Interview With A Psychology Major

A psychology major involves the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes which can lead to many unique career paths. Psychology is considered a social science as it studies human behavior, cognition, and emotions in the context of society while utilizing scientific methods. From working in careers from social services to education to medicine or even law, this degree can take you far. To dive deeper into the intricacies of this major, I interviewed Sarah Kessler, a professor and director of research who spends her time writing grants and connecting with others in her community. I asked Dr. Kessler a series of questions regarding her chosen undergraduate major and current career path, and here are her responses:

What school did you attend for your undergraduate degree?

"Loyola of New Orleans."

What was your undergraduate major?

"Psychology."

What is your current occupation, and how did your undergraduate major prepare you for your career?

"Professor and Director of Research in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at KUMC."

What does a regular day in your occupation look like?

"Lots of grant and manuscript writing, reading/researching data, zoom and in person meetings, presentations, travel and partnership building with health and community organizations."

Did you do any additional schooling after undergraduate school for your occupation? (If so, then what school/program and how long did it take?)

"I went back for a masters degree in Public Health at UCLA (2 yrs) and then after working in the field for 2-3 years in Washington DC, I went back for a PhD in International Public Health at Johns Hopkins (5yrs)...Psychology was an excellent foundation for public health and research because motivating behavior change is a significant focus [of public health] and that takes a good understanding of psychology and sociology."

What was your favorite aspect of your undergraduate major?

"Learning the anatomy of the brain and better understand the range of human behavior."

What was the most challenging part of your undergraduate major?

"I did a one month internship at a children’s hospital and I found it difficult and frustrating to try to impact individual level change when the environment and systems that impact these children and families does not support positive change."

What made you choose your undergraduate major?

"Very intrigued to better understand the human mind and at a time when I was also learning/discovering a lot about myself."