The Selected Studies in Education (SSE) major at the School of Education offers undergraduates a chance to explore careers beyond traditional classroom teaching. Alumni Victor Yang and Angela Woods share how they paved their paths with an SSE degree.
This major provides five focus areas: technology and media, schooling and diversity, physical activity, post-secondary and human services, and pre-teaching. These areas prepare students for various careers involving learning, training, and advocacy, such as coaching, counseling, law, and library science.
Yang and Woods have ventured into policy, politics, and nonprofit work, showcasing the versatility of an SSE degree.
Victor Yang, a 2016 graduate, is now the chief government affairs officer for the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA). His journey included roles in Congress and the Biden Administration. Angela Woods, a 2005 graduate, has worked for the Department of State and recently returned as director of operations for the Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy.
Their experiences illustrate how an SSE degree equips graduates with vital skills and encourages exploration in various fields.
Lesson 1: Explore Careers Beyond the Classroom
Yang and Woods initially aimed to be classroom teachers. Yang grew up in Boston’s Chinatown, where he worked as a legislative intern and ran an after-school program for immigrant families. His early experiences made him curious about education policy, prompting a switch to SSE in his junior year. He also pursued English studies to sharpen his writing skills.
Woods, hailing from Florida, was inspired by her high school counselor, who was an alum of the School of Education. After gaining initial teaching experience, Woods realized classroom teaching wasn’t her calling. She found SSE’s flexibility appealing, allowing her to tailor her path toward higher education. Through internships and study abroad opportunities, she discovered her interests in student development and international education.
Lesson 2: Networking is Key
After graduating, Yang returned to ACCESS as a program coordinator but also drove for Uber to make ends meet. He later moved to D.C. after encouragement from a friend and began attending networking events. His efforts paid off when he landed a job on Capitol Hill as a legislative assistant.
Yang emphasizes the importance of getting your foot in the door: “It’s worth it, but timing can matter too.” If success doesn’t come immediately, it doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path.
Lesson 3: Diversify Your Experiences
Woods focused on diversifying her experiences to enhance her career chances in public service. After obtaining a master’s degree, she returned to CSTEP, where she enjoyed working with students. She then managed academic internships for various federal agencies, leveraging her past experiences effectively.
A significant moment in her career was her 2012 internship with the US-Spain Fulbright Commission, which helped her land her role at the Department of State. Woods reflects, “I never thought my education background would lead me here.”
For more insights and details, check out the School of Education website.
Sadie Keefe contributed to this article.
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