Happy April! Happy Early Easter!
This week we had the opportunity to debate as a class in the Social Policy and Child Development course on Thursday. Last week, I heard five of my classmates debate the pro’s and con’s of the Common Core State Standards and it was so exciting to hear them argue their position. For this week, our class chose which side of the debate we would choose then argue our perspective. In the next few weeks, I will also be required to do a debate on IDEA, which I am currently preparing for. From the Social Policy and Child Development course I have learned so much about using empirical evidence to support my logic and assertions, which I will apply to my post graduate career. For those interested in doing more lobbying, policy analyst positions, and advocacy then this course is for you!
In other news, this week I started registering for my summer classes that will begin in June. Currently, I plan on taking my courses in Education Policy Issues and Education Finance. Although the courses are only 6 weeks long, I definitely plan on making the most of it. I cannot believe that my last semester of classes is just around the corner. I even purchased my cap and gown from the Penn Bookstore, which was so surreal. I remember the first week of classes and still becoming acclimated with the new city. But after 8 months, I am culminating my experiences at Penn and now preparing for my post-graduate career. However, with final papers and presentations that will meet me before I walk across the stage, I have a great amount of work to keep occupied during my last few months.
Friday, April 3, 2015
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Master's Day Preview
This past weekend it was very rewarding to meet such amazing people at the Master’s Preview Day. Since I am a graduate student in the Master’s Program it was particularly rewarding to speak with those interested in Education Policy this fall. During lunch, I really had a great opportunity to speak the Education Policy and provide more insight on my experiences here at Penn GSE. As I began answering questioning regarding the program I soon realized that I knew a lot more than I originally suspected. Speaking about my experiences not only allowed me to share some of my first hand experiences as a Penn student but also reaffirmed the reasons why selecting Penn was definitely the correct choice.
Speaking as a panelist on the Preview Student Panel was also a treat. Witnessing my name on a card with the words “Education Policy” was a moment to remember. It so amazing to think that my time here at Penn would be ending soon and others will soon fill my seat. A year ago, I was teaching in the classrooms and now I’m getting ready to graduate. Although the idea of graduating sounds great, I have come to really appreciate my professors, colleagues, and that I have gained along the way, so it’s also bittersweet. Since the Education Policy program was set up to be completed in a year, the idea was to get up prepared and then back into the job industry.
Speaking as a panelist on the Preview Student Panel was also a treat. Witnessing my name on a card with the words “Education Policy” was a moment to remember. It so amazing to think that my time here at Penn would be ending soon and others will soon fill my seat. A year ago, I was teaching in the classrooms and now I’m getting ready to graduate. Although the idea of graduating sounds great, I have come to really appreciate my professors, colleagues, and that I have gained along the way, so it’s also bittersweet. Since the Education Policy program was set up to be completed in a year, the idea was to get up prepared and then back into the job industry.
Friday, March 20, 2015
Rise and Grind
This week has been very interesting. With the first week of classes since Spring Break, the race is on! “What race?” you may ask. The race to find a job. Spring break represents a time to rest and relax with friends and family but once you return from spring break, it is like the fourth quarter in a football game where everything counts. Although I graduate over the summer, the reality is that I seeking to have my career solidified by the summer. Why am I starting in March? To be honest, the best time to begin is “early.” While Spring break was in session I began my process of job seeking. Penn offers a useful search engine that you can utilize as a student to find different careers that fit your skill sets. However, using multiple search engines is beneficial because jobs may differ based on how each search engine identifies relevant links and keywords.
Tips to looking for a job:
Networking: Although searching for a job is a cumbersome process do not overlook the opportunities afforded by networking. Sometimes, knowing somebody that knows somebody that knows somebody who has an job opening can be the key to gaining access to your next position. I have met numerous people who currently have great jobs not because of “what they know” but because of “who they know.” Granted, nailing the interview and having a great resume is crucial to process of getting hired, sometimes you just need to get your foot in the door so you can work your magic. When it comes to networking, start from Day 1. Remember, every opportunity you get to meet with someone whether it is a professor, classmate, or other colleagues at GSE or other graduate schools is an opportunity to network. Please be sure, to always have a stash of your business cards in your wallet and backpack just in case an unexpected opportunity arises.
Be aggressive: Do not wait until you have “free time” to start the job hunt, begin as early as possible. Why? Certain jobs and fellowships have Fall deadlines, therefore you may miss a potential job opening because you were not looking periodically. Attend job fairs on a regular basis to see what the job market looks like and to keep practicing your self-marketing skills. Finally, speak to professors or set up phone meetings so that you can start meeting with people who are in your field of interest.
Remember the early bird, catches the worm!
Tips to looking for a job:
Networking: Although searching for a job is a cumbersome process do not overlook the opportunities afforded by networking. Sometimes, knowing somebody that knows somebody that knows somebody who has an job opening can be the key to gaining access to your next position. I have met numerous people who currently have great jobs not because of “what they know” but because of “who they know.” Granted, nailing the interview and having a great resume is crucial to process of getting hired, sometimes you just need to get your foot in the door so you can work your magic. When it comes to networking, start from Day 1. Remember, every opportunity you get to meet with someone whether it is a professor, classmate, or other colleagues at GSE or other graduate schools is an opportunity to network. Please be sure, to always have a stash of your business cards in your wallet and backpack just in case an unexpected opportunity arises.
Be aggressive: Do not wait until you have “free time” to start the job hunt, begin as early as possible. Why? Certain jobs and fellowships have Fall deadlines, therefore you may miss a potential job opening because you were not looking periodically. Attend job fairs on a regular basis to see what the job market looks like and to keep practicing your self-marketing skills. Finally, speak to professors or set up phone meetings so that you can start meeting with people who are in your field of interest.
Remember the early bird, catches the worm!
Saturday, March 14, 2015
It’s Officially Spring Break:
“We’re Playing Basketball!” is the song that came to mind as I recollect some of the fun activities I have done, thus far, on my Spring Break. Although I been at Penn for the past seven months, I have yet to attend one of their sports events, until now. Wearing my Penn gear, which included a Penn sweater and matching pants, I wanted to support my team and show some school spirit. Ironically, the basketball game I was attending happened to be the last game of the season, so I ended up just making it. The Palestra is the basketball stadium where our home basketball games are held. It was amazing! The walls inside the stadium are covered with historical pictures and memorabilia from previous basketball games. One of my favorite parts was of course the food stations so that I could watch and eat all at the same time.
At the beginning of the game Penn’s basketball team was off to a great start and we were even ahead by a few points. However, by the end of the first quarter we were down by nearly 25 points. It was disheartening to see my team lose the game at the end of the night but I was still grateful to be a part of the experience. Throughout the night my attention was not only on the score board but also on the mascot. I was determined to get a picture with the Quaker Mascot but it seemed like every time something would happen. As the night concluded, I ended up walking into the corridor of the gymnasium and as soon as I was about to exit I saw him-the Penn Quaker Mascot! There was no time to hesitate, I briskly walked over and before you know it I had a selfie with Penn Quaker mascot. My night was complete and the smile that graced my face was a confirmation that the night was not only relaxing but also well worth it!
Happy Spring Break!
At the beginning of the game Penn’s basketball team was off to a great start and we were even ahead by a few points. However, by the end of the first quarter we were down by nearly 25 points. It was disheartening to see my team lose the game at the end of the night but I was still grateful to be a part of the experience. Throughout the night my attention was not only on the score board but also on the mascot. I was determined to get a picture with the Quaker Mascot but it seemed like every time something would happen. As the night concluded, I ended up walking into the corridor of the gymnasium and as soon as I was about to exit I saw him-the Penn Quaker Mascot! There was no time to hesitate, I briskly walked over and before you know it I had a selfie with Penn Quaker mascot. My night was complete and the smile that graced my face was a confirmation that the night was not only relaxing but also well worth it!
Happy Spring Break!
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Planning for Spring Break:
My plans for Spring Break could include going on a cruise to the Barbados, taking a flight to Fort Lauderdale but in reality I will be here in Philadelphia working and looking for work. Although my Spring Break plans do not sound like much fun, it will still be quite relaxing. Why? For the most part, I get to plan my day and include as much sleep, movies, and spontaneous trips in between. As a graduate student the opportunity to sleep for an extended period of time is exciting for me, considering the fact that graduate work requires some levels of sacrifice. As the weekend quickly approaches, the idea of going to my current job and looking for my post graduate job sounds more and more relaxing as well.
The first day of spring will start on March 20th and guess what is the predicted weather forecast? Snow! By now in the state of Florida, where I was born and raised, I would be in sandals and a summer dress so this Philadelphia weather is a huge adjustment. However, I must say that since I have been up here I have gained a new appreciation for scarves, gloves, and winter coats. Previously, I wore scarves and gloves more for fashion and less for necessity. Now that I am here in Philadelphia, the idea of going outside with the wrong type of gear on is my worst nightmare.
This Thursday, there is an expected snow storm and I am unsure how this will affect classes. But in the case of classes being cancelled, I will get to start my Spring Break two days earlier. In past years, people have mentioned that Penn tends to stay open even during inclement weather. Hopefully, this time around they will be more merciful.
Happy Spring Break!
The first day of spring will start on March 20th and guess what is the predicted weather forecast? Snow! By now in the state of Florida, where I was born and raised, I would be in sandals and a summer dress so this Philadelphia weather is a huge adjustment. However, I must say that since I have been up here I have gained a new appreciation for scarves, gloves, and winter coats. Previously, I wore scarves and gloves more for fashion and less for necessity. Now that I am here in Philadelphia, the idea of going outside with the wrong type of gear on is my worst nightmare.
This Thursday, there is an expected snow storm and I am unsure how this will affect classes. But in the case of classes being cancelled, I will get to start my Spring Break two days earlier. In past years, people have mentioned that Penn tends to stay open even during inclement weather. Hopefully, this time around they will be more merciful.
Happy Spring Break!
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