Alumni Profile, February 2020
Cady Steinberg—CAS ’12, WED ’18
What have you been doing since leaving the History Department?
I didn’t go far! I worked part-time at the Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center in Mugar Library, then became a full-time administrator for the English Department, then the Political Science Department. While working, I studied educational policy at the School of Education (now the Wheelock College). I’ve become very involved in local educational politics in my hometown of Everett, and happily came back to the History Department in August 2018.
How did your experience in the department shape your professional and personal life?
It made it very easy to agree to come back! I had kept in contact with my advisor, Professor Chernock, and when I heard through the grapevine that Carrie Mountain was leaving the Department, I knew it was time to come “home,” as it were. I was lucky enough to be granted an interview, and then eventually the position! I knew that if I were to work here, I’d be (re)joining a collegial department that is always doing exciting things–research, innovative teaching, graduate mentorship, events, etc.
What interactions with members of the History faculty did you value most during your time in the department?
I really appreciated the small classes–seminars and lectures. The opportunity to hold substantial discussion during class-time, where we broke down a piece of text, novel, or event, was very rewarding. I hope that all our students experience that.
If you could give a piece of advice to your past self, what would it be?
Don’t slack off! You’ll never know when your professor might just become your colleague…But in all seriousness, go to office hours, attend events, get involved in student groups. Make nice with the administrators–we’re great people.