College Experiences That Helped A Scholar Support Analyst At San Diego State University Succeed
Despite majoring in philosophy, a field seemingly unrelated to their current role as a Scholar Support Analyst, Katia credits UCLA's philosophy department with fostering "critical thinking" and ethical considerations, skills directly applicable to navigating the complexities of their career. The experience of "navigating a work environment" with peers while simultaneously grappling with philosophical concepts unexpectedly prepared them for the challenges of their current position.
Critical Thinking, Ethical Decision-Making, Problem-Solving, Communication, Resilience
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Katia Garcia
Scholar Support Analyst
San Diego State University
UCLA
N/a
Philosophy
Education
Research and Development (R&D)
Pell Grant Recipient, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. College choices don't always need to align perfectly with future career goals. A seemingly unrelated major can still develop valuable skills.
2. Navigating diverse college environments and building relationships with peers from different backgrounds is excellent preparation for professional collaboration.
3. Critical thinking and ethical considerations, often developed through academic studies, are highly transferable and relevant to many careers.
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
First, I picked a major that had nothing to do with anything in my life, past, present, or future. I studied philosophy. In that department, I will say there wasn't a lot of representation, whether female or Latina.
But what I learned is sometimes you just kind of have to make space for yourself. While I was learning these deep philosophical thoughts, lessons, and theories, I was also navigating a work environment. These were my peers; I had to study and work with them, and we had group projects.
I couldn't identify with them or connect with them in any way. However, the college setting and that department itself, along with everything I learned within philosophy and the lectures, truly did prepare me for success in my career.
It's not that a lot of my job is philosophy, but a lot of it is critical thinking. A lot of it is ethical: Is what we're doing ethical for participants and faculty? Is it fair for the students?
So, yes, I think college set me up, not in the ways I expected it to. If I could write down everything that studying at UCLA in the philosophy department and majoring in philosophy entailed, I could probably say it set me up for everything I'm doing in my career.