Student support for a mid-career transition
Cathy May Moyer
Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Development M.S. Ed., 2017
Before Penn GSE: Licensed social worker
After Penn GSE: Ph.D. student, Special Education, Temple University
I chose the ISHD program at Penn GSE because of the interdisciplinary approach, the outstanding faculty, and the diverse, supportive environment in which I could begin to explore a new career path that would help me answer those questions.
Q: Why did you choose to pursue a graduate degree in Human Development at Penn GSE?
A: As a licensed social worker, I had enjoyed a 20-year career working with individuals and families in various capacities and venues. But as an autism parent, I still had pressing questions that kept me awake at night. I chose the ISHD program at Penn GSE because of the interdisciplinary approach, the outstanding faculty, and the diverse, supportive environment in which I could begin to explore a new career path that would help me answer those questions.
Q: What was the single most important thing you learned in the ISHD program?
A: The single most important thing I learned in the ISHD program was how to think like a researcher. I recognized that my passion for improving education for special needs students was only part of the picture. I also needed to refresh my academic skills and learn how to turn my ideas into actionable research projects.
Q: How did your experience in the ISHD program inform your career path?
A: Penn GSE welcomed me back into academia and gave me the tools I needed to move on to a doctoral program. Because my situation was not typical (coming back to study education after years in a completely different career), the faculty at Penn GSE were wonderful mentors who helped me tailor the ISHD program to meet my needs. They also connected me to professors and opportunities in the larger University of Pennsylvania community, which was invaluable in helping me get to where I am today.