Blog Post 5: JOB/GRADUATE SCHOOL Application Report

 I. Introduction

1. Provide a brief description of the type of job/graduate programs that you are you searching for after college. (If there is more than one discuss them all)

I am searching for graduation programs that will allow me to become a Mental Health Counselor/ Therapist. There are many different programs that I can choose from in order to make this reality. I am also looking for the program that has some kind of prep for the licensing exam that I will have to take to come a Mental Health Counselor.

2. How did you decide on this career path?

I decided on being a Mental Health Counselor because it combines two of the things I’m interested in. One is mental health and the other is helping people. I also chose this job because it is very flexible. Meaning I can work with groups of people or have one-on-one sessions.

3. How do you think your personal and educational accomplishments have led you to this career path?

I have always been very empathetic by nature and I feel the best when I’m giving or helping others. Since my freshman year I pretty much knew that this is something that I wanted to do. The electives that I chose to take in my undergrad were meticulously planned to equip me to work in a mental health counseling profession. 

II. Job Search/Career Fair Information/Grad School

1. Where did you apply, or what career fair did you attend -- give as much information as you have.

I applied to the NYU Mental Health and Wellness Graduate Program.

2. How did you find this job opening, grad program or career fair (i.e. the on-line, career services at MSU, word of mouth, etc.

I found out about this program in my online research of grad schools. It was listed on a website for mental Health grad schools.

3. How did you submit your application (on-line, snail mail, in person etc.).

I submitted the application online, but some information I had to mail in.

4.  If you applied to a graduate school what materials did you have to submit (letter of application, transcripts, resume, letter(s) of references. Whom did you ask to write these (i.e. professor, personal reference?) and how many did you need.

I had to submit my college transcripts, 2 letters of recommendation, a personal statement, my resume, and pay a 75 application fee. I ask two of my college professors that I had more than one class with, Dr. Goldstein and Dr. Gager.

III. Job Search/Grad School/Career Fair Follow-up

1. After you submitted your application(s) have you followed up in any way (e-mail, phone call)?

.I also sent a thank-you card to the director of graduate admission because I had been emailing him for weeks asking him questions about the program and the application, and he was always so helpful.

2. Have you heard anything from the organization/university you applied to or have you had any communication from organizations you visited at career fair?

After I submitted the application they sent me a receipt for the application fee and some information about follow- up process. I should hear back from them by March

3. Have they asked for more information and how did they contact you?

Not at this time they have not.

4. Please provide any additional comments or information you think are relevant.

I did not answer some of the original questions that were asked because they did not apply to how I was answering them.

II. Job Search/Career Fair Information/Grad School

1. Where did you apply, or what career fair did you attend -- give as much information as you have.

I applied to the Masters of Social Work program at Rutgers University Newark Campus.

2.      How did you find this job opening, grad program or career fair (i.e. the on-line, career services at MSU, word of mouth, etc.

I learned about it through my online research but also through this senior seminar class.

3. Provide job announcement, link to graduate program website, or career fair announcement/e-mail.

Link Here!

4. How did you submit your application (on-line, snail mail, in person etc.).

I have not submitted my application just yet. I am waiting for some requirements.

5. If you applied to a graduate school what materials did you have to submit (letter of application, transcripts, resume, letter(s) of references. Whom did you ask to write these (i.e. professor, personal reference?) and how many did you need.

I had to submit a personal statement, 3 Letters of recommendation, my resume, and my college transcripts. I asked Professor Goldstein, Professor Gager and my internship supervisor for my letters of recommendation. 

III. Job Search/Grad School/Career Fair Follow-up

1. After you submitted your application(s) have you followed up in any way (e-mail, phone call)?

I haven’t submitted them yet.

2. Please provide any additional comments or information you think are relevant.

I could not answer some of the questions provided because I have not handed in my application yet.

Blog Post 4: Ethics

The principles that fit with the populations at The All stars Project, from the NCFR Family Life Educators Code of Ethics are:

1. I will treat children and youth with respsect and sensitivity to their needs and rights as developing persons
2. I will value and provide diversity in staff. 

Principle one is related to my internship because we work with youth who come from impoverished communities and we bring to the heart of Manhattan where they may not be the most comfortable their first time here. Treating the youth and adults who come to our programs with respect and sensitivity is vital to keeping them motivated to continue with our programs and to keep coming back to volunteer.

Principle two is related to my internship population because at All Stars we strive to have people from all walks of life to interact with with and adult participants. Each and every person has their own talents and specialties that they bring to the table.

These principle are important because we want them to feel like they want to come back to our programs but we also want them to gain new experiences that meeting all different kinds of people can provide them. Part of what makes All Stars so great is that there are so many different people from varying walks of life here to provide their own unique skills to the organization. The youth and adults participants here need to see faces that look like theirs but it is also important to experience new faces that don't look like theirs. This is important because it shows are participants that yes, there are all distinct people here but all of these diverse people want the best for them and are there to support them on their journey with the organization.

Blog #3: Resume

Kayla Watkins
	25 Neptune Ave  |  Jersey City NJ 07305  |  551-208-7087  |  kmwatkins527@gmail.com
Objective
Obtain a Family Services or Social Service Internship.
Skills Profile
-     Confident in public speaking -     Well organized for filling documents and event planning -     Leads and can take charge of variety of situations -     Work well with others
Education
B.A in Family and Child Studies			2012 — 2015
Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, 07042 -     Concentration in Family Services -     Minor in Psychology -     Certification in Child Advocacy -     GPA : 3.1
Experience
Secretary			2014 —2015
Monroe Street Movement Space, Hoboken NJ, 07030 -     Answering and making phone calls in friendly and professional manner -     Organizing and completing birthday party contracts with families. -     Creating schedules and activities for school break camps and events -     Taking credit cards and writings receipts Summer Movement Arts Camp Leader Monroe Street Movement Space -     Collaborated with a group of fellow leaders to plan camper activities. -     Supervised camp assistants in problem solving. -     Adhered to and enforced all camp rules delegated by my supervisor 2012 —2014
Activities
Member, Nations Society of Leadership and Success                                     2014-present Secretary, Le Cercle Le Francais ( The French Club)                                      2013-2014 References Available Upon Request New Resume Kayla Watkins 25 Neptune Ave | Jersey City NJ, 07305 | 551-208-7087 | kaymwatkins@outlook.com Objective To apply to Graduate School Education B.A in Family and Child Studies                                                                          May 2015 Montclair State University, Montclair NJ Concentration in Family Services, Minor in Psychology Certification in Child Advocacy GPA: 3.1 Certification Mental Health First Aid - National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare             2015 Experience All Stars Project Inc., New York, NY Youth Programs Intern                                                                             September 2015-Present Co-Produced Programs with supervisor Input Applicant information in company database Created excel sign-in sheets for youth events Participated in community outreach Monroe Street Movement Space, Hoboken NJ                                                        2014-2015 Secretary Answer and make phone calls in a professional manner Organize and complete party contracts with families Create schedules and activities for camp school break camps and event Take credit card information and write receipts Summer Movement Arts Camp Leader                                                          Summers’ 2012-2015 Collaborated with group of fellow leaders to create camper activities Supervised camp assistants in problem solving Adhered to and enforce all camp rules and safety procedures

Blog Assignment 2

  1) Briefly describe your internship site. Provide background information of your agency that you work in this semester (e.g. location, services offered, population served, etc).

All Stars Project is located at 543 West 42nd Street In New York City. Their mission is to transform the lives of youth and poor communities using the developmental power of performance in partnership with caring adults. They offer various programs for youth from ages 12-21. As well as opportunities for adults to volunteer, donate and provide resources.

2) Discuss why you chose this site and how you think it may play a role in your future career goals.

I chose this site because I plan to start my own non profit in the community I live in in the future. I though All Stars would be an excellent place to explore all the ins and outs of a non- profit and seeing as they have been going strong since the late 90's and have expanded to many other cities in the united states; I think I can learn how to run a successful one from them.

3) Describe the physical aspects of the agency site and the neighborhood surrounding site.

The location is nestled right of the path of bustling New York City. It is just close enough to times square to be exciting but also far enough to avoid the crowds. The neighborhood is Hells Kitchen so it close to any quaint shops and restaurants along with hotels and fancy high rise apartments.

4) Although you are just starting your internship describe your initial impression of the strengths and weaknesses of the agency i.e. what areas is the agency strong and in what areas are they lacking?

My initial reaction was that it was a really cool and laid back place to work. We all have desks but they are out in the open where you are easily accessible to everyone. I think that is where their strong and where they lack. Although it is very open that also means less privacy and some peoples voices carry so it can be noisy and make it hard to concentrate. However having everything so open makes it feel more like a community and you really get to know who your working with.

5) Identify the funding source(s) for this agency (i.e. state, federal etc.)

The funding comes from private donations, fundraisers, corporate sponsors and partners

6) Tell us if you think there is an opportunity for full-time work once you graduate. Why or why not?

 I do think there is an opportunity because Samantha who connected me to All Stars started there as an intern from Montclair and they ended up offering her a position and she worked there for a year.