Katie Koch: Some Things College Can’t Give

Katie Koch graduated from New Paltz with a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders in December 2009, with no job prospects, and no idea what her future held.

After a summer full of job searching, Koch discovered Miss Mella’s Footsteps to Learning Preschool in Coram, N.Y. She made a phone call, filled out the application, went on the interview and got the job. She has been working as a preschool teacher assistant since early September 2010.

Although her major has little to do with the job she currently has, Koch explained that college made her a more responsible and reliable individual, “which is definitely necessary while working with 3- and 4-year-old children.”

Still, she admitted that college, especially her major, did not prepare her for the emotional aspect of working with children.

“That is something that comes with experience,” Koch said.

Her unorthodox post-college life, getting a job having nothing to do with her major, has enabled her to give some advice to students who are still in college and just as confused as she was. According to Koch, students should start looking for and applying for jobs before they graduate.

“Don’t stop looking or applying until you find the job that best suits you,” she said.

You can link to other stories below. And hey, keep your heads up, seniors.

Mitch Scott graduated from New Paltz last May, and is already teaching English at LaGrange Middle School.

Meg Zanetich, a recent journalism grad, is now freelancing at two publications in the Hudson Valley.

Anilsa Nunez, who graduated in 1995 with a degree in radio and television performance, is now assistant dean of students and director of residence life at St. John’s University.

Ivey Haber has been wearing many hats since she graduated in May 2009 with an interpersonal communications degree. She’s a freelance art production assistant,  set designer for film and TV, and a jewelery and makeup designer.

Alex Storozynski has what nearly every journalism major wants: a Pulitzer Prize. He graduated in 1983 with a degree in political science.

Ben Horney

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Mon Oct 11 , 2010
  Alex Storozynski graduated from New Paltz in 1983 with a degree in political science and minors in journalism and law & politics, and has […]

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