The research proposal of Gaeun Seo, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Education Policy, Organization & Leadership, has been chosen to receive the Graduate Student Research Grant for 2017 by the National Career Development Association (NCDA) Research Committee.

Seo’s dissertation proposal, “Doctoral Students’ Career Decision-Making Processes: Comparing Faculty and Non-Faculty Careers from Socio-Cognitive and Contextual Perspectives,” examines how post-preliminary doctoral students can make career-related decisions based on whether or not they are interested in faculty positions or opportunities outside of academia.

Seo, a research assistant at The Career Center, has a passion for the career-development field, which has driven her to work with students who are navigating their careers. Her $500 grant from NCDA is awarded to graduate students who undertake exemplary research addressing topics related to career information, career development, and career planning.

Seo said the award means a great deal to her personally and professionally, and she is grateful for the guidance of her adviser, Dr. David Huang, and supervisor at The Career Center, Dr. Julia Panke Makela. 

“I hope my small steps can offer a starting point to inspire more diverse dialogues about career stories and experiences of doctoral students,” said Seo.