Psychology Alumna’s Internship Paves Way for Graduate School and a Career Path
Kya Moul came to York College of Pennsylvania intent on becoming a school guidance counselor. Through her classes and an internship, the 2024 graduate was drawn to a different career path.
Kya Moul ’24 and the school psychologist entered one classroom after another to observe students and ensure that their academic needs were being met. As the psychologist recorded her observations, Moul also took notes, and the two compared them afterward.
Moul’s Fall 2023 internship at a Red Lion Area School District elementary school was the first time she had seen a school psychologist in action. The experience helped solidify a career path for Moul, who just received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology.
“You can read about it online, but experiencing it was a lot different than reading about it,” she says. “It helped me know what to be prepared for and see if I had the characteristics to succeed.”
A shift in direction
Becoming a school psychologist wasn’t Moul’s first career plan. She didn’t even know it was a career option until she was well into her undergraduate program. Initially, she intended to become a school guidance counselor. In high school, Moul took a psychology class that sparked her love of the subject. But during a Child Exceptionalities class her sophomore year of college, she learned about a new path she wanted to explore.
“In that class, we discussed testing students for intellectual disabilities, and I was really interested in what that career would be,” she says. “My professor explained that this role was that of a school psychologist, so I changed my career path."
Securing an internship with a school psychologist wasn't easy. It involved persistent efforts and invaluable guidance from York College faculty members, especially Professor of Psychology Carla Strassle, Ph.D., and Professor Jennifer Engler, Ph.D., Chair of the Psychology Department. After several rejections, Moul turned to Dr. Engler, who helped her connect with the school psychologist at Mazie Gable Elementary School in Red Lion, PA.
Set up for success
One of the most impactful experiences for Moul was interacting with students.
“Kids are just so cool,” she says. “Being able to gain their perspective and work with them directly was incredibly rewarding.”
This direct exposure allowed her to understand the nuances of the job, something that theoretical knowledge alone couldn’t offer. Moul’s internship not only solidified her career choice but gave her a competitive edge. After completing her internship, she talked to graduate students in school psychology who were a year or two ahead of her. Often, she found that what she had been able to experience through her internship they still hadn’t encountered in their graduate programs.
With her degree in hand, Moul is ready to take the next step toward her career. She will enter the school psychology graduate program at Millersville University in Fall 2024. Two years of coursework will precede serving a full year in a school setting. The program also involves a lot of practicum work, shadowing school psychologists and slowly getting prepared, Moul says.
Her time at York College equipped her with more than just academic knowledge. The small class sizes and close-knit relationships with professors were instrumental in her success.
“You walk down the hallway, and the professors know your name. That was very beneficial to me,” she says.
The importance of experiential education
For Moul, experiential learning in York College’s School of Behavioral Sciences and Education was the key to placing her ahead of her peers in her chosen field. The inclusion of hands-on internships in the curriculum prepared her for graduate-level work and provided her with a realistic preview of career opportunities.
“Understanding what you’re getting yourself into is really important. These experiences give students a step ahead of others,” she says.
Moul is entering the next chapter of her education with a clear path forward: to complete the graduate program in three years and become a school psychologist. She hopes to work with elementary students but is open to gaining experience with older students as well. She wants to work primarily with students with disabilities, testing and observing them, meeting their parents, and creating plans to help them thrive.
For those considering a degree in Psychology at York College, Moul advises, “Keep an open mind. When I started, I was set on becoming a guidance counselor and wasn’t open to other career possibilities. Try to gain as much information about different career opportunities as possible. Talk to professors, attend alumni events, and make connections.”
