Alumni Profile: Julie Murphy ’02
Degree(s): BA Psychology, UW-Madison; MA Educational Psychology, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Current Occupation: Business Owner and Independent College Admissions Consultant, Waverly Educational Consulting
What are some of the benefits of your psychology degree?
So many benefits! My undergraduate research experience, psychometrics and experiential psych courses helped me to learn how to appropriate analyze data related to the human experience. I use this skill in my job every day and it is one that is more unique than I expected. I am grateful to my psych experience at UW Madison for helping me to appreciate and understand human development across the lifespan, especially child and adolescent development. Again, I use this in my career every day, and it is also invaluable to me as a parent.
How did you find your way to your current profession?
I discovered in my sophomore year at Madison that I wanted to work in higher ed. I was a SOAR Guide, and fell in love with the idea of working in a dynamic environment with people who are learning and growing every day. I pursued a masters degree in ed psych with a focus in career counseling, and then spent 20 years in a career as an administrator at colleges and universities. My roles included orientation, career counseling, academic advising, student judicial affairs, admissions, financial aid and pre-college programs. I LOVED the work and the variety in all of these jobs, but I wanted more control of my career trajectory and saw an incredible need in the community for support for high schoolers and their parents as they navigated college searches and applications. I explored the profession for a few years before making the leap and leaving my comfortable career to start my business in 2021. I absolutely love what I do, and have found so much meaning and joy in the various chapters of my career so far.
What advice would you give to students graduating with a psychology degree?
Challenge yourself to be ambitious, confident and driven, and seek out opportunities that scare you. For me, that was undergraduate research and applying to be a SOAR Guide, but it can be so many different things at Madison. The four years goes by so quickly and it’s such a unique time in your life to have access to experts in your field and incredibly smart and driven students surrounding you. Don’t take that for granted.
If interested, please list an identity or group membership of which you are particularly proud:
Member of Phi Beta Kappa