Psychology Department Hosts Career Panel

The Meredith College Department of Psychology welcomed seven guest speakers for a career panel on Tuesday, September 20. The event took place in Ledford 101 and allowed students to ask questions pertaining to the speakers’ careers. Most of the panel participants, but not all, were Meredith College graduates.

The guest speakers work in various capacities both in and outside the field of psychology. The guest speakers included Dr. Amy Leeper, ’01, forensic psychologist; Dr. Kari Kirian, ’03, clinical health psychologist; Deidra Lowry, ’15, program coordinator; Jessica Ray, ’15, administrative specialist for Wilson County Partnership for Children; Nicole Muratore, ’16, manager of administration; Vijaya Tangella, clinical psychologist; and Cherie Newton, pediatric occupational therapist.

The speakers offered words of advice to Meredith students as they pursue their future careers. Kirian told students that “determination is key when trying to find a way and you don’t think anything is going to unfold.”

All of the speakers explained how they use their psychology knowledge every day while they are at work. Deidra Lowry said that she uses statistical knowledge from her time at Meredith. Further, Nicole Muratore said that her knowledge from her “Preparing for Careers in Professional Psychology” class at Meredith helps her as she plans meetings and other events with her staff.

Members from the same class being offered this fall hosted the event. They supplied several lead off questions for the panel and later the discussion was opened to the floor. The event was available to all students and was followed by an informal reception where students were able to approach the speakers with individual questions.

Junior Annie Morin enjoyed the event.

“I thought it was a great opportunity to see the variety of options there are in the field of psychology. The speakers were all very passionate about their professions and that inspired me as a student to start looking at possibilities for my future.”

Lowry was encouraging of the Meredith students in attendance. “Take advantage of the opportunities Meredith gives you. They will be useful down the road when planning your career. Go to events, take notes, and ask questions. Being silent will get you nowhere.”

By Taylor Lynn Moore, ’17