The Sophian

Issue date: 9/28/06 Section: Features

Media Credit: Aubrey Vance

Initially frustrated with the post-Smith job search, Aubrey Vance '06 eventually found that professional fulfillment was not far from home. A psychology major with a clinical focus, she is now a family case manager for the Indiana State Government's Department of Children's Services.

When the required 12-week training ends on Nov. 1, Vance will be assigned her own caseload. She will investigate instances of child abuse and neglect, and then will work closely with state law enforcement to place those at risk into temporary homes with close relatives or foster families. After children and families are reunited, she will work with them to ensure that they are receiving the proper services to get the families back on their feet. An even more difficult facet of Vance's job is, as she explains, "in the instance [that] children cannot be reunited with their parents, I will be working with the adoption team in my county to help match up and place children…with the best fit of adoptive parents and families."

Vance feels well prepared by her Smith education. The class on child clinical psychology and the seminar on childhood and adolescent anxiety disorders, both with her advisor Patricia DiBartolo, helped narrow her interest in clinical focus to working specifically with children.

With plans to attend grad school in the fall of 2008 and receive her master's in social work, Vance would like to someday become a licensed social worker and counsel children with a focus on either mental health or child welfare.

Now comfortably settled in a new apartment with her boyfriend, Vance reflects on the job-search experience.

"I found myself getting really frustrated and angry when it took longer than I wanted to find a job, so I would just say not to get frustrated." Her recent experience in the job market prompts her to advise current seniors to enjoy their final year.

"As much as we try to deny it, the real world does sort of sneak up at your post-graduation," said Vance, "so live it up this year."

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools