Defining Myself In: My Early Career Journey

Abstract This article represents an integration of my personal and professional identities. I begin by discussing some of my salient identities (e.g., multiracial Asian American, cisgender woman, sexual/gender minority ally, first-generation college student) and their impact on my path to academic psychology. I then discuss some of the professional lessons I have learned, including the importance of finding community, clarifying values, and knowing one’s worth. From these lessons, I offer suggestions for other early career professionals to consider as they navigate their journey. Finally, I conclude with some of the ways I apply my experience to the training of therapists.