Kaitlyn McMahon '09

An interview with Kaitlyn

What was your hometown when you came to TCNJ?

Sicklerville, NJ

Where do you currently call your hometown?

West Des Moines, Iowa

When you were studying here, where did you picture yourself after graduation?

I really didn't know. I wanted to help people with addiction issues, but my family was not supportive of that idea and so I felt a bit lost. It took moving cross country and trying a job that wasn't right for me before I was ready to confidently step towards a social work career.

What was your first job after graduating?

Residence Director at Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO

How do you use your Sociology degree in your current career and other activities?

My sociology education at TCNJ prepared me well for the academic rigors of graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania and laid the groundwork for my career in social work. My work is all about human behavior in the social environment.

What is your favorite "major memory" from your time as a Sociology student?

Seeing "The Color of Fear" documentary in Introduction to Social Work, having my ideas about race, racism, and white privilege completely shaken up, making space for a sea change in my understanding and thinking on these issues.

What is some advice you would give to your undergraduate self?

Don't miss your chance to study abroad during college! Follow your heart into social work; it is your calling (and no matter what anybody says, you'll be able to make a great living!).

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Make use of your academic adviser. Mine (shout-out to Dr. Clydesdale) helped me figure out my career path and the steps to take to get there; I will always be grateful for his guidance!