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How do I get a good job before I go to graduate school?

I have just received my BA in psychology in may of this year. I have been trying to find a job to gain experience before I go to grad school. Any job thats related to y degree or closely related. Any recommendations for jobs or internships? I was not able to do any internships because of covid.

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Jay’s Answer

Hi Kennedy, congratulations on earning your BA during such unprecedented times. I'm a pediatric psychologist who works in a children's hospital. Like others have said, most experience will be unpaid. If you're looking to enter graduate school for psychology, you may consider the following areas to look for volunteering opportunities: 1) at a hospital, some offer support specific to child life services, 2) a local or national crisis hotline of some kind, 3) domestic violence shelters, 4) VA hospitals, and 5) food pantries. I would also recommend speaking with your recent psychology professors; they are likely to be aware of local opportunities. Best of luck!
Thank you comment icon I wanted to jump in and reiterate number 2! I graduated with my BA in psychology and for a little while, I thought about pursuing a Masters in Social Work (MSW). Most of these programs have requirements such as 100 hours of direct community experience in the field. During that time, I volunteered with the Crisis Textline which was an amazing opportunity! They provide training and an amazing support system so that you can do the hard work of responding to real people who are struggling. It's super flexible and I highly recommend checking it out! Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Thank you comment icon I start my training for it tomorrow I am so excited!😆 Kennedy
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Alexa’s Answer

There are many opportunities for internships. I would say a good opportunity is an assistant for a psychologist. You would learn a lot working with a psychologist, like communication skills, new vocabulary, and maybe even learning how to diagnose! It would also be a good connection to have for networking purposes for future job opportunities, or for academic application purposes (Letter of recommendation for grad school).
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Kennedy
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Amber’s Answer

I would recommend an internship as well. Most people have been able to turn an internship into a full-time position once they graduate college as they have been supporting the company as an intern (sometimes unpaid). Also joining a community service program and volunteering will help as well. There are tons of virtual volunteer opportunities available online. Setting up a LinkedIn profile will help you get connected with businesses and like-minded people who have the roles that you desire and you can build off what skills and experinces they have. Most of the time- reaching out to the connections on Linkedin can create mentorships or sponsorships. You got this!
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Prajwal’s Answer

I would suggest joining as an Intern, don't think of pay now. Try to convert to full time. Most of the companies sponsor Grad school for their Full time employee.
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Lexi’s Answer

Hey Kennedy! Congrats on earning a BA in Psychology! I am not in the Psychology field, however, I do have experience when applying to grad schools. Any sort of experience you can get within your field is crucial when applying to grad school. Almost all grad schools require that the applicants have some job-related experience prior to being accepted. Unfortunately, a majority of the available opportunities will likely be unpaid. I suggest that you reach out to a local hospital and provide them with your resume. Also let them know that you're open to unpaid opportunities to obtain experience.
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Neel’s Answer

I am not in the psychology field but the advice still remains pertinent.
1. Ensure that you have a well-crafted profile on websites that psychologists frequent. This might be LinkedIn or something else.
2. Ensure that people 1-2 years ahead of you who went to the same school are aware that you are looking.
3. In this topsy-turvy economy, look for unusual places that are looking for you (or someone like you). Did you know that Indeed.com has an economics department?
4. You should have a solid elevator pitch on what you want. By asking for something focused, you are dramatically increasing the chance that the listener would be able to help you.
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Michael’s Answer

Hi Kennedy,

Congrats on your awesome accomplishment and graduating with a BA in Psychology! Are there specific types of jobs that you are focusing on to utilize your degree? Have you reached out to your fellow psychology graduates for job leads, etc.?

Have you networked with your professors in the psychology department? The professors can provide you with professional contacts and information on companies in need of psychology graduates. They can also provide a list of psychology alumni who you can reach out to for full-time employment opportunities or internships. Another great resource for information is a student organization that is primarily focused for psychology students.

The Career Service Center on campus is where students go to research information for company profiles and points of contact. Full-time employment and internship opportunities will be listed by the CSC staff. The CSC staff can assist in resume writing, interviewing skills, networking, job fairs, etc.

LinkedIn is a website of professionals. One can search and view profiles of professionals from all industries. An introductory message can be sent to a professional on LinkedIn. You can inquire with the professional about your interests in the field of psychology and what you are looking for in regards to full-time employment and/or internship opportunities. Also, you can build your initial profile with information such as your educational pathway, accomplished degree, concentration courses, certifications, campus activities and organizations, etc. , so that professionals can view your background history as well.

LinkedIn is also a job portal. Meaning, one can apply for posted positions and opportunities that companies are currently hiring for. The company will have its profile listed, so that one can view what the company does, contact information, website links, etc.

Here is the website for LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com

As a full-time employee, there will be some companies that offer educational benefits. Meaning, if the degree or advanced degree is job related, the company will pay for the tuition for the full-time employee. This is a great way to go after your graduate degree without taking out additional loans or grants and be in education debt after graduation.

Best wishes in your future endeavors for graduate school and your career path in Psychology!

Michael recommends the following next steps:

Reach out to professors in the Psychology department
Get involved with the psychology student organization
Check out and conduct research at the Career Services Center on campus
Establish a LinkedIn Profile
Utilize LinkedIn to reach out to Psychology professionals and view company profiles and job opportunities
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