Courtney Engholm is pursuing a BA in child psychology at the Institute of Child Development (ICD). Through joining the Child Psychology Student Organization (CPSO), Engholm has discovered many networking and research opportunities. Currently, she serves as CPSO’s vice president, assisting the president in the operation, scheduling, and facilitation of their organization. Below, Engholm articulates how her passion for young children has shaped her collegiate career.

What made you want to study child psychology?

I decided to study child psychology because I love working with young children and I enjoy studying about their development in their early years.

What do you find most interesting about child development?

Children grow so quickly (physically and mentally) in the first few years of their life, and a lot of their early experiences can impact their future. I enjoy learning about how one area of development can impact another.

How were you prompted to join CPSO?

When I saw that the U of M had a child psych club, I knew I wanted to join to learn more about the major and career field. I loved everything about CPSO during my first semester freshman year so I decided to apply for an officer position for the upcoming spring semester and was chosen to be an officer! I now am currently the vice president.

How has CPSO impacted your collegiate career?

CPSO has given me opportunities that I would not have if I wasn’t in CPSO. I have been able to talk to grad students, professors, people working in the field, researchers, and many more. CPSO has enabled me to explore what area of child psychology I would like to pursue in the future and continues to make me excited about what I am studying.

How would you describe your experience at ICD?

ICD has a very welcoming atmosphere. Everyone is willing to help one another and support each other, and I am glad to be a part of ICD.

What is the most valuable thing you have learned in ICD?  

ICD has taught me that there are many options in the field that I am pursuing and to be confident in myself that I will succeed.

What are your plans for after graduation?

I do not have any set plans for after graduation, but I know that I would like to attend grad school sometime in my future.

What is your advice to incoming ICD students?

Have fun exploring your major and all of the different opportunities that arise! Do not feel as if you need to follow a certain path, make your collegiate experience what you want it to be!!