Passion for Helping Others Drives Online Grad

What does your perfect job look like?

For Pam Rose, it’s a role where she improves the lives of others and serves as their cheerleader. 

“I have managed my career from the perspective of, if the work is exciting to me, then I should pursue it,” Rose says. “With this mindset, I have had the opportunity to work with adolescent parents, assist in managing a small business and serve as a budget analyst with the City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department.”

With a desire for a career change and her perfect role in mind, Rose was led to NC State’s Master of Education in College Counseling and Student Development online program.  

“The counselor education program at NC State provided me the encouragement, support and skills I needed to become my best self. I am so thankful to be a part of the Pack.”

Before beginning classes, Rose was concerned about the challenges associated with learning online but quickly learned that there was no reason for fear. 

“The program utilizes the cohort model, encourages group assignments and meets virtually every week,” she says. “By incorporating these methods of teaching, I was constantly engaged with faculty and classmates and learned more than I ever thought possible.” 

Rose completed her practicum and internship with the Wilson College of Textiles as an academic advisor, which spurred her passion for working with students. 

“Without an M.Ed. in College Counseling, I would not be considered for positions at a university or college that I was most interested in,” she says. 

Earning her degree has landed Rose a position as an academic advisor with the Life Sciences First Year program within the College of Sciences.

“I also value how the degree has changed me personally. I have a different worldview. I recognize my privileges and try to approach everyone I meet from that perspective,” Rose says. “I am beyond grateful for all the opportunities I had to grow while earning my degree.”

Rose thanks College of Education professors Angie Smith, Sharon Chung, Rolanda Mitchell and Helen Lupton-Smith for their support, knowledge and caring attitudes. “I can only hope to be a counselor similar to any of them,” she adds.

On balancing work, life and school, Rose says, “Balancing anything in life is about time management and organization. Being cognizant of when assignments were due and being disciplined about completing them was key for me.”

For others considering returning to graduate school, Rose encourages research on the program to understand requirements prior to applying as well as conversations with members of your household. 

“There are sacrifices everyone will make when you return to school — it might be your limited amount of free time or financial resources. Having those conversations before you start and a support system in place is key to anyone’s success in graduate school,” she adds.

Congratulations to Pam and the rest of #NCState21! 

Are you interested in advancing your career by earning an online Master of Education in College Counseling and Student Development? Visit the program page or online.ncsu.edu/programs for a full list of degree and certificate programs.

This post was originally published in Online and Distance Education News.