The Afterparty
October 15, 2009 - by PaigeHello, my name is Paige and I recently graduated from Adelphi with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. As most of you know, a B.A. in Psychology is virtually useless unless accompanied by a master's degree. I have aspirations to attain beyond that. In fact, I plan to pursue a doctoral degree in Clinical Psych and practice counseling. I want to attend grad school in california, my native land, but for now I wish to reside in New York and gain work experience. Yes, there is a very narrow window for Psych B.A.'s with little more than volunteer experience in a related field. Don't get me wrong, I am ambitious, bright, have been working since I was fifteen and have many volunteer notches on my belt. But practical experience in an educational setting for developmentally disabled children (my desired niche), I have none. I have found that I am either overqualified or underqualified at almost all of the organizations I have explored, but rarely am I qualified, just so. So, I am flexing my horizons to human resource positions, teacher's aides, even (gulp!) a nanny - which sounds simultaneously delightful and daunting.
You should hear my plan. After a few years of indecision I eventually grew very certain about what path I want to trek for the next ten years and it goes like this: graduate with the BA; rely on the security of my current job to find an inspiring pre-grad school career; work in a rewarding humanitarian career for 2-3 in NY; return to CA to achieve PsyD/PhD and become a practicing counselor! Simple, and secure. Instead of feeling threatened by slipping from the protective college womb, I felt excited and confident because I knew what I wanted to do. Well, I still know I am just having difficulties making step 2 happen. Each day that passes I have less security. Loan repayment is encroaching and I no longer have health insurance. I must be industrious and soon.
Some of my friends have landed great jobs, which they truly deserve. My other friends also deserve those jobs, but don't have them. Our competition is stiffer because we are battling for the same positions as older people who have been laid off and have ten or twenty years of experience, also amidst hiring freezes. I heard today on National Public Radio David Fromm reported that half of 16-24 year olds cannot find work. Oh my goodness, that's my bracket! my peers! It will take several quarters of recovery form the recession before all of these people will become employed. That means for a few years I might find nothing. Ironically, we are emerging from college as some of the most qualified candidates (aside from lack of experience). Business Wire from the AllBusiness Website reports that nearly 60% of us are moving straight back home. That's a lot of either very happy or very annoyed mothers.
Those stats are pretty scary but I can't let them get me down. I might have to lower my expectations but I am defiantly avoiding unemployment or the boomerang home. I have a lot going for me, and I can survive on ramen just fine. I am staying positive, ambitious and resourceful about job searching. I also have an unconventional schedule that allows me time to volunteer (which doubles as a resume builder and satisfying humanitarian pastime) and pursue my fulfilling dance hobby.
I'll let you know if I find anything, or if I learn anything about finding anything. Heck, I'll let you know even if I don't.
