Why Ahuva Chose the BA Psychology Track

Ahuva Rosenthal shares her journey towards earning her BA in Psychology.

How did you first hear about Sara Schenirer?

My mother earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in special education from Sara Schenirer many years ago so I knew all about the institution. She worked as a SEIT provider and even taught at Sara Schenirer for a few years. She always spoke highly of her experiences as a student and professor. When I saw an advertisement for an open house taking place at a nearby cafe, I asked my mother to join me. Mrs. Shonek greeted my mother so warmly and with such excitement, that we instantly felt like family. At that moment, I knew I wanted to be a part of Sara Schenirer. After hearing about the different programs, the psychology degree seemed like the most versatile option for me. 

What inspired you to pursue the field of Psychology?

I was always interested in digital marketing and graphic design. I felt like majoring in psychology would give me an edge and a better understanding of the strategies behind advertising. I found the concept of exploring the human psyche from a marketing perspective fascinating. People’s emotions and attitudes can influence their behavior and purchases, and using psychology to understand how people make decisions is a key part of the field.

How prepared did you feel when you first started? What surprised you most about your classes?

I had an excellent high school education, so the coursework wasn’t too difficult for me. The surprising part was how challenging and rigorous the English classes were. Our professors were able to help us progress from high school-level writing to college-level writing over the course of just two semesters. The way I articulate my thoughts via writing has drastically improved since  I attended Sara Schenirer.

What has been your favorite part of your experience so far? Most challenging?

I loved the social aspect of Sara Schenirer. I was in classes with a diverse group of girls ranging from  Chassidish to Syrians and everyone in between! We all helped each other with coursework, and I’m still in touch with many of them to this day. The most challenging part was juggling night classes with social affairs such as engagement parties and weddings. We’re grateful for simchos, but it was tough to miss events because of class.

What skills do you think are important for success in Psychology?

The field of digital marketing is constantly evolving, with algorithm updates keeping you on your toes. You need to be in learning-mode all the time. Curiosity, creativity, and attention to detail are foundational skills required to succeed as a digital marketer.

How much time do you spend on coursework outside of class?

English classes took the most time because they involved writing essays and research papers which could easily total 10 hours a week. Other than those assignments, though, I would estimate 5 hours weekly for other courses.

How does the schedule fit with your lifestyle?

The professors were super accommodating and would occasionally shift a schedule if an entire class requested to switch timing. I was also able to keep my full-time office job while in school. Luckily, my managers were very understanding so I never felt like I was struggling to give both college and work my full attention.

How would you describe the support you receive from Sara Schenirer staff and professors?

The entire Sara Schenirer family is so supportive! My questions were always answered right away – no 3-5 business day wait! I had meetings with my advisor and coordinator periodically to ensure that I was on track to graduate on time and to address any concerns I had.

What advice would you give to new students starting out?

Sara Schenirer is a serious program and you will need to work hard to earn your degree. As long as you carve out the time and put in the effort, you will be able to complete the program and graduate with an excellent education. Some skills needed to succeed in school include time management, motivation, and technological savvy.

What are your goals after earning your degree?

The advertising field has always called my name. I chose to focus on psychology in advertising for my capstone project which gave me a deeper understanding of how marketing works. I researched and wrote about different strategic methods, including text and color placement, word associations, and high and low context cultures. I also loved my cognitive psychology class, specifically the module on persuasion. It taught us about different manipulation tactics, such as foot-in-the-door versus door-in-the-face methods.

These courses definitely prepared me for a career in advertising. After graduating Sara Schenirer, I completed a 6-month digital marketing course through ODEO Academy and earned a few certificates through other online programs. There were always quite a few psychology majors in those courses and the knowledge and background I gained from Sara Schenirer helped me excel in them.

I’ve found that potential employers take me much more seriously when I mention my degree plus my additional marketing certifications. For example, I was speaking with a business owner, describing the services I could provide for his company based on my education, and he offered to hire me full time and double my current salary! While it ultimately wasn’t the right fit for me, it showed me that there are opportunities everywhere. New businesses are always opening and every company, no matter the size, can use a digital marketer. My skills combined with my psychology background give me an edge over other marketers who may have technical know-how, but are missing a deeper understanding of the crucial psychological aspect of advertising.