I’m a PhD candidate in psychology! During undergrad, I worked a few different jobs: research assistant in a developmental psych lab, therapeutic counselor at a program for at-risk youth, one-to-one aide at a preschool for kids with disabilities. I also volunteered with the local LGBTQ+ resource center (and also had a retail job, but that’s irrelevant). I applied for PhD programs right out of undergrad, and I didn’t get in, so I did a master’s instead.

During my masters, I continued for a bit with the research lab and the program for at-risk kids (and retail), and I also ended up working at a different LGBTQ+ resource center while still volunteering at the other one. During my program, I also has internships/clinical placements in a counseling center. I applied for PhDs again, and was accepted into my top two choices.

I also had zero publications prior to beginning my PhD, so that wasn’t a factor. I think what made the difference for me was the clinical work I was able to do as part of my master’s degree.

I also don’t regret having to apply for PhDs twice. If I’d been successful the first time, I wouldn’t have met my fiancée.