Psychology

DEPARTMENT





Mari Kosmatka


Mari Kosmathka

MARI KOSMATKA RECEIVED HER B.S. IN PSYCHOLOGY FROM EDGEWOOD COLLEGE IN MAY 2014.

 

WHAT I’M DOING NOW

 

I am currently a Family Support Specialist at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, specializing in working with families who are involved with Children’s Court. I work directly with parents who have had their children removed from their care because of abuse or neglect, and help them work towards their goal of reunification with their children. To do this, I help parents find stable housing and jobs, assess what their parenting strengths are and what they may need to work on, and connect them to resources based on their needs. I advocate for these parents and provide them with the support and tools they need in order to make positive changes in their lives for their children.

CHOOSING MY UNDERGRADUATE MAJOR

I had no idea what my major was going to be until I took Intro to Psychology. I knew I wanted to work with people and this seemed like a great fit, so I continued with Psychology classes. Every class after that was so interesting, I never regretted my decision.

EDGEWOOD EXPERIENCES THAT HAVE HELPED ME SINCE GRADUATING

My internship at a youth and family shelter helped me to decide on a career path in child welfare. The corresponding internship class really helped me to reflect on my experience and think about what my strengths were in working with children.

HOW A LIBERAL ARTS EDUCATION HAS INFLUENCED MY OUTLOOK

Edgewood definitely gave me the tools to appreciate different viewpoints. I enjoyed participating in discussions in and out of the classroom that facilitated a change in my way of thinking, or opened my eyes to others' beliefs and opinions.

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR EDGEWOOD EXPERIENCE

Get to know your professors. They all have a ton of information that can help you succeed after graduation, and they are genuinely interested in helping you achieve that success. I really appreciate the small class size at Edgewood because I was able to get to know my professors personally, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM TO PREPARE FOR THEIR CAREERS

Volunteer, find internships – anything to get involved. I found an internship and volunteer opportunities that related to my degree, and those experiences helped me significantly in the job I have now. In most of the jobs I applied for, a year or two of experience was needed. It can be hard to balance internships and volunteering with school, work, and having a social life – but the valuable experience that you gain is worth it in the end.

(12/2014)