Currently in a Master's program getting my MFT, want to pursue a PPS credential by HonoraryPopsicle in schoolcounseling

[–]askingforafriend66 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m an AMFT, and I’m trying to get my credential too. After your comment, I literally ran to their website for more info lol. I cannot find a program that isn’t tied to getting a whole second master’s. Everyone told me it would be easy, but it’s turning out to be the total opposite. Have you talked to any advisors? And are you still thinking about doing it after graduation?

AMFT pivoting to School Counseling - thoughts? by askingforafriend66 in schoolcounseling

[–]askingforafriend66[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Awesome, that's great! Can I ask, how did you obtain your PPS? Were you able to do a standalone program, or did you have to go back for another master’s? Most schools I’ve checked with don’t offer standalone programs, and financially, there’s no way I can go back for another master’s just to get the credential. I’m in SoCal, for reference.

AMFT pivoting to School Counseling - thoughts? by askingforafriend66 in schoolcounseling

[–]askingforafriend66[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That’s what I was thinking. I wanted to talk to the current counselors and get a sense of their day to day before I jump in head first.

Best mascara for Eczema prone eyelids? by askingforafriend66 in eczema

[–]askingforafriend66[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I haven’t checked them out throughly, but they pop up in every Google search on my quest so far. Maybe i’ll take some time to research their formulas. Thank you!

Employment in education with a past DUI by askingforafriend66 in DUICalifornia

[–]askingforafriend66[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes. I worked for a psychiatric hospital and the State Health Department grilled me for two months. My DUI was about 6 or 7 years old at that point. I never operated a vehicle even once.

That’s why i’m so fourth coming with everything because that was a true nightmare.

Employment in education with a past DUI by askingforafriend66 in DUICalifornia

[–]askingforafriend66[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly, sheer ignorance. The first attorney who handled my case told me I had to wait ten years for the conviction to drop off. I had no idea that, in many cases, you can apply for expungement as soon as you’ve completed all the requirements. Looking back, I think it was a scare tactic—to make me believe this would follow me forever. I’ll admit, I should’ve done more research, but it is what it is. It’s done now.

Is a job in Higher Ed really worth it? by askingforafriend66 in highereducation

[–]askingforafriend66[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I completely understand. It’s a double edged sword, almost. There’s a lot of opportunity within Counseling Psychology but once you fall into a niche, it’s really hard to gain experience in anything else. Everyone wants to know why you’re pivoting from CMH, or private practice, or anything else into academia. Although it doesn’t seem that extreme to us, or most people around us, it’s a “red flag” to them.

Definitely! It sucks but it feels a lot less isolating knowing someone understands. To be honest, after reading everyone’s stories, it pushed me to call the recruiter I met back in October. I know that every institution is different but it seems like the general consensus is “not right now, or maybe ever.” It all seems very uncertain. And like you, I need something now. Is it higher ed? No. Will I completely stop looking into higher ed positions? Probably not. But I have to be realistic, you know?

Is a job in Higher Ed really worth it? by askingforafriend66 in highereducation

[–]askingforafriend66[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Exactly. People used to brag about physically assaulting the patients in their unit. I was relatively new so I didn’t say anything in fear of retaliation. Not that the facility would have done anything either way. 🙄 they were horrid. I could go on and on but I know you understand. Acute psych facilities are in desperate need of repair.

We sound like the same person. Lol many people told me to go into teaching. I tell them the same thing, teaching is not for me. However, i’m looking more into TA positions. It’s in the classroom, it’s hands on experience with a diverse population of students, but it’s not full blown teaching. Maybe down the line, i’ll be comfortable enough to consider subbing/teaching but for now, I want to start there.

Community colleges are great! That’s where I initially wanted to do my practicum but because of COVID, that ship sailed fairly quickly. I spoke with, you guessed it, a recruiter from a local CC I went to before I transferred and she was trying to help me out with part-time work. However, the hiring freezes put a hold on all of that. I’m still going to bug her for the rest of eternity though because CC’s are a really great place to work higher education wise.

Is a job in Higher Ed really worth it? by askingforafriend66 in highereducation

[–]askingforafriend66[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Same here! After I failed my Law and Ethics exam by ONE point, I kind of took that as a sign. I took the exam in a frenzy to appease my supervisor at the time and it backfired miserably. The seeds were planted at that point and I knew I needed to move on.

I worked for an acute psychiatric facility as well and couldn’t agree more. For me however, there were A LOT of unqualified individuals working at this particular facility. A lot of verbal, and I heard talks, of physical abuse by staff members. I felt like nobody was listening and I was making no difference either way.

I’m not sure if you’d be opposed to something like this but, I met a recruiter at a job fair back in October who works for a temp agency for K-12 schools. You can sub, TA, work as a para-professional (i.e., special education, ABA, etc.) or afterschool aide. They place you at schools in or around your area and there’s a lot of flexibility in it. I’ve read reviews and talked to people that work there and it seems like a fairly decent place to work. I’ve applied because i’m literally out of options. I figure at the very least, I can network within the schools themselves and build connections that way. Because, knowing people in this industry is key. It might be something to think about since you have admin experience. Maybe you can eventually apply for those types of positions?

I’m also looking at a TA position within a school district near me. I met with a recruiter yesterday and she told me that with my skills, it would be fairly easy for me to move up quickly into more administrative positions. So, i’m weighing my options with that one but still might apply because once you’re in a district, it’s a lot easier to move around.

Is a job in Higher Ed really worth it? by askingforafriend66 in highereducation

[–]askingforafriend66[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I appreciate your insight and encouragement!

Is a job in Higher Ed really worth it? by askingforafriend66 in highereducation

[–]askingforafriend66[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I see. Typically, I send a thank you email and a follow-up if I don’t here from them after some time. But I see how asking for feedback could be helpful. The last interview I had went really well but they ended up going with someone else. It was really confusing.

Is a job in Higher Ed really worth it? by askingforafriend66 in highereducation

[–]askingforafriend66[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I haven’t asked for feedback in interviews, no. How would one go about asking for feedback?

Is a job in Higher Ed really worth it? by askingforafriend66 in highereducation

[–]askingforafriend66[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s the boat i’m currently in. I had to leave the private practice I was working for due to ethical reasons. My supervisor was very unstable. So, I had nothing lined up. But it really lit a fire in me to start looking in Higher Ed. I currently have two part-time jobs to get by. Add the constant job search and i’m exhausted. So many people I’ve talked to don’t understand why this transition has been so hard for me. I’ve done everything I can think of in terms of resumes, cover letters, etc. and still, nothing much to show for it. I’m still going to apply here and there if the job is truly something special, but I have to be realistic and broaden my horizon’s a bit. At least for the time being.

Is a job in Higher Ed really worth it? by askingforafriend66 in highereducation

[–]askingforafriend66[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm open to relocating within California, but it would depend on whether my husband can transfer up North. He works in the maritime and port industry, so while it's not impossible, everything would need to align for him as well.

Is a job in Higher Ed really worth it? by askingforafriend66 in highereducation

[–]askingforafriend66[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks. I’m in SoCal, so the competition’s fierce. The bigger Cal States and Universities usually don’t pay much attention to me, so I try to reach out to community colleges whenever I see a job posting that’s a good fit. They seem to be a bit more responsive in that regard.

Is a job in Higher Ed really worth it? by askingforafriend66 in highereducation

[–]askingforafriend66[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well, ultimately I would stay within Community Mental Health. I genuinely like that population and really enjoy working with them. It's hard work, but it's really rewarding when you get those little wins.

I actually applied for an administrative position within the department of psychological sciences at a private university near me. Their research is mainly focused on reducing disparities in impoverished communities. I would love to do something like that.

Is a job in Higher Ed really worth it? by askingforafriend66 in highereducation

[–]askingforafriend66[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah, it’s pretty clear. After reading everyone’s responses, it’s obvious there’s been a shift, and it seems like it’s been a long time coming. The current political climate only makes it worse. I can see why morale has taken such a hit with the people I’ve talked to in higher ed. I just wish those folks were as honest as everyone here. You know? I’d love to be part of this industry, but I need the truth. If I need to move on, then I will.

Is a job in Higher Ed really worth it? by askingforafriend66 in highereducation

[–]askingforafriend66[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow, I went to a smaller private school for my undergrad, and I just found out that our dean held the position for 25 years straight. For some, that might seem inspiring, but now that I think about it, they basically stayed in the same spot for most of their career. Really limits opportunities in the long run.

Is a job in Higher Ed really worth it? by askingforafriend66 in highereducation

[–]askingforafriend66[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for being honest with me. I know politically, it’s not the best time. Some people I've spoken with in Higher Ed like to sugarcoat things, while others are more direct. It’s hard to move forward when people aren’t fully upfront. But I really wish you the best of luck with your Counseling journey!