Life as an Education Policy Student

Quantitative vs. Qualitative

(Flashback)
During the Education Policy Orientation one of the professors mentioned this huge debate between researchers on quantitative vs. qualitative research. She also mentioned often times graduate students also take a stance on whether they are qualitative or quantitative. But rather than telling us which once would be most beneficial to the field of research, she told to take both qualitative and quantitative courses while we are here at GSE that way we can be well versed in the different analysis pathways that are available in both arenas. With this recommendations in mind, I registered for an Introduction to Statistics Class.

(Current)

This semester I am taking an Introduction to Statistics Course led by one of the Education Policy Professors which find extremely beneficial. Since he is one of the Education Policy students is able to address the continent for education policy lenses. We are currently learning how to use a Statistical Software called STATA, which allows us to analysis the data from a descriptive and quantitative aspect. Then, through our homework assignments were are given the opportunity to apply the knowledge we are acquiring in class and use the Statistical software in meaningful ways.

Though my courses are very informative, I would rather have classes such as Introduction to Statistics more than once a week. Since the content is so in-depth it would be beneficial to have this class twice or even three times a week instead for two and half hours. For instance, I have experienced multiple classes when the my professor was unable to finish the lecture notes because of the discussions and questions that were generated in class. However, if we were able to have two classes if would allow us to not only engage clarifying remarks and questions but also address all of the necessary content.

Nevertheless, I have gain a more much enriched understanding of how statistics works in conjunction with research. In fact, for this upcoming spring semester I plan on taking an additional Statistics course so that I may continue to develop my quantitative skills and this upcoming summer I will be registered for a qualitative course. So as a future Ed Policy students I would recommend that you also keep your options open and explore both qualitative and quantitative research.

It's Time to Eat!

Food Trucks
Life outside of the classroom can be a very exciting experience. There are so many opportunities to eat around town and experience the joy of trying foods from so many different cultures. Food trucks are stationed throughout the Penn campus and around the city so trying something new can just be a few steps away. Recently, I have eaten Halal, Mexican, and Caribbean food from different food trucks around the area. Though I was unfamiliar with food trucks prior to moving to Philadelphia I really enjoyed the food that I have eaten so far from every food truck I have visited.

A Few Food Truck Tips
1. Bring Cash
2. During lunch time between 12 to 1, the lines are really long
3. Ask friends about popular food trucks around the area
4. Be willing to try something new

Going on a Cheesesteak Hunt
As you may already know Philadelphia is synonymous for its Philly Cheesesteaks! So one of the greatest food challenges for me is finding a the restaurant with best cheesesteak. Well, I recently started my quest for the best Philadelphia cheesesteak and it have been a very filling experience (both figuratively and literally). My first stop was to two famous Restaurants that are well known for their cheesesteaks Pat's of Steaks and Geno's.

Both of these food restaurants were both featured on a Food Network episode and they are literally across the street from one another. So my goal was to try both cheese teaks and determine which one would become my favorite. By the time I finished the two cheesesteaks I was stuffed and there was a clear winner. However, I would much rather wait until you have tried them before telling you my vote so when you come to Philly feel free to email me and let me know which one you chose.

A Few Cheesesteak Tips
1. Bring Cash
2. Come Hungry
3. Carry lots of Napkins
3. Allot Time (The lines are long especially during the weekend)
4. Bring a Friend

Penn Gets You Connected! Career Fair!

Hello my fantastic viewers! So glad you can join me on this journey!

Today, I had the exciting opportunity to go to a Career Fair located in Houston Hall at Penn. This Career Fair was of particular interest to me because it was centered on Policy and Government, and as an Education Policy Master's student reaching out to these jobs could be very beneficial. As a Penn student this event was completely free and all I had to do was show proof that I was either a student or an alumni by providing my Penn Card. So why would I attend a Career Fair in October when I do not graduate until August 2015? Great question! I wanted to start my career search as early as possible so that I could be aware of as many opportunities as possible. Rather than stressing myself out three months before graduation, I would much rather have my future career already solidified. Were there job openings that would start in August 2015? Wonderful follow up question. Yes, in fact many of the jobs recruiters intentionally had job openings around the end of spring/summer because they knew that there would be a large amount of graduating students searching for jobs. As a result, I was able to speak with multiple companies about my educational background, skill sets, and experiences for jobs that I could potentially begin as soon as I graduate!

By the way this is my SECOND Career Resource Fair since starting Penn in August! UPenn is aggressive about getting us linked up with C-A-R-E-E-R not just a random job, and I love it! Both Career Fairs provided me with many opportunities to communicate with leading businesses, education centered agencies, research companies, and more. In fact, today I received a personal email from one of the recruitment advisors I met at my first Career Fair and we are currently discussing an upcoming job opening in August of 2015, which is really exciting. So if you are looking for an amazing school that provides you with multiple facets to connect with potential companies in your field of interest look no further than UPENN!

Below are the guides that I received today at the Career Fair. On the left is an entire guide through different areas such as how to apply for jobs/internships, going to graduate/professional school, interviewing, and more. On the right is the booklet that contained all of the organizations and companies at the Career Fair as well as a brief description of each one. These resources were really helpful.