HD Peers’ Newsletter
Fall 2013, Issue 4
From Peers to Peers
As we approach the closing of the Fall semester, we want to wish you success in your path, and let’s take this opportunity
to take a look at the career path of two fellow HD Alumni. In the same manner, consider a Career as a Behavior Analyst.
Monica Reeves
MSW Candidate 2015
At the end of my junior year at CSUSM I knew that I needed to pursue a
graduate degree to be more marketable in such a competitive economy.
I began looking at graduate programs in School Counseling and Social
Work because I love education and helping others. As a first-generation
college student, I feel that a lot of low-income and minority youth do not
always have the guidance or motivation to push them into pursuing a
college degree, so it is a lot easier to join the workforce rather than
continue on with school. After comparing different graduate school
programs in School Counseling and Social Work, I decided on Social
Work because I can still work in an educational setting, but will have the
flexibility to work in a variety of social work areas if I ever wanted a
change.
Currently, I am attending USC's Master of Social Work program in
Rancho Bernardo. I am in the two-year program, so I will have my MSW
in May 2015. Upon graduation, I am planning to complete my hours and
test to become an LCSW. My ultimate career goal is to become a school
social worker and hopefully motivate as many kids as I can to dream big
go to college :)
I am receiving work-study this semester and I’m currently interning at
Orange Glen High School and Oak Hill Elementary in Escondido. I feel
very fortunate to be able to have my internship at the high school that I
graduated from because I feel like I'm truly giving back to my community.
At my placement site, I work with students individually and in groups to
support them socially, emotionally, and academically.
Since I am in the two-year program, my course load is very intense. I am
taking 17 units, which is six classes, including the internship class.
Between the classes and internship hours, my week is extremely busy.
The process in applying to graduate school was easy. For USC, I was
required to complete a Statement of Purpose and have at least two
letters of recommendation. I recommend applying early to ensure they
receive all the documentation. I had the misfortune of having one of my
transcripts lost in the mail, so I had to have it re-sent, which took another
few weeks to send and be processed by USC. By Laura Pacheco
Behavior Analyst Career
The field of behavior analysis has expanded greatly and it is a career
choice to consider if you are interested in the workings and shaping of
human behavior. Behavior Analysts are individuals who specialize in
the shaping and development of appropriate behavior while
maintaining a thorough understanding of how a particular behavior
arises. They work in schools and clinics to provide behavior
intervention plans to promote and improve the development of
appropriate behaviors. They may also provide behavioral functional
assessments in order to determine the environmental cause, which
may support a particular behavior. They work with individuals on the
autism spectrum, persons with developmental delays, depression
sufferers, and victims of sexual abuse.
Individuals interested in this field must be attentive to the forms of
certifications required by their state. Obtaining a degree in
Psychology or other related fields from is a good way to begin the
path towards becoming accredited. After a BA in an associated field,
an individual can seek a school that offers a program in behavioral
analysis. Depending on the program and the school, a program in
behavioral analysis may go in conjunction with other emphasis, such
as clinical psychology. Once an individual has completed a
behavioral analysis program, they must take the Behavior Analyst
Certification Board Exam. Behavioral analysis is a worthy career
choice if your interest is to use the science of behavior to help and
support the people in your community. By Ilse Lopez
Diana Ornelas
CSUSM Class of 2012
Where did you start your search for employment? Networking, online, and
career fairs, being a HD major with an emphasis in counseling, I began my search
for employment by narrowing down my interest in psychological theories and
identity formation in HD. Counseling, youth, families, outreach, leadership, and
education are my deepest passion. I searched for non-profit organizations in San
Diego County along with state agencies and educational programs in websites.
After months of uploading my cover letter and resume and having absolutely no
luck, I attended CSUSM Career Fair and came across the PASS AmeriCorps
Program. This program, which is where I am today, is a “paid” one-year community
service position with an opportunity to work with at-risk students providing
mentoring and outreach services. I could not have asked for a better position to
launch my career as a new HD alumni. The experience I gain in PASS
AmeriCorps is tremendous. As a mentor, which wears almost the same hat as a
counselor, I do case management, attend trainings, and work with children,
families, administration, and school counselors. I apply and relate what I learned in
HD classes from HD theories to sociology, to psychology. I thank CSUSM for
having PASS AmeriCorps at their Career Fair.
How long did it take to find your job? Because I did not have career experience,
it took me almost 1 year.
How do you apply what you have learned in HD to your current job? I do
cognitive intervention to change thought processes in-group or one-on-one with
students struggling with behavior, attendance, and academics. I identify my work
with Erikson and Freud’s theories in the stages of identity formation as well as
relate personality traits from Abnormal Psychology. Some students disclose
personal issues at home, based from what I learned in Family Violence, I can catch
red flags of early victimization and apply models from Family Violence.
What kind of volunteering/internships did you do while in school? Do you
feel as though they have benefited you to being a PASS mentor? I did my
internship at San Diego Youth Services for youth runaways and victims of abuse.
It was not the best. I did not have as much hands on experience. Being a PASS
mentor, I benefit with the experience of being around hostile teens that came from
dysfunctional families. I closely observed a variety of professionals - licensed
counselors and case managers with MSW’s working with the troubled teens. I
learned the way professionals communicated with teens using active listening skills
while providing continuous support, compassion, and understanding.
Did you find it difficult to find a job without a Masters? Yes! My most desirable
job requires a Masters degree. To be a school counselor in a public school, one
needs a MA degree (MSW or Masters in School Counseling) with a PPS
Credential. Most social work jobs require a MSW. It is not often you find jobs with
only a BA and if so, it requires 1-2 years work experience. Therefore, in today’s job
market, it is recommended and necessary you get a Masters degree.
Do you have any idea where other HD graduates have found or might find
employment? Most of my HD peers are either seeking employment or have
recently found jobs through non-profit organizations. Others have returned to
school for a teaching credential or are in the process of applying for grad school.
Any advice for us about to graduate from HD? Network, network, network! It is
important to get contacts in your field. Don’t be shy prideful, or cold. Help another
HD student the way you’d like to be helped. Be well prepared, always get involved
and be open to any opportunity. Little did I know that I’d find PASS AmeriCorps at
the career fair at CSUSM if I didn’t have the open-mindedness and willingness to
make time for this event. Stay connected with your professors. Use the career
center at CSUSM and resources on their website. You don’t need to step in their
office, just email cover letters and resumes through a link on their website. Last,
this should naturally come from your heart, as a HD student, make time to
volunteer in your community. It is a rewarding experience that you could use not
only for your resume, but also for spiritual gratification.  Never give up, you will
succeed, just keep going. By Kaylena Lavender
From HD Peer Advisor Laura Pacheco-Cortez
Contact info: pache015@cougars.csusm.edu
December 2013