Students and Scientists Sharing Lunch by Camilla Williams, Ph.D.

Blog Post by Dr. Camilla Williams (all pictures are taken by Dr. Camilla Williams)

Taking Part

On Saturday, September 22, I was invited to take part in the second annual Future Faces of STEM conference. This year’s conference was held at the University of San Diego. It’s the result of a regional effort by college and industry partners to increase diversity in science fields. The day included keynote speakers and breakout workshops addressing imposter syndrome, mentorship relationships, data presentations, and information about graduate school.

Conference flyer: Future Faces of Stem

My part in the day was to share lunch and conversation with students who want to know more about Clinical Psychology as a career choice.

STEM Conference is this way sign

Students could sign up to have “Lunch with a Scientist” and ask me questions about graduate school and professional life. I was able to share information about being a first-generation college student, getting into graduate school and navigating the options and demands of getting a degree, and what kinds of things I do/have done with my degree.

I enjoyed being back on a college campus, talking with invested and curious students about their future, and sharing strategies for managing multiple responsibilities and identities while moving toward their goals. I also enjoyed connecting with other Psychology and Neuroscience colleagues who were also sharing lunch and conversation with students.

Future Faces of STEM: Scientists and Mentors

Resources for College and Graduate Students

If you are a college student looking for support getting through your college career, learning about options for post-graduation plans, and/or thinking about graduate school, I encourage you to make an appointment with your campus career center, to find a club for people in your major, and to talk to your department advisor about their career path. Additionally, your campus likely has a counseling center with therapists who can offer short-term support and connect you to other campus resources. 

If you are looking for longer-term support in making the transition from student to professional, in understanding and overcoming barriers to your progress, and/or balancing mental health needs with the demands of college life, click on the button below or the link in the next part of the sentence to schedule a 15 minute consultation session with me, Dr. Camilla Williams, to learn how we can work together to help you reach your goals. Appointments are now available in our Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, California office.