professor. Lauren Berger ’07 said her experience as a psychology major was a “fulfilling journey.” Now she is teaching the next generation of Saints as a lecturer in psychology at Siena.
During the 90-minute discussion, Berger and her fellow panelists answered questions about the graduate school application process, shared advice and reassured current psychology majors and minors that their Siena education will separate them from the competition when applying to graduate schools and jobs.
The alumni also emphasized the importance of completing internships because along with allowing students to apply what they are learning in the classroom, internships help you make connections and build contacts.
Graduate student Ericka Pier ’14 said, “Internships may sound scary, but (they are) helpful.” Pier also reinforced the value of the psychology department’s faculty, adding that students should seek out their professors for guidance and advice.
Kyla Dickson ’13 gave the students sage advice, telling them to make a career out of pursuing their passions. Dickson added that Siena has given them a great start because its liberal arts curriculum allows students to take a variety of classes and pursue different interests. She said that versatility will pay off after graduation.
Click here to learn more about studying psychology at Siena College.
