Rood’s first job after graduation was with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) as a Child and Family Services Specialist. Rood shared that “Being a CFSS was a very fulfilling position as every single day was spent working to better the lives of those in my community- particularly the children, most of whom where in difficult and often dangerous living conditions.” However, after a year of working with DHHS, she received a call from a former co-worker who informed her of a job opening as a Training Coordinator for Fast Enterprises. Though the new job diverged from a traditionally psychology related career, Rood excitedly took the job and felt confident that her UNL Psychology degree had prepared her for the path ahead.

During Rood’s last year at UNL, she took a Learning and Motivation course that spurred an interest for Industrial and Organizational Psychology. The Training Coordinator position presented an opportunity to explore these interests and apply concepts from class.

Rood’s position at Fast Enterprises enables her to use a variety of the skills she acquired while at UNL. As an undergraduate, Rood served as a Resident Assistant for three and a half years. In that role she learned the important workplace skills of conflict resolution, event coordination and proper work-life balance. Her psychology classes prepared her to effectively train employees and clients. As a Training Coordinator, Rood works side by side with the software developers, creates training course materials, and she plans, coordinates, and implements training statewide.

Her experience should stand as a guidepost for other undergraduate psychology majors: discover your passions, take courses accordingly, network- and don’t stop until you’ve found a position that enables you to use your degree with passion and purpose. Rood noted, “Every day since graduating has been a learning experience. I learned several stress management and coping mechanisms when working for the State of Nebraska. I also had to learn to accept that I couldn’t plan everything…I did not think that I would be changing careers after only one year, but it led to a career that I wouldn’t give up for the world.”

Rood’s advice for current psychology students: “Don't just pick classes that will fit into your schedule. Choose the classes that challenge and excite you. It is likely that you will call upon the lessons you learn in those classes in your work life…If you have passion for something and knowledge about that subject it is evident to all those around you and may lead to great opportunities. Don’t take for granted the access you have to people who are experts in their field. Learn as much as you possibly can.”