PDA

View Full Version : another degree in New Orleans?


skigirl227
10-30-2005, 12:51 PM
Hi everyone,

I am 24 - turning 25 at the end of Feb. 2005. I currently live in NYC, where I've had 2 different jobs since graduating August 2003 from Tulane - working at different trade organizations full time for the past 2 years. Now I basically do email marketing (aka: spamming) for part of my full time job living. I want to increase my interaction with people across the board in a later career.

So, I am still bummed about what happened in New Orleans. Granted, I have donated money to help in the relief efforts, but that doesn't feel like enough. I want to do more community service work hands on - like rebuilding houses and such, and working with the local communities to get their spirits back up.

I am in the process of applying to graduate schools - specifically, I'd like to get a Masters degree in organizational psych, so I can consult in various businesses to figure out how to make workers' happier, improve their quality of work, ect. The problem is that I have only taken 2 psych classes in my life during undergrad, and got sort of a fluff degree (BA in communications).

My old university needs me more than ever. I saw the other day that 100 undergrads had dropped out :( My dad wanted me to go to med school (so he saved up for 10 years of schooling). I have not yet dipped into this fund, and feel incredibly fortunate. With only 24 credits left (2 semesters - one of which they are offering free over the summer), I can get a BS in psych. My dream grad. schools - Columbia and NYU - have 50% acceptance rates, and I am not sure I can get into them with the work I have done.

I do know of friends who have done their 5th undergrad year. Since I studied abroad and took classes at a nearby college, I really only gave to Tulane 3 years of tuition.

I have a few friends in the city, but social stuff is the least of my concerns. I have always been a kind natured person that can easily meet people.

What do you think? My NYC friends will all be here when I get back, my boyfriend applied to MBA schools all out of state (and not in Louisiana) - so we're committed but by no means serious, and I'm not inspired by the work world and don't just want to job hop :( I ran this idea by my parents (and they seemed supportive but not entirely sold on the idea). I haven't yet run it by my friends yet...I know they would miss me, and I would miss them, but I just feel like this would be the right thing. Thanks for your feedback. Much appreciated.

winneythepooh7
10-30-2005, 12:59 PM
I didn't get my Master's in Psych, but Social Work. Is that a degree that is in high demand though? Are you quite certain you are going to be able to find a job in that area? Just from my experience, all the agencies I have ever worked for (not in business however) have used other Social Workers with years of experience, most who now work for state agencies, as consultants. I only say this because the way things are going too government-wise, this just doesn't seem like a high-demand area to me. If I were you, I would look for a degree that is not so specific, like an MSW. You could also concentrate in community org/admin stuff in an MSW program.