Maria Telahun
Maria Telahun, Research Associate
I am a Research Associate at Fors Marsh, a consulting firm based in Arlington, VA. In my role, I serve as a mixed methods research analyst. I manage large-scale survey projects aimed at understanding public perceptions of military service among youth, as well as studies focused on the quality of life of military recruiters to help sustain an all-volunteer force. Additionally, I lead qualitative projects involving in-depth interviews and focus groups with youth, military personnel, and recruiters. These qualitative efforts range from public opinion research to usability testing and cognitive interviews, all aimed at improving data collection and refining our research tools.
My MA in Sociology provided a strong foundation in both quantitative and qualitative research, which has been instrumental in shaping my career. The degree prepared me for a range of applied research opportunities beyond academia. It gave me the flexibility to work in government consulting and to contribute meaningfully to real-world policy and program decisions. I rely daily on the training I received in statistical analysis, qualitative methods, and research design across both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The degree also helped me transition from a more academic focus to applied research that informs policy and practice.
Kermina Halim
Kermina Halim, Intermediate Typist-Clerk
I'm currently an Intermediate Typist-Clerk at the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. Additionally, I work with the Credentialing Team within the Quality Assurance Unit, where I'm responsible for conducting monitoring-related projects and tasks, troubleshooting our credentialing database, managing and updating files, and facilitating communications for our clinician providers.
My sociology MA equipped me with invaluable critical analysis and creative thinking skills that have enhanced my projects and tasks within my organization. Learning about quantitative and qualitative research, along with conducting it, provided me with new, innovative thinking and problem-solving methods. These critical approaches to assessing, understanding, configuring, and resolving issues have been tremendously applicable to my work. Moreover, a master’s degree is highly valued in my organization, which creates increased and expedited career opportunities that are more tailored to one's passions.
For current MA students or recent graduates, my biggest piece of advice is to learn from every environment you enter. Every room, interaction, and engagement you're involved in is a chance to learn more.... more skills, lenses, approaches, tips, tricks -- the list goes on. If you're constantly learning, you will always be growing, progressing towards your goals, and fulfilling that thirst for more knowledge.
Erik Luis Arroyo
Erik Luis Arroyo, Ph.D. Student
I am currently Ph.D. graduate student in the Community and Regional Planning program at the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) working on research which focuses on the intersections of housing policy and environmental planning. Reflecting on my academic and professional trajectory, I am forever grateful I enrolled in the MA program in Sociology at CSUF. The MA program has not only opened multiple doors for me, but it has also molded me into the person I am today in countless ways. CSUF—and the CSU system as a whole—prides itself on being a top promoter of social mobility among universities in the U.S., and I have found this to be wholeheartedly true.
Through my MA sociology coursework, I developed a particular interest in the subfield of urban sociology, which solidified my decision to pursue doctoral studies with an emphasis on urban environments. I also participated in the CSU Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholars Program, where I was fortunate enough to be a mentee for a UCLA faculty member whose scholarship strongly corresponded with my research interests.
My advice to current MA students in Sociology at Cal State Fullerton, or recent graduates of the program, would be to actively seek out diverse experiences that will help build and strengthen your résumé/CV. Every academic or professional opportunity you pursue—no matter how big or small it may seem—has the potential to open doors you might never have anticipated. Additionally, do not fear rejection. I was denied admission to every PhD program I applied to during my first two application cycles. It was not until my third application cycle—after completing the CSU Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Program—that I was admitted to 10 of the 12 PhD programs I applied to.
Rejection is inevitable; it is a part of life and the human experience. Realistically, you are not going to get everything you want in life all the time. You cannot control rejection, but you can control how you respond to it. Although rejection can feel discouraging, it should not be viewed as an end point. Instead, shifting your perspective to see it as an opportunity to reflect, adapt, and grow as a person is pivotal in taking control of your future.
Catherine Rivera Hernandez
Catherine R. Hernandez, Ph.D. Student
My name is Catherine Rivera Hernandez and I am currently a Sociology PhD student at UC Merced where I conduct research on environmental injustices in rural Latinx immigrant communities. Obtaining my master’s degree at CSUF prepared me well for the challenges of pursuing a PhD, largely due to the amazing support system provided by my fellow classmates and faculty.
My master’s degree in sociology provided a strong foundation, both in social theory and research, that enabled me to pursue my Ph.D. in the same field. The mentorship I received at CSUF has been invaluable. The dedicated, one-on-one support from my professors guided me throughout my academic journey, from initial thesis research all the way through the graduate school application process. In fact, I am currently expanding on a larger project that I initially began as a student at CSUF!
Before attending CSU Fullerton, I was unsure of my ability to obtain a doctoral degree. Now, I feel significantly more confident in my abilities to complete graduate-level scholarship and research. To current MA students or recent graduates, my biggest advice is to be brave and apply to different opportunities. You lose out on 100% of the opportunities you don't even try for. The worst outcome is a no, but the best outcome could be a pivotal step in your career. CSU Fullerton has an amazing support system of faculty and alumni, so don’t be afraid to utilize your resources and reach out to others for help!