Casey Clevenger, PhD'16, Sociology
Quality Metrics Specialist, Continuum College, University of Washington
June 16, 2025
Can you describe your career path and how it has led to your current work?
After completing my PhD in sociology, I spent a couple of years working in grant-funded research roles while I finished turning my dissertation into a book manuscript. During this period, I began to explore the non-academic job market and think more about how my research, writing, and analytical skills as a sociologist would translate into other fields.
Soon after the pandemic hit, my family relocated to my home state of Washington where I began to reach out to colleagues I had worked with previously at the University of Washington (UW). Drawing on this network, I set up a number of informational interviews with people working in higher education and policy-related fields. Although I applied to jobs at a variety of organizations, I started to follow the UW job board more closely and take note of units that were posting positions related to applied research, writing, communications, and advancement. After applying to multiple positions at UW, I interviewed for my current role as Quality Metrics Specialist at University of Washington’s Continuum College. During the interview, I was struck by the panel's interest in different research methodologies and approaches and Continuum’s commitment to creating new educational pathways for learners of all ages.
I have been at Continuum College for almost three years now and I appreciate being part of a wider university community where there are always opportunities for ongoing learning and collaboration. I have had the chance to develop new expertise and work on variety of topics — from inclusive teaching practices and digital accessibility to AI skills development in the Washington State workforce. By far, the best part of my job is working with thoughtful engaged people who care deeply about learning, teaching, and the communities they impact.
What does a typical day/week look like for you in this position?
In my current role, my specific projects and tasks vary from month to month and quarter to quarter, but my weeks have a consistent cadence of meetings with my team, manager, and tri-campus groups that convene on a monthly basis. I typically balance larger collaborative projects and cross-functional initiatives with smaller research pilots and case studies.
What skills from your Brandeis degree have you found most valuable in your current work?
Among the many valuable skills I gained from my time at Brandeis, the most important for my current work include qualitative research methodologies; a desire to understand existing systems and structures; writing critically and persuasively for different audiences; accepting, responding to, and integrating critical feedback; and managing short-term and long-term deadlines.
What advice do you have for current students as they embark on their career exploration or job search?
My advice to current students is keep an open mind and think broadly about the skills you have gained in graduate school when embarking on career exploration. Whenever you have the opportunity, diversify and cultivate new skill sets. Try to let go of some of the assumptions you may have had about the types of jobs your degree would prepare you for in the future. When possible, avoid comparing your own career path to others and set small achievable goals at the beginning.