A College of Education degree is more versatile than some people may imagine. Many of our graduates go into fields that are directly related to their degrees. But many others use the knowledge gained during their time as students to succeed in other fields. This recurring feature profiles graduates who have used their College of Education degrees to succeed in their careers. Meet Eric Ian Farmer and Nancy Palladino Houle, and learn how their degrees have helped them to succeed.

Eric Ian Farmer

Education: Doctorate in educational leadership (2016).

Current position: I work as a State College-based singer/songwriter as well as a music instructor focusing primarily on songwriting and live performance at Eagle Rock School & Professional Development Center in Estes Park, Colorado, a small independent school for students from across the U.S. who might not otherwise graduate from high school.

Although I did not study music, it has always been with me (church youth choir, high school musicals, a capella groups). In general, the doctorate has helped me to have the confidence to pursue what is in my heart. Specifically, one aspect of the methodology I used for my dissertation is that the researcher, while interviewing someone, is to listen not only to a story but also for a story.

Now, my goal with students in a songwriting context is for them to not just listen to a story from, for example, their own past, from the news, or from history, but also to listen for a story — one that might shine a light on where there’s hope but also where there is a need for hope — and then craft that story into a song that an audience might receive without resistance and want to hear again and again.

Advice to current students: Even though my journey since graduation falls outside the beaten path of graduation, I am grateful to still be supported by my College of Education relationships. My humble advice: (1) Building relationships with faculty, staff and students is worth the time. (2) Your path during school and/or post-graduation might evolve differently than you anticipated. Learn what you can from those changes. (3) You might know, upon arrival, which professor(s) you want to lead you through the dissertation process. However, the professor(s) you work best with might be different from the one(s) you initially wanted to work with. Give yourself ample time to sort that out. (4) If circumstances allow, stay in the State College area throughout the program because I think that helps to increase your chances of graduation.

Nancy Palladino Houle

Education: Master of science in vocational technical education (2005) and doctorate in workforce education and development (2007).

Current position: I am the executive director of the Minuteman Technical Institute, an adult education workforce training program focusing on career technical education (CTE) and upskilling for unemployed/underemployed students 18 and older.

Two years after earning my undergraduate degree, I accepted a position as the state director of Rhode Island VICA (now SkillsUSA). I fell in love with career and technical education during my first CTE school tour. I had finally found my place.

I spent four years in that position, then applied to Penn State’s Vocational Technical Education Department, where I served as a graduate assistant. The experiences afforded me during my time with the department formed the foundation for my work in workforce development.

Upon graduation from Penn State, I accepted a position with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. I made a few other stops along the way before coming to my current position.

I do not have a “traditional” CTE background. My degrees allowed me to create a pathway into CTE. There also is a tremendous sense of pride that my degrees give me: pride in the Penn State experience, pride in having learned from professors who were connected to and invested in their student’s success, pride in belonging to a great group of WFED alumni.

Advice to current students: (1) You are in one of the best fields of education there is. Stay connected to CTE students … you need their energy. (2) Network wherever you go, and stay in touch with your adviser and cohort group. (3) Don’t be afraid to write a grant or two. You never know what they will bring to your school or program. (4) If you’re writing your thesis, stay with it. Invest in some nice, absorbent towels, though ... they work better than tissues.