Juliann has accepted a job offer to join a private practice in Honolulu, Hawaii as a licensed neuropsychologist.
1. A brief explanation of your experience in Brigham Young University's Psychology Graduate Student Program:
Juliann: "My experience in the program was great. I had a really fantastic cohort of peers and the faculty is very supportive and knowledgeable. It was challenging but I learned a lot in my 4 years there and got a lot of really great experience. When I was applying for internship and fellowship opportunities, I always felt very prepared in interviews and for various jobs due to my training in the program, and people at all sorts of institutions across the country frequently commented on the high caliber of Psychology students coming out of BYU. The training and faculty are unmatched and definitely got me to where I am today."
2. What are your post-graduation plans are/were/what are you currently doing:
Juliann: "Following graduation from the PhD program for Clinical Psychology, I was offered a two-year fellowship position at the UCLA Semel Institute, which is a very reputable neuropsychology clinic and was a really wonderful experience. I finished my fellowship last month, and accepted a job offer to join a private practice in Honolulu, Hawaii (with another BYU alum!) as a licensed neuropsychologist. I just started a few weeks ago and it's been amazing so far!"
3. What would be your advice for potential students:
Juliann: "My advice for future students: if you want it, just go for it. Don't let the time commitment scare you away. The next 4, 5, 7 years are going to pass no matter what you do, so you may as well pursue something you love and come out of that 5 years with a degree and a career that you're going to enjoy and thrive in. When I first started the program, the 5-7 year commitment felt so daunting, and there were times that it was REALLY hard and dragged on, and I wondered if I made the right choice. In the end, it really flew by, I learned great skills for a field that I love, and I was able to give my family really incredible opportunities, cool places to live, and experiences we wouldn't have had otherwise. It's hard, and sometimes stressful, and busy (in fact - 3.5 years of my program I completed as a single mother so it was REALLY stressful), but it's very doable and for me it was definitely worth it. If you think you'll love it, just go for it."