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You don’t need every answer today to graduate with momentum. If you’re a who thinks graduate school might be in the future, be it to get a masters in counseling, teaching, or in a different field altogether, regardless of timeframe, the smartest move is to build a foundation that works for both immediate employment and later education. That means sequencing key courses early, collecting meaningful experiences, and shaping a story that makes sense whether you apply next year or ten years after you start your first job.

 

Sequence for Flexibility

As a psychology major at Our Lady of the Lake University, research opportunities are abundant. If you’re unsure of where you want to take your studies next, prioritizing research methods in the first half of the degree is a smart choice. These classes make advanced electives approachable and give you the vocabulary to evaluate evidence wherever you work. Pair them with writing‑heavy courses so you learn to translate findings for non‑specialists. Add at least one class that stretches your comfort zone— cognitive or biological topics if you’re more people‑focused; social or organizational content if you love labs— so you can show range without losing focus.

 

Build Experience that Signals Readiness

You can collect experiences that matter without overloading your schedule. Assisting a faculty project for a few hours a week, volunteering with a local organization that aligns with your interests, or leading a small campus initiative that improves student life are all great and accessible opportunities to demonstrate leadership and apply your degree in a way that can help you prepare both for work and a graduate-level degree. Keeping deliverables from each of your roles will help you land internships now, and will become attachments or talking points later if you chose to apply to graduate programs.

 

Tell a Cohesive Story

Most applications, professional or for graduate school, boil down to the same question: what problems do you care about, and how have you learned to help? As a psychology major, the earlier you can expose yourself to a broad range of topics to help you answer this question, the sooner you can direct your focus and attention towards studying topics and building projects which help demonstrate your interest. If you care about wellness, pick electives and service roles that connect mind, body, and community. If you’re drawn to workplace dynamics, pursue projects with teams and organizations. If you think law or public policy might be your lane, look for research that touches decision‑making, bias, or persuasion. Defining your story within the field doesn’t lock you in; it simply helps others see your progress.

 

Use Advising and Mentorship Well

Schedule advising not only to pick courses, but to reflect on what you learned and what you want to try next. Bring a short list of questions and an updated resume. Ask about timelines you should know if you decide to apply later— letters, exams (if required by certain programs), or application windows. ÄûÃʵ¼º½â€™s size makes this process personal; your professors and advisers can point you to opportunities that match your interests and help you avoid detours that slow your momentum.

 

Graduate with Options

Your immediate plan might be an entry‑level role in social services or research support, paired with community volunteering that keeps your skills sharp. Or you might land a business‑facing role that uses your evaluation and communication strengths. Either way, because you built depth in methods, kept notes on projects, and practiced clear writing, you’re ready for what comes next— now or later.

 

Take the Next Step

. Then schedule a conversation to map your next year with intention.