Monthly Archives: November 2024

Advice/Tips, Alumni News, Events, Graduate News, Graduate School

“What to Do with A Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology” Alumni Panel Highlights

This past Tuesday, the Roanoke College Psychology Association (RCPA) hosted an engaging virtual alumni panel titled “What To Do With A Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.” The event featured three recent alumni who are now thriving in master’s programs, offering invaluable advice and insights to students navigating their own academic and professional paths. Here’s a closer look at the panelists:

Meet the Panelists

Kristi Rolf
After earning her psychology degree, Kristi took a gap year to figure out her next steps. She worked at the University of Virginia (UVA) in career counseling and later enrolled in UVA’s Master’s in Higher Education program. Her journey highlighted the benefits of gaining work experience before pursuing further education, including access to employee benefits and financial stability.

Raegan Middelthon
Raegan chose Virginia Tech for its master’s track in counseling, which offered both clinical and school counseling experiences. Her personal statement was a key component of her successful application, and her diverse background in research and applied behavior analysis (ABA) gave her a strong foundation.

Eliza Bain
Eliza, now a master’s student at Radford University, emphasized the importance of utilizing research opportunities during undergrad. Her distinction project at Roanoke gave her the skills needed to excel in grad school. She credits her neuroscience concentration and minor in French with helping her stand out during the application process.

Q&A Insights from the Panelists

The alumni shared their perspectives on navigating grad school, preparing applications, and getting the most out of undergraduate studies. Here are the highlights:

Feeling Prepared for Grad School

  • Raegan: Roanoke’s rigorous coursework and research focus prepared her well for the demands of grad school. Writing-intensive courses like Quantitative and Qualitative Methods were particularly helpful.
  • Eliza: Neuroscience seminar capstone boosted her ability to read and analyze literature, troubleshoot methods, and speak publicly.
  • Kristi: Found developmental and social psychology classes especially relevant, as well as hands-on research experiences.

The Importance of Research

  • Eliza: Quality matters more than quantity—be ready to explain how your experiences shape your interests and goals.
  • Kristi: Psych Seminar and Quantitative Methods are great introductions to research, even without extracurricular projects.
  • Raegan: Research is incredibly helpful in efforts to develop a strong graduate school application. Additionally, balancing research with internships provides a well-rounded skill set.

Crafting a Personal Statement

  • Raegan: Start with a broad draft and refine it. Bragging about achievements is great—just don’t forget to connect them to the program you’re applying to.
  • Kristi: Share turning points in your journey and focus on future aspirations. Always proofread!
  • Eliza: Seek feedback from diverse perspectives—she even had a French professor review hers!

Advice on Diverse Experiences

  • Eliza: Wishes she had explored more areas beyond neuroscience to diversify her perspective.
  • Kristi: Encourages openness to career paths outside what you may currently envision for yourself.
  • Raegan: Stressed the importance of self-care to avoid burnout.

Balancing Experiences in Undergrad

  • Eliza: Focus on the depth and relevance of your experiences, not just the number.
  • Raegan: It’s okay if someone has “more” experience—prioritize what works for you.
  • Kristi: Use experiences to learn what you do not want to do, as much as what you do.

Key Takeaways for Psychology Majors

  1. Explore broadly: Seek opportunities across multiple fields to discover what resonates with you.
  2. Leverage your network: Professors, peers, and campus resources (like the Writing Center) can provide critical support for applications.
  3. Start early: Begin researching programs and drafting application materials well in advance.
  4. Prioritize mental health: Balance academics with self-care to maintain well-being.

RCPA extends its gratitude to Kristi, Raegan, and Eliza for sharing their stories and insights. Their diverse experiences demonstrate the many pathways a psychology degree can offer. Whether you’re planning to pursue grad school or entering the workforce, their advice highlights the importance of staying curious, prepared, and open to new possibilities. If you were not able to attend the panel, we hope this summary provides you with the information and confidence you need as you continue your undergraduate studies within the psychology department.

For more information on graduate school and careers in psychology, visit the psychology department website: https://www.roanoke.edu/inside/psychology/graduate_school_and_careers

Get Connected!

Blog: https://psych.pages.roanoke.edu/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rcpsychology
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/RC-Psychology-8140491/about
Website: http://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology
Instagram: rcpsychology

Advice/Tips, Events, Faculty Post

Who Is Professor Mandy Garcia & When Can I Meet Her?

Say hello to Professor Mandy Garcia, our newest Visiting Instructor of Psychology at Roanoke College! With a diverse background in psychology and student support, Professor Garcia is dedicated to helping students thrive, both in and out of the classroom.

A Journey into Psychology: “I initially became interested in psychology as a high school student,” shares Professor Garcia. “My younger brother was diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder in the 90s, when there was so little information and help available, especially in our rural community. That experience, along with other life events and personal interests, led me into the field of psychology.”

Her passion for teaching grew while she was an undergraduate at Concord University, where she served as a tutor and advising assistant. Later, at Radford University, she realized her true calling: working with students in higher education rather than in a clinical setting. Most of her career has involved a blend of teaching, advising, and supporting students with disabilities.

What She Loves About Teaching: “One of my favorite parts of teaching is seeing students grow in their understanding of topics and apply what they’ve learned to real-life situations,” says Professor Garcia. She enjoys helping students who may still be finding their way academically, discussing their study strategies, and finding new methods to boost their success. “There are always resources and people on campus to help with academic success—take advantage of those resources!”

Fun Fact: Outside of her role at Roanoke, Professor Garcia is an enthusiastic reader and a member of a book club that dives into sci-fi, space opera, and epic fantasy novels. “I love the world-building, the social structures, and the maps almost as much as the stories,” she says.

Want to meet Professor Garcia in person? You can catch her at her event next week!

Join Professor Garcia and other students on Tuesday, November 19, from 12:00pm – 1:00pm in Room 515, Life Science for a special workshop! This event, Successful Studying & Test Taking Techniques, will include Professor Garcia sharing her top tips and strategies for successful studying and test-taking, just in time for finals season. 🧠📚

Bring your friends, come with questions, and get ready to ace your next exam—see you there!

Get Connected!

Blog: https://psych.pages.roanoke.edu/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rcpsychology
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/RC-Psychology-8140491/about
Website: http://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology
Instagram: rcpsychology

Conferences, Opportunities, Research, Student Highlight, Undergraduate News

SSSP Conference 2024 – Student Spotlights

The Society of Southeastern Social Psychologists (SSSP) conference was a fantastic opportunity for our Roanoke College psychology students and faculty to engage with cutting-edge research and network with peers across the field. Professors FVN, Dr. Bu, and Dr. Carter attended the event alongside students Sydney Pennix, Ivy Phillips, Gabby Bosch, Shannon Dennehey, and Cassie Eddins.

We recently connected with some of the attending students to hear about their unique experiences, the research they presented, and the advice they have for students considering attending similar events.

Cassie Eddins collaborated with Dr. Bu on research developing a new scale to measure sense of belonging within political psychology—an area with no current standardized measures. Although she doesn’t plan to pursue research as a career, Cassie found inspiration at the conference and is now interested in exploring how sense of belonging manifests in third-culture children, such as those from military or immigrant families.

Cassie also had the chance to explore other undergraduates’ research projects. One presentation that stood out to her focused on the relationship between personal sexuality and the ability to accurately perceive others’ sexual orientations. “It was fascinating to see how personal biases might influence these perceptions,” Cassie shared, “Discovering unique topics like this made the experience even more enriching and broadened my understanding of the diverse areas being explored in psychology.”

Cassie shared her perspective of the experience in saying that, “SSSP was very non-threatening, especially for those of us who might not feel super confident with public speaking,” she continued, “I would definitely recommend attending—it’s a welcoming environment with fascinating research to explore.”

Sydney Pennix presented her study on how discrimination affects the romantic relationships of emerging and older Black Americans. “Conducting this research was fulfilling and eye-opening,” Sydney reflected, noting that her findings were surprising to both herself and her audience. She also found the graduate student panel to be particularly valuable, offering insights she’s already applying in her professional journey.

Sydney’s advice for her peers? “Take opportunities to present your research or attend others’ presentations. It’s incredible to converse with people who share your interests, especially outside of the classroom.”

Ivy Phillips is researching predictors of Hostile Attribution Bias in young adults with Dr. FVN, focusing on the influence of family relationships and adverse childhood experiences. The critical analysis of her data was challenging but rewarding, and Ivy appreciated the insights shared at the graduate school panel.

For Ivy Phillips, the Conference offered valuable insights that align with her long-term goal of working in Community Psychology. “My personal highlights included research on youth development in community settings and how individuals’ experiences and relationships shape their views on specific policies and laws,” Ivy shared. “These topics were not only fascinating but also inspired me to consider exploring them further in my own future research.”

Her biggest takeaway? “Get involved in as many experiences as possible, even if it feels outside your comfort zone. These opportunities build valuable skills and provide great stories that will benefit you long-term.”

More Photos From The Conference!

Shannon Dennehey and Gabby Bosch: Both Shannon and Gabby presented their research at the SSSP Conference alongside their peers. Check out their posters highlights in the photos attached!

Why Attend SSSP, or Any Conference For That Matter?

All our attendees—students and faculty alike—highly recommend participating in the SSSP Conference, as well as attending any psychology conference during your undergraduate years. Conferences like SSSP offer a welcoming environment and showcase a wide range of research presentations. Whether you go as a presenter or a spectator, these events provide a unique opportunity to explore new fields, connect with professionals, and deepen your understanding of psychology.

As Ivy put it best: “Talk to your professors and advisors to learn more about these opportunities—they can be incredibly valuable stepping stones for your future.”

Get Connected!

Blog: https://psych.pages.roanoke.edu/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rcpsychology
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/RC-Psychology-8140491/about
Website: http://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology
Instagram: rcpsychology