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how will i find an internship that has to do with psychology ?
looking for any internships that could help or benefit me striving to get my bachelor’s degree in psychology!
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Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
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Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Terius,
You are doing amazing, thinking already about internships while working toward your psychology degree! Gaining hands-on experience can help you explore different career paths, build your resume, and make connections in the field. One of the best places to start is your college’s career center. Many universities have exclusive internship opportunities with local clinics, research labs, or mental health organizations that aren’t widely advertised. Connecting with your professors and department advisors can also lead to valuable research assistant positions in areas like cognitive psychology, social psychology, or behavioral neuroscience. If any professor’s work interests you, consider reaching out to see if they have openings in their lab.
If you’re interested in clinical or counseling psychology, look for internships at nonprofit organizations, community mental health centers, hospitals, or rehabilitation centers. Many of these places offer internships or volunteer positions where you can gain experience working alongside therapists and counselors. Crisis hotlines and peer support groups also provide hands-on experience in mental health work. Websites like Idealist.org, Handshake, and LinkedIn are great for finding these types of opportunities.
If you're drawn to forensic psychology, criminal justice, or social work, government-related internships can be a great option. You might find opportunities at courts, juvenile detention centers, police departments, or victim advocacy groups. Some government agencies, like the Department of Health & Human Services, also offer internships that focus on public mental health policies and programs.
Networking is another powerful way to find internships. Joining your school’s psychology club can help you meet professionals and students with similar interests. Attending psychology conferences or career fairs can also open doors to opportunities you might not find online. Reaching out to alumni on LinkedIn and asking about their career paths can provide insight and connections that could lead to internship openings.
In addition to in-person opportunities, there are many virtual and remote psychology-related internships. Fields like behavioral research, data analysis, psychology-related content writing, and even human resources offer remote internships that allow you to gain experience from anywhere. Websites like Internships.com, Chegg Internships, and the American Psychological Association’s (APA) website frequently list remote and in-person opportunities.
Your first psychology internship doesn’t have to be your dream role. Any experience—whether in research, counseling, education, or social work—will give you valuable skills and help you figure out what areas of psychology truly interest you. Keep looking, keep networking, and don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals for advice. You’re on the right path, and with persistence, you’ll find an opportunity that aligns with your goals.
Best wishes!
You are doing amazing, thinking already about internships while working toward your psychology degree! Gaining hands-on experience can help you explore different career paths, build your resume, and make connections in the field. One of the best places to start is your college’s career center. Many universities have exclusive internship opportunities with local clinics, research labs, or mental health organizations that aren’t widely advertised. Connecting with your professors and department advisors can also lead to valuable research assistant positions in areas like cognitive psychology, social psychology, or behavioral neuroscience. If any professor’s work interests you, consider reaching out to see if they have openings in their lab.
If you’re interested in clinical or counseling psychology, look for internships at nonprofit organizations, community mental health centers, hospitals, or rehabilitation centers. Many of these places offer internships or volunteer positions where you can gain experience working alongside therapists and counselors. Crisis hotlines and peer support groups also provide hands-on experience in mental health work. Websites like Idealist.org, Handshake, and LinkedIn are great for finding these types of opportunities.
If you're drawn to forensic psychology, criminal justice, or social work, government-related internships can be a great option. You might find opportunities at courts, juvenile detention centers, police departments, or victim advocacy groups. Some government agencies, like the Department of Health & Human Services, also offer internships that focus on public mental health policies and programs.
Networking is another powerful way to find internships. Joining your school’s psychology club can help you meet professionals and students with similar interests. Attending psychology conferences or career fairs can also open doors to opportunities you might not find online. Reaching out to alumni on LinkedIn and asking about their career paths can provide insight and connections that could lead to internship openings.
In addition to in-person opportunities, there are many virtual and remote psychology-related internships. Fields like behavioral research, data analysis, psychology-related content writing, and even human resources offer remote internships that allow you to gain experience from anywhere. Websites like Internships.com, Chegg Internships, and the American Psychological Association’s (APA) website frequently list remote and in-person opportunities.
Your first psychology internship doesn’t have to be your dream role. Any experience—whether in research, counseling, education, or social work—will give you valuable skills and help you figure out what areas of psychology truly interest you. Keep looking, keep networking, and don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals for advice. You’re on the right path, and with persistence, you’ll find an opportunity that aligns with your goals.
Best wishes!
Updated
Ken’s Answer
Patrick's response is great. I wanted to add that I had two work-study internships as an undergraduate. I got to do some amazing research with two different professors. One project involved training monkeys to do a visual acuity task. The monkeys were really fun to work with. The other project involved studying how our eyes accommodate (focus) in low contrast stimulus conditions. Both projects were extremely interesting to me so it helped me to lock in my choice to major in psychology. I met these professors via classes I was taking with them at the time.
A work-study internship is a great way for you to figure out if psychology is a good fit for you. In my opinion, all students should do a work-study internship. You may want to consider going to graduate school too.
I wish you the best of luck!
A work-study internship is a great way for you to figure out if psychology is a good fit for you. In my opinion, all students should do a work-study internship. You may want to consider going to graduate school too.
I wish you the best of luck!
Thanks for your encouragement!
Terius
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Finding an internship related to psychology requires a strategic approach, combining research, networking, and direct outreach. Start by utilizing your college's career services, which often have valuable resources, internship listings, and connections to alumni in the psychology field. Additionally, explore professional organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA) or local psychology associations, which often post internship opportunities and offer networking events. Consider seeking internships in diverse areas of psychology, including clinical settings, research labs, nonprofit organizations, hospitals, or schools. Many universities also have psychology research projects where undergraduate students can assist, providing hands-on experience. It’s also worthwhile to approach professors in your department who may have research opportunities or know of internships in the field. Finally, use job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor, which regularly list psychology-related internships, and don't hesitate to send personalized inquiries to organizations or professionals whose work you admire. Being proactive, maintaining a clear focus on your career goals, and staying persistent will help you uncover opportunities that align with your ambitions and contribute to your academic and professional growth in psychology.