Meet Alumni: BSOS Career Chats
The Joel & Kim Feller Center for BSOS Academic Advising & Career Planning is pleased to host the BSOS Alumni Career Chat series. The Chats connect industry-specific alumni/employers with BSOS majors over Zoom. Each Chat will last around 30-minutes and the format will be informal. Students can talk with professionals via Zoom chat or unmute themselves to ask questions.
Students who attend will learn about a new career field, meet a new networking contact, and/or gain application tips for their industry of interest. Hosted by the BSOS Career Planning team. Questions? Please email bsoscareers@umd.edu.
Tips for attending virtual events
BSOS Career Chat: Spring 2026
Sport Psychology
Monday, March 30, 2026 | 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm | Virtual | Register via Handshake for the Zoom link
What is Sports Psychology? Sports psychology is a very specific area of psychology dealing with the mental factors that may influence sports performance, as well as the mental well-being of athletes. The job includes helping athletes enhance performance through psychological techniques, motivation, and stress and anxiety management. Join us for a conversation with the Director of Mental Performance & Team Culture from the Washington Spirit to learn more about helping athletes optimize their mental state, manage stress, and improve performance. David McHugh is the Director, Mental Performance & Team Culture with the Washington Spirit. He is a member of the Psychological Society of Ireland and he has completed a Professional Doctorate in Sports Psychology at Liverpool John Moores University. His research examined talent development in Irish football and the Psychological Characteristics of Elite footballers. This means all interactions are underpinned by evidenced based best practice guidelines.
Beyond the Ballot Box: Careers In Government Relations
Friday, April 3, 2026 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Virtual | Register via Handshake for the Zoom link
Think your degree only leads to the Hill? Think again. Join us for a a career chat with alumni who have taken their degrees in Government & Politics and History in exciting new directions. You'll hear from alumni who analyze and interpret policy, forecast trends for their organization, and advocate on behalf of the institutions they serve.
U.S. Government Accountability Office
Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 12 pm EST | Virtual | Register via Handshake for the Zoom link
Join us for a Career Chat with a Director at the U.S. Government Accountability Office. Often called Congress’s “watchdog,” the GAO is an independent, nonpartisan agency that supports Congress by evaluating federal programs and spending, conducting policy analyses, and providing recommendations to improve government effectiveness and accountability. During her tenure at GAO, Tina Won Sherman, Ph.D has led numerous reviews at the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and Transportation. Ms. Sherman is currently leading a portfolio of work that includes critical infrastructure protection, transportation security, law enforcement, and science and technology issues in GAO’s Homeland Security and Justice Team. She studied at the University of California, San Diego, Virginia Tech, and the University of Maryland, College Park. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and a Doctor of Philosophy in government and politics.
So You're Interested in HR?
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 | 5 pm EST | Virtual | Register via Handshake for the Zoom link
If you’ve ever wondered about a career in human resources, then this career chat may be perfect for you. Human resources is a dynamic field that incorporates recruitment, staff development, leadership, learning and development, and performance. During this informal discussion, you’ll learn about career paths in HR, the varieties of work experiences and roles, and what undergraduates can do now to prepare for similar opportunities.
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Fall 2025
Social Data Scientist
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 | 5 pm EST | Virtual, Register via Handshake for the Zoom link
Curious about how data science connects to real-world impact? Wondering how to use the quantitative skills you are gaining as a BSOS undergrad?
Join us for a conversation with a quantitative social scientist and Senior Data Scientist at the New York City Department of Health—the largest public health department in the United States. With seven years of professional experience, Jeff will share insights from his diverse career path across academia, the private sector, and public service. The alum will discuss how data science skills can be applied to pressing social and health challenges. Students will gain perspective on career opportunities in data science, epidemiology, and public health, as well as advice on navigating different sectors and building a versatile skill set.
Jeffery (Jeff) Sauer, PhD, MSc, is a quantitative social scientist with seven years of experience, currently working as a Senior Data Scientist at the New York City Department of Health, the largest public health department in the United States. Jeff earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Geographical Sciences at UMD and a Master's of Epidemiology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. He has experience working in the academic, private, and public sectors.
School Psychologist
Thursday, November 6, 2025 | 6 pm EST | Virtual Event, Register via Handshake for the Zoom link
Join us for an insightful and informal chat on career trends in school psychology. During this session, Lily Braun will share how her experiences as a PSYC and ENGL undergraduate major shaped her career interests and ultimately led her to the field of school psychology. Whether you're curious about her career path, interested in learning about career paths in psychology, or have questions you've been wanting to ask a professional working as a school psychologist, this is the perfect opportunity to engage in an open conversation.
Lily Braun, Ed.S., NCSP, is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist with six years of experience, currently working in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS)—the largest and one of the most diverse school districts in Maryland. Lily earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at UMD majoring in Psychology and English Language and Literature. She completed her graduate studies at Lehigh University, where she earned her Education Specialist degree (Ed.S) in School Psychology. During this career chat, participants can expect to learn about the field of school psychology, working as a school psychologist in a public school setting, and Lily’s experiences, which led her to pursue this career.
Social Worker/Psychotherapist
Friday, November 7, 2025 | 12 - 12:30 pm | Virtual, Register for the Zoom link
Curious about where a social work degree can take you? Join us for this Chat where you'll discover the diversity and uniqueness of the social work field. Learn how to gain valuable experience in the helping professions—even while you're still in school. An alumna will share her personal journey into social work and the experiences that inspired her to pursue a career as a therapist. You might be surprised by the wide range of roles available in this meaningful and impactful field. Whether you're considering social work, therapy, or just exploring career options, this is your chance to ask questions and gain advice from someone who's been there and done that.
Jessi Collins, LCSW-C is a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience, currently working in private practice near Annapolis, MD. Jessi earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at UMD, majoring in psychology. After taking some time off, she completed her Master's of Social Worker-Clinical Degree at the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work.
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Attendees will be muted upon joining the Zoom room. You will have the opportunity to submit questions using the chat function.
