Since your graduation from MU, what has been your career path?I obtained my PhD in Educational Psychology, and have been a practicing School Psychologist for about the last 20 years. I have worked mostly in the same school district at Early Childhood Special Education, Elementary and Secondary schools. I am also an Autism Resource Specialist for my district, doing evaluations with all ages of children suspected of having autism spectrum disorders.
Describe your typical workday.
I have no typical day. Sometimes my day's activities are determined by who grabs me in the hall first with the most urgent needs! My days vary depending on what is on my caseload--consultation with regular and special teachers about children with behavioral or learning problems, meeting with families who have children with developmental or learning difficulties, testing children, observing children in preschools or daycares, making phone calls to physicians and clinical psychologists to share information, interviewing parents, being part of site-based teams such as crisis response, and participating on teaching and evaluation teams with teachers, speech/language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and administrators.
What is the best or most exciting part of your profession?
I have incredible variety in what I get to do and who I get to see. The best part is sitting in classrooms, cafeterias, preschools, daycares, and on playgrounds and watching children and students of all ages engaged in learning and socializing; human development is a wonder. I am told I provide a much needed support service, which makes it all seem worthwhile. And, it is very intellectually challenging.
What advice would you provide for a job seeker in your field?
You need to have a graduate degree, Masters/Specialist or PhD. Any experiences with typically developing children/adolescents or individuals with disabilities is helpful.
What are essential skills one must posses for success in your field?
Good oral and written communication skills, good critical thinking skills, a love of children and/or adolescents, compassion for parents who are raising children with all sorts of disabilities, good teaming skills, a willingness to work hard.
What can a current Marquette student do to effectively prepare for a career in your field?
It helps to have an undergraduate degree in psychology, or education, or a related field, so that you can get into an accredited graduate school for School Psychology. Most practicing School Psychologists are Masters/Specialist level, typically a three year graduate program. Some of us have PhDs, we often do not get paid more than Masters level, but we have additional skills in research, can engage in private practice (with the proper credentialing), and can take teaching positions at the University level.
How does one find a summer job or internship in your field, and are there any other opportunities to gain experience before graduation?
Practica (often in schools or clinics) and internships are required parts of a graduate program in School Psychology. You may be able to find a practicing School Psychologist who would be a mentor and let you shadow her or him for a period of time. Until you have your degree there is very little you can do in the field. However, summer internships or jobs working with children with disabilities, or with typically developing children is excellent experience.
