Dr. Beverly Moser, Professor, Department of Languages, Literatures and CulturesStudent and Faculty Excellence (SAFE) Fund Recipient: Spring 2023
Project: "Helping Humanities Students Find Good Careers With Their Learning"
Dr. Moser received a Spring 2023 Student and Faculty Excellence (SAFE) grant to organize a three-day campus visit by Shari Moore '13. Moore, an alumna of Appalachian State's Department of History, is Junior Program Officer in the Office of English Programs with the U.S. Department of State. Moser met Moore online in a webinar on Fulbright grants and was eager to bring her to campus.
Moser explained how she noticed that today’s humanities students often don’t see a path after college to fully use their degrees, so she used her $200 grant as seed money to collaborate with other departments in the humanities. In all, she raised $1,000 in co-sponsorships from the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, the Department of History, the Honors College and the Career Development Center to host Moore. Moser, a professor of German who was educated in Washington, D.C., mentioned “many humanities professors, and even career counselors, are unaware of how many valuable opportunities there are for humanities students with the federal government. These even include important entry-level jobs directed at recent graduates.”
During her visit, Moore hosted two workshops and 10 class visits in the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, led a joint Department of History and Honors College workshop and participated in the “Careers for Impact” event organized by the Career Development Center, where she interacted with students and staff from across the university. She also met one-on-one with the College of Arts and Sciences' Career Coach. In Moore’s presentations, which reached a total audience of 160, she offered advice on how to launch a career with the federal government by utilizing humanities skills. She encouraged students to fully value their English writing skills and proficiency in foreign languages, and especially to consider work with the Department of the State and other Washington-based entities, either in diplomacy or in the Division of Education and Cultural Affairs, where Moore’s job is situated. She also shared tips for applying for one-year Fulbright grants in the students’ senior year or as recent graduates.
Moser mentioned she advertised this visit at her department’s Advising Days to attract the highest number of students from all languages. “The events I organized with our campus partners had a huge impact on students. Although the project was almost entirely student-focused, so many faculty and staff attended, so they also learned new ways to mentor students interested in federal, non-governmental organization and non-profit jobs. This will help students gain a foothold in these career sectors, too.”
“This year's SAFE funds of $200, when combined with funding from other units, shows how we can offer powerful programming when we work together for the benefit of students. Humanities students these days greatly need and appreciate the work we did to help them imagine themselves as young professionals who feel ready to join the workforce and put their learning and their passion to work in their future lives,” shared Moser.
Moser, now professor emerita, wishes to thank collaborators in the Honors College and Dr. Michael Behrent, Dr. Angela Mead, Laura Pell, Deanne Smith and Cindy Trivette for their work on this project.
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About the SAFE Fund
Initially endowed by Hughlene and Bill Frank, the College of Arts and Sciences Student and Faculty Excellence (SAFE) Fund provides resources that can be used to support undergraduate, graduate and faculty experiences. The SAFE Fund provides funding for college priorities and opportunities that arise throughout the year. These unrestricted funds support student and faculty travel, publication support for faculty and student research opportunities. Learn more at: https://cas.appstate.edu/students/student-and-faculty-excellence-safe-fund.
About the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures
The Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures offers courses that enhance students’ understanding of other cultures and languages as well as their own, making them prepared for lifelong learning in a multicultural world. Learn more at https://dllc.appstate.edu.
About the Career Development Center
The Career Development Center at Appalachian State University supports the mission of the university and its Division of Student Affairs in developing lifelong learners and leaders by engaging and challenging students within a culture of care and inclusion. Students who participate in the center’s services are able to identify core values, beliefs and skills and use them to articulate relatable career goals; acquire transferable skills and relevant experiences for future professional endeavors; and utilize resources that are available to gain experiential learning opportunities and cultivate professional networks. Learn more at https://careers.appstate.edu.
About the Honors College
More than 500 students are enrolled in Appalachian State University's Honors College, which serves a diverse group of high-achieving, high-potential, highly motivated students from all majors. The Honors College helps students develop independent and creative thinking and high-level research skills; promotes interdisciplinary inquiry; and nurtures cultured and caring exchanges of ideas. The college’s enhanced academic experience prepares students for success in graduate or professional school and for leadership roles in their lives, communities and careers. Learn more at https://honors.appstate.edu.
Written by Lauren Gibbs and Dr. Beverly Moser
April 23, 2024
BOONE, N.C.
