Syracuse Sun

The School of Education’s Selected Studies in Education (SSE) major offers undergraduates the opportunity to pursue careers beyond traditional classroom teaching. Alumni Victor Yang and Angela Woods have successfully utilized their SSE degrees to forge paths in fields such as policy, politics, nonprofit work, and international development.

The SSE program features five focus areas: technology and media, schooling and diversity, physical activity, post-secondary and human services, or pre-teaching. These prepare students for diverse careers that involve learning, training, service, or advocacy components.

Victor Yang ’16 is currently serving as chief government affairs officer at the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA). His career path includes working in Congress, the Biden Administration, and various political campaigns. Angela Woods has worked for the Department of State (DOS) and Nakupuna Companies. She recently returned to DOS as director of operations for the Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy.

Yang's early experiences influenced his career trajectory. Growing up in Boston’s Chinatown as the son of immigrants inspired him to explore education policy during his time at a child care center. He transitioned from elementary education to SSE while also pursuing English studies.

Angela Woods began her journey inspired by her high school guidance counselor who was an Orange alum. Despite realizing classroom teaching wasn't her calling, she stayed within the education field due to interests sparked by her participation in SOE programs like the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program.

Networking played a crucial role in Yang's career development after graduation. Starting as a program coordinator at ACCESS and driving for Uber on the side led him to government service through networking events and internships on Capitol Hill.

Woods diversified her experiences by earning a master’s degree at the University of Maryland before managing academic internships for federal agencies at The Washington Center. Her internship with the US-Spain Fulbright Commission helped secure positions within DOS managing programs like TechWomen.

Both Yang and Woods emphasize exploring diverse experiences beyond classroom teaching with an SSE degree can lead to fulfilling federal careers.

Sadie Keefe contributed to this article.