From Classroom to Research: Sam’s Journey into Education Research

In the dynamic world of education research, opportunities often arise from unexpected paths. For Sam Comai, a Master of Education in Education Policy and Leadership (MEd EPL) student at American University, an internship at Education Week has become a transformative experience that reshaped his professional aspirations. Started in 1981, "EdWeek" is a nationwide K-12 education news source with over 1.6M readers including teachers, principals, and district leaders.

Discovering a Passion for Research

When he first arrived in Washington, DC, Comai was set on a career in education policy. However, everything changed after taking courses with School of Education (SOE) Professor Jennifer Steele. What he discovered was surprising: the field of education research is far from exhausted.

From the outside, you look at the research field and think that every single niche, topic, and question probably has an answer. I was surprised to learn that is just not the case at all.

A Day in the EdWeek Research Center

His internship at EdWeek has been anything but monotonous. On any given day, Comai might be coding open-ended survey responses, writing syntax to clean field data, or proofreading a whitepaper ready for publication. This variety has been key to developing critical skills he believes will be essential in his future career.

Beyond the Vermont Bubble

Coming from Vermont, the student credits his American University experience with broadening his perspective. "Exposure to diverse perspectives and backgrounds has been a valuable experience," he notes. The program's commitment to bringing together students from varied backgrounds and learning from experts across different educational spaces has been transformative.

Navigating the Competitive DC Job Market

The journey hasn't been without challenges. Having applied to over 100 jobs and experiencing the competitive nature of Washington, DC's job market, he's learned that networking is crucial. "Connections are critical to finding the right positions, especially in education policy and research," he advises incoming students. "If you get connected and focus on networking you will definitely improve your chances of landing something you love."

Looking Ahead

While his future remains open, the internship has equipped Comai with fundamental research skills. "I have been in DC for about a year and a half and I am continuing to apply for positions that I can step into once my internship is over," he said. Whether he continues in research or transitions to policy work, he's gained invaluable experience-including navigating remote work in a post-pandemic workplace.

His advice to incoming students is simple yet profound: "Keep an open mind. Ask yourself, 'What type of job can help me get where I want to be in the future?'"

Through his journey, he exemplifies the spirit of the MEd EPL program: adaptable, curious, and committed to understanding the complex landscape of education in America.

If you are ready to expand your knowledge of education, check out the American University School of Education's Master of Education Policy and Leadership degree-attend in-person or hybrid.

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