3 answers
Emily
Student
South Brunswick Township, New Jersey
1
Question
Asked
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What was the hardest part about finding internships and your first job in Psychology?
I am scared I wont make connections to get internships and I am wondering what helped you.
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3 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Emily !
What has helped other people is not going to necessarily be what helps you. You will take a special journey, a unique path and you will need to experience it step by step. That is how one finds out more about the career, how to start the career and the particular opportunities that await you during college and after graduation. It's okay to relax and take things step by step. There's really nothing to worry about because there are enormous amounts of support during your academic route and through your Masters Program.
Your first step in obtaining insight about this is to be specific about what position in the psychology field you plan to pursue. Internships are for students in their Junior and Senior year in college or after graduation who already have a foundational understanding of the work. Internships will be made known to you when you are qualified and the time is right and may very well be part of your academic path. Volunteer work is just as valuable as internships and can still be listed as experience on a resume, so do not worry.
The main thing that you can do in college is make strong connections with your psychology department, the professors, classmates and staff, in order to keep up to date and informed about possible opportunities and projects happening both on campus and in the community. Be involved. You'll hear a lot of information that way. Also attend any seminars, trainings, workshops, symposiums and events connected to your major. Also, there are services you can reach out to for Volunteer Work where you live.
Visit South Brunswick Township Division of Social Services to inquire about possible places to volunteer at. Also try South Jersey Behavioral Health Resources, Inc., The Institute for Prevention and Recovery which is affiliated with Rutgers (in case you'll be going to Rutgers). You can also ask for a list of possible places to volunteer at NJ211 by calling 2-1-1, texting your zip code to 898-211. The State of New Jersey’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services also maintains a directory of state funded mental health programs that you can possibly do volunteer work at.
Register for an orientation at the college you will attend. This is how you will learn everything about your Psychology program and what is involved and this will greatly alleviate any worry you have. There's lots of ways to network and get experience in your chosen major so try to take things slow and you will make these discoveries when it's time. Explore your college and Major Program for right now and take an orientation of the college and ask if Psychology students are placed in Internships in their Junior and Senior years. That will make you feel much better !
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
What has helped other people is not going to necessarily be what helps you. You will take a special journey, a unique path and you will need to experience it step by step. That is how one finds out more about the career, how to start the career and the particular opportunities that await you during college and after graduation. It's okay to relax and take things step by step. There's really nothing to worry about because there are enormous amounts of support during your academic route and through your Masters Program.
Your first step in obtaining insight about this is to be specific about what position in the psychology field you plan to pursue. Internships are for students in their Junior and Senior year in college or after graduation who already have a foundational understanding of the work. Internships will be made known to you when you are qualified and the time is right and may very well be part of your academic path. Volunteer work is just as valuable as internships and can still be listed as experience on a resume, so do not worry.
The main thing that you can do in college is make strong connections with your psychology department, the professors, classmates and staff, in order to keep up to date and informed about possible opportunities and projects happening both on campus and in the community. Be involved. You'll hear a lot of information that way. Also attend any seminars, trainings, workshops, symposiums and events connected to your major. Also, there are services you can reach out to for Volunteer Work where you live.
Visit South Brunswick Township Division of Social Services to inquire about possible places to volunteer at. Also try South Jersey Behavioral Health Resources, Inc., The Institute for Prevention and Recovery which is affiliated with Rutgers (in case you'll be going to Rutgers). You can also ask for a list of possible places to volunteer at NJ211 by calling 2-1-1, texting your zip code to 898-211. The State of New Jersey’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services also maintains a directory of state funded mental health programs that you can possibly do volunteer work at.
Register for an orientation at the college you will attend. This is how you will learn everything about your Psychology program and what is involved and this will greatly alleviate any worry you have. There's lots of ways to network and get experience in your chosen major so try to take things slow and you will make these discoveries when it's time. Explore your college and Major Program for right now and take an orientation of the college and ask if Psychology students are placed in Internships in their Junior and Senior years. That will make you feel much better !
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
This was super helpful, thank you!
Brittanie Fleming, M.S.
Contract Management
6
Answers
Annapolis Junction, Maryland
Updated
Brittanie’s Answer
Emily,
Your concerns make sense!
I have a Bachelor's, Master's, and now a PhD in Psychology, but I work in contract management, using my skills in daily interactions and decision-making.
First, decide what you want to do with your psychology degree. Be specific about your goals beyond just wanting to help people. The field has many areas like sport psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, clinical therapy, and guidance counseling. Focus on the challenges you want to tackle and use that as a starting point for your career path. Talk to your college advisors and professionals in the field to get guidance.
Once you connect with advisors, ask if they can mentor you and help find a suitable internship. They often have valuable connections. Also, check with your campus psychology office or counselor for programs you can join, which might lead to more opportunities.
Wishing you the best!
Your concerns make sense!
I have a Bachelor's, Master's, and now a PhD in Psychology, but I work in contract management, using my skills in daily interactions and decision-making.
First, decide what you want to do with your psychology degree. Be specific about your goals beyond just wanting to help people. The field has many areas like sport psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, clinical therapy, and guidance counseling. Focus on the challenges you want to tackle and use that as a starting point for your career path. Talk to your college advisors and professionals in the field to get guidance.
Once you connect with advisors, ask if they can mentor you and help find a suitable internship. They often have valuable connections. Also, check with your campus psychology office or counselor for programs you can join, which might lead to more opportunities.
Wishing you the best!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1186
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Emily,
Your fear makes perfect sense, and to be honest, you're not the only one who feels this way. In a sector where experience is important, almost all aspiring psychologists worry about how they will acquire their first meaningful opportunity.
For many, it's not a lack of skill that makes it difficult to obtain internships or that first job in psychology; rather, it's not knowing where to search or being afraid to ask. Opportunities in psychology aren't usually advertised in the same way as those in business or technology, so it may seem like everyone else is aware of a secret that you are not. If you're not naturally sociable or don't already "know someone," the connection portion may feel particularly intimidating.
Realizing that connections are typically made gradually and intentionally rather than by magic is the most helpful thing. Teaching assistants, academic advisors, and professors are often the first true connections to internships. Opportunities can be opened by just showing up during office hours, enquiring about their study, or expressing your want to obtain experience. Instead of having a flawless resume, many students get internships because a professor forwarded an email, suggested them for a lab, or introduced them to a colleague.
Understanding that early psychological experience doesn't need to be flawless or prestigious is another significant turning point. Hospitals, schools, youth programs, crisis hotlines, and community mental health groups are all places where volunteering counts. Research assistant positions, especially those that are initially unpaid, do the same. These early positions help you gain momentum, references, and confidence. After you have one experience, landing the next one is much simpler.
If there is one mentality change that is most beneficial, it is this: don't wait till you feel "ready" to make contact. Make the email. Make a request for information. You can still apply even if you don't fit all the requirements. The majority of successful people didn't overcome their concerns; they simply made tiny progress.
Just by asking this question, you've already gained an advantage. Being perfect is not the source of connections; rather, it is constancy, curiosity, and showing up. And I can assure you that the fear becomes far less intense as soon as the first door opens.
Best wishes!
Your fear makes perfect sense, and to be honest, you're not the only one who feels this way. In a sector where experience is important, almost all aspiring psychologists worry about how they will acquire their first meaningful opportunity.
For many, it's not a lack of skill that makes it difficult to obtain internships or that first job in psychology; rather, it's not knowing where to search or being afraid to ask. Opportunities in psychology aren't usually advertised in the same way as those in business or technology, so it may seem like everyone else is aware of a secret that you are not. If you're not naturally sociable or don't already "know someone," the connection portion may feel particularly intimidating.
Realizing that connections are typically made gradually and intentionally rather than by magic is the most helpful thing. Teaching assistants, academic advisors, and professors are often the first true connections to internships. Opportunities can be opened by just showing up during office hours, enquiring about their study, or expressing your want to obtain experience. Instead of having a flawless resume, many students get internships because a professor forwarded an email, suggested them for a lab, or introduced them to a colleague.
Understanding that early psychological experience doesn't need to be flawless or prestigious is another significant turning point. Hospitals, schools, youth programs, crisis hotlines, and community mental health groups are all places where volunteering counts. Research assistant positions, especially those that are initially unpaid, do the same. These early positions help you gain momentum, references, and confidence. After you have one experience, landing the next one is much simpler.
If there is one mentality change that is most beneficial, it is this: don't wait till you feel "ready" to make contact. Make the email. Make a request for information. You can still apply even if you don't fit all the requirements. The majority of successful people didn't overcome their concerns; they simply made tiny progress.
Just by asking this question, you've already gained an advantage. Being perfect is not the source of connections; rather, it is constancy, curiosity, and showing up. And I can assure you that the fear becomes far less intense as soon as the first door opens.
Best wishes!