Carolyn P.

PhD

Nashville, Tennessee, United States

About

At EQ, our mission is solving problems for lasting impact with humor, know how, and a deep understanding of our clients. As an EQ Collaborator, I am a multi- and interdisciplinary thinker, writer, teacher, researcher, and consultant. I work at the intersection of public policy, sociology, and psychology. In my research, I investigate why people do what they do and focus on how people make meaning, navigate challenges, and take action in their careers. I learn the motivating narratives that help people understand who they are, who they want to become, and take career-related action in line with their identity, as well as how organizational and system-level inputs impact individuals' career longevity, satisfaction, and/or burnout. Based on what I find, I offer insights to individuals navigating their callings and organizations who want to retain and motivate talented workers. I like to ask good questions. I am extremely good at taking feedback. I love working with and mentoring others. Over years and years of research training and practice, I have honed the skill of seeing the big picture without overlooking key details. I specialize in (and love) qualitative data collection and analysis with the purpose of making policy recommendations. My experience includes: administering and analyzing surveys, focus groups, individual interviews, observational data, and other written products. I love collaborating with others, mentoring and teaching, editing and providing constructive feedback for better writing and organization, and working with individuals and organizations to achieve sustainable excellence.

Experience

  • Collaborator at Equilibrium Collaborative
    Feb 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 5 mos

  • Doctoral Student at Northwestern University
    Sep 2013 - Jun 2024 · 10 yrs 10 mos

    I focus on adult career identity and relationship (or orientation to) work. Through analyzing the career narratives of highly passionate adults in arts and education, I study how we relate to work in contemporary society. My work relates to vocational identity, calling, meaningful work, burnout, and has policy implications for individuals and employers seeking to retain talented and invested individuals. Methodologically, I specialize in qualitative methods (especially survey and interview creation, administration, and analysis). I am passionate about quality qualitative research. I know my way around regression analysis as well, but qualitative methodology and analysis is my passion. Anticipated dissertation completion: 2020

  • Program Analyst at Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Evaluations and Insp
    May 2009 - Aug 2013 · 4 yrs 4 mos

    I worked with teams to evaluate programs and influence policies via data collection and analysis of government program efficiency and effectiveness.

  • Student at University of Chicago, Committee on International Relations and Harris School of Public Policy
    Jul 2007 - Jun 2009 · 2 yrs

    MA in Public Policy and MA in International Relations, both with Honors, June 2009 Master's Thesis: UN High Commissioner for Refugees and States: Whose Preferences are Enacted in Refugee Policy and Why? Focused on international development, international organizations, program evaluation, institutions, refugee politics and policies, global poverty studies

  • Program Assistant at International Rescue Committee Tanzania
    Jun 2006 - Jun 2007 · 1 yr 1 mo

    Provided program support to 8 refugee camps in rural western Tanzania. Princeton in Africa Fellowship.