Forum - Ask the Hiring Manager

QUESTION:

G'day! I find myself in turbulent waters. I am a 24 years old female, completing my 2nd Bacc. (Psychology). I am a dual citizen, and completed my first BA, Communications/Public Relations at the University of Southern Queensland, Australia. Having work in an intern position in PR at the World Gymnastics Championships I was very disillusioned with corporate PR. Hence my decision to return to the States and pursue a second degree. Currently I find myself graduating from a private accrediated University that has just announced its closing in August. My love is people (especially children) and animals. I had the opportunity to work the summer in recreational therapy (Camp John Marc - a camp for kids with severe physical disability and chronic illness). As a result, my desire is to pursue a career in that direction. However, I do not have a child life/ rec. therapy degree. Although I have very strong contacts and references from my summer employment, I am confused as to what to do. Should I pursue a Masters in Child life/Rec.Therapy (I have been informed that it would take me 2 1/2 years with 9-12 undergrade units) or pursue an avenue of experience first? I have no doubt that my talent, heart and skills lie in this field. I ultimately would like to combine my skills in Comm/PR and Psychology in the pursuit of a humantarian cause. Also, am I going to have problems with an international degree and one from a University that is closing? I find myself desiring to remain located in the Dallas/Austin/Houston area as I have a serious relationship that has been put on hold as a result of the closing. He is a junior and is transfering, as a result has another 2 years instead of one. I have tried to abide by the KISS principle, but seem to have not kept it to simple after all!! *smile*

Thank you so much for your book, web site and comments to others questions, they have been very much appreciated. Thanking you also in advance for any comments, suggestions, advice or direction you may have regarding my situation.

From: Marietta Denny, Senior, Ambassador University


ANSWER FROM BRIAN KRUEGER:

Hi Marietta -

You have several questions. Please allow me to answer each one separately.

Regarding entry into child life/recreational therapy, I cannot answer the question for you. You will need to do some digging yourself, first. You need to find out what the entry level requirements are for your field. As you've already found, you can in fact work in the field (although it was summer employment) without the specific degree. You may have to work a level or two below the professional level you are seeking, but if you are doing it for the love of the work (vs. the love of the money), this should suffice for a time. Then you need to decide whether to pursue your Master's concurrently. If you cannot even enter the field at this point without the degree, yes, you will need to complete the degree first. However, my feeling is that is not the case. It may be the case for certain employers at certain levels, but don't extrapolate based on the opinions of few. Check out any reference materials that may be available for your field, then attempt to make contact with any individuals you can find working in the field. The Alumni Office is a good place to start, but don't be afraid to make some cold calls to set up an informational interview. It doesn't have to be in person--over the phone will work just fine.

Regarding your degrees, your international degree will often NOT be as highly valued as one from the states (due primarily to ignorance on the part of most U.S. employers) and your degree from AU will always present the potential for being a negative ("I've never heard of this school...where are they located?" "Oh, they don't exist anymore..."). Universities don't "go out of business" very often. Even though it was not your fault that it closed, it will always present the possibility as a potential negative. The negatives being said, in MOST cases it will not cause you a problem. Just know how to respond appropriately when the questions do come. And make sure you have plenty of extra sealed transcripts set aside after graduation. AU is still accredited, which should be enough for any of the potential future naysayers.

The Dallas/Austin/Houston markets are large employment markets. However, they are also large college markets--so there will be a large number of other recent grads competing with you. Be sure to check out the Career Centers at U of Houston, A&M, UT, UTA, and UTD in your job search--they will all have good contact info for employers in those areas. Follow your heart. If you don't, you will always look over your shoulder and wonder "What if..." If it doesn't work out, you will know that you put in your best effort. Texas is a big state (in many ways), so you should be able to find what you're looking for there. Jobs last for years, but relationships are for a lifetime. Keep your priorities--if you would work a lower level job to keep your love alive, that's fine. Life is a series of tradeoffs.

Although things may seem complicated now, the further you get into your job search you will find that things will begin to crystalize. I wish you the very best.

Brian Krueger
Author of College Grad Job Hunter

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