Ali Resch

Major: Psychology

Year of Graduation: 2005

Current Position: Website Manager, APAQ.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Currently, Ali is temporarily employed by the American Psychological Association (APA) as the Science Directorate's Web Site Manager. "Based in Washington, DC, the American Psychological Association (APA) is a scientific and professional organization that represents psychology in the United States. With 150,000 members, APA is the largest association of psychologists                   worldwide." (http://www.apa.org/about/).

In this position, she is responsible for updating and maintaining the Science Directorate's web site, including conceptual design, creation of new sections and pages, routine content updates, edits to online text, and the redesign of old pages. She also assists with other electronic publications and media, such as digital imaging, interactive CDs, PDFs, PowerPoint presentations, audio and video.

Q. How did you get this position and what seemed most appealing about it?

I applied for several other positions at APA. After four months of waiting for a response, the Science Directorate contacted me about their Web Site Manager position. My experience level did not match the job description, so I was hired me as a temporary employee. This has given me an opportunity to build my professional work experience.

There are many benefits such as networking opportunities that come from working for a non-profit professional organization. I wanted to broaden my understanding of the field of psychology so that I could make a better decision about continuing my education. Psychology is such a diverse discipline.

Q. What's been the biggest transition since graduating in May 2005?

The biggest transition has been the loss of my peer group.  Many of us have gone in different directions and moved to different locations. In college, my friends lived on or around campus. To see them, I simply had to stop by or call. With such varying schedules and locations, it is not as easy to spend time with or see them. College is a wonderful time when you are immersed in a group that is all about the same age. In the working world, the age range is much more widely distributed.

Q. What suggestions/advice would you give to current students about what they could get involved in during college?

After graduation, I discovered that there are many professional organizations that offer college students membership and access to events and conferences. By linking with these organizations, one can find internship and networking opportunities. Also, one can use the services of these organizations to better develop one's career outlook and possibilities.

Q. What suggestions/advice would you give regarding job search strategies?

Many organizations advertise their job openings on their website, rather than paying to advertise in the newspaper or job search websites. Large job search engines may bring up five interesting job prospects out of 100. Identifying companies/organizations you’re interested in may help to narrow your job search without having to pour over thousands of job advertisements.

Also, major metropolitan areas such as Chicago, New York, and Washington, DC, may have more job opportunities for new graduates with a bachelor's degree. If you are considering moving to a large city but do not know anyone in the area, consider contacting alums or alumnae groups who may be able to offer or suggest options for temporary housing. Moreover, this may be a possible housing solution for internships located in these areas.

Q.  What are you looking at for the future?

I would like to continue my education and obtain a MA or a Ph.D. Before I return to school, however, I would like to gain more experience in my field. I enjoy working in the non-profit sector but I may also end up in working for/with the federal government. I am still discovering career possibilities and opportunities, so I am not certain what direction my career will take.

Q.  Other comments:

Please visit the American Psychological Association Science Directorate's website at: http://www.apa.org/science.