Kevin Stanek

Class of 2009, B.A. in Psychology & Economics

Where have you worked and/or studied since you graduated from USC?

Doctoral student of psychology (behavior genetics, individual differences, and industrial/organizational psychology) at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; consulted in human capital management for various companies and start-ups, interned at Korn/Ferry (executive search firm) and Gilead Sciences (biotech company).

What was the most beneficial thing you did as a student at USC to prepare you for post-graduation?

Participated in a research lab and wrote an honors paper. Without my research experience and the support of my faculty supervisor there is no way I would have gotten into such a great graduate program. The second most beneficial thing to prepare for life post-graduation was join the rowing team; it forged my persistence, increased my fitness, and built my network.

What course did you enjoy the most?

Learning and memory with Dr. Lavond. When I taught my own course last year I even called him for tips on how to structure the course and material to maximize student learning (e.g., weekly quizzes rather than bi-monthly exams). I think the principles of behaviorism are a great frame for viewing the world, and they are also likely the strongest, manipulable drivers of behavior.

If you were an undergraduate again, is there anything that you would do differently?

Talk to as many people as I could bear. USC has a lot of people who are doing/going to go on to do amazing things. Turn the other cheek to jerks, be confident in yourself, and strike up normal (i.e., non-creepy) conversations with the goal of genuinely getting to know/connect with people. There will be a lot of people you don’t/can’t connect with, but don’t let that discourage you.

Have you won any awards, accolades, etc. after you graduated from USC?

Some relatively small-scale graduate school fellowships, but ask me again in two years 😉