Student Worker Interview: Sam Namkung

This week, I sat down with Sam Namkung (senior, psychology) to talk about his being a student worker here at Andrews. He explains some of the opportunities it provides as well as his passions and motivations in regard to his plans after graduation.

Tell us about yourself! (hobbies, interests, etc.)

Hellooo! My name is Sam. I was born and raised near Seattle, Washington, which developed my love for the outdoors. I enjoy watching movies, reading, and spending money on food. My all-time favorite movie is “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” I’m currently reading “In the Dream House”by Carmen Maria Machado, and I graduate this December, and following graduation, I plan on continuing my current job at the LOGAN Autism Learning Center in Benton Harbor. My long-term career plan is to get an ED.S. (Education Specialist in School Psychology) to become a school psychologist. 

What does your job entail?

I work as a behavioral technician, supervised by a board-certified behavioral analyst (BCBA). I work with other technicians to implement behavioral programs for our center’s clients. The purpose of the behavioral plans is to help kids with autism develop communication, social, and daily living skills, in addition to reducing problematic behaviors.

What was the motivation for applying for your job? How did you get it in the first place?

Coming into this semester and living off-campus, I knew I had to pay rent. This knowledge led me to search for a job where I could develop skills that relate to my future personal and professional goals. I heard about the LOGAN Center through one of my psychology courses and decided to apply. The application process was very straightforward. Just like any other job, it required a resume, an interview, and a background check. 

Does your job relate to any future plans? If so, how?

Yes! I plan on working with kids one day as a school psychologist. I believe having this experience will help serve a more diverse population. In addition, different skills such as communication and knowledge in applied behavior analysis (ABA) will benefit me as I work in the education system.

As a student at Andrews, how do you manage being a student and having a job?

I knew that I wanted to work this semester, so I purposefully structured my school schedule to give me the freedom to do that. In order to keep up with my school work with the long work hours, I’ve learned to plan ahead and manage my time effectively. Burnout is real! To avoid being burnt out, I spend the weekends doing things I like and being intentional about who I spend time with. Time management is key in helping me maintain a balanced work, school, and personal life. 

What are some pros about your job? Some cons?

This job allows me to apply concepts I have learned in class to real-world situations. Besides practical knowledge, I am also developing soft skills such as how to work cooperatively with a team to achieve a shared goal. Another pro is that it’s fun getting to connect with the kids in my classroom. Some cons? It is exhausting. Hanging out with kids all day is not an easy thing, but it is definitely rewarding. There is also a strong chance of getting minor injuries such as scratches and bite marks.

Any advice for the student workers and/or those going into a similar career path as you? 

I think the most important factor in choosing a job in college is to choose one that you can learn and grow from. If the job allows you to develop skills that will help pave the way for your future career, even better. It doesn’t hurt to apply for a job that you might think you won’t have a chance of getting. You never know, it might turn into an awesome opportunity! At the same time, don’t take on more than you can manage. You know yourself best! Good luck!