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I am a Junior at University getting my Psychology major and Social Work minor. I'm most interested in sports psychology and fitness in combination with psychology. Any advice on finding summer volunteer work or internships that are related to these fields?

I am also a National Council on Strength and Fitness Certified Personal Trainer.

psychology social-work clinical-psychology mental-health
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Bhavna’s Answer

One great way to start your search for a summer volunteer work or internship opportunity is to look for organizations that specialize in sports psychology, fitness, and psychology. You can find such organizations online, by attending networking events, or by speaking to your college career advisor or professors. You can also reach out directly to in-demand fitness professionals in your area to inquire whether they offer any projects or internships you can get involved in. Additionally, you can see if any universities, hospitals or research institutes in your area offer relevant internships or volunteer positions. You could also look up summer programs hosted by various universities around the country, as these are sometimes open to non-students as well. Having some experience in the field will also be a great asset and will make you a much more viable candidate for a summer volunteer work or internship opportunity. Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Bhavna for the advice. Cameron
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LaTerricka’s Answer

As a past student one of the main websites that would let me know about internships and such were handshake.com. Always either job or intern related opportunities on here for all states. Besides that I would look at local gyms and such to see if they have any programs like that. Lastly , usually the council your under as a personal trainer would also have good resources for you to use to find what your looking for as well.
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Judith-Ann’s Answer

Cameron, you are on your way to a wonderful career. Any organization would be happy to welcome a volunteer with your background. I think it is a good idea to find volunteer work in your field of interest. With that said, ask yourself: What attracts you to the career of sports psychology? Is it the mission of helping young athletes learning to care for their bodies in their sports routines? Is it the idea of working with professional teams? Can you see yourself working on the football field? On the basketball court? For High School age? For College age? For Professional age? Do you like working with women or men? Is your aspiration more holistic? When you see yourself as a sports psychologist what picture comes to mind? Can you see yourself working in hospitals or schools or gyms? Use the answer to these questions to find your volunteer opportunities. Follow your passion. And most of all, have fun!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for these helpful, questions! With appreciation, Cameron Cameron
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Candice’s Answer

Many sports psychologists work directly with athletes. They often assist them with mentally preparing to return to their sport after absence due to injury. How the brain functions under stress directly effects the body. For this reason, a lot of sports teams keep a sports psychologist on staff. I think reaching out to your local colleges and universities for any volunteer opportunities would be a great start. I would also look into any professional or recreational sports teams in your area.

For example, the University of Arizona has a great sports psychology program that you could reach out to, to see if they have any open opportunities or can refer you to programs that do.

https://arizonawildcats.com/sports/2020/9/18/CATS-Clinical-and-Sport-Psychology-Services.aspx


Gyms & fitness facilities may also employ sports psychology majors and offer some internship opportunities. Personal trainers are also commonly employed here.

Using LinkedIn can also be a great resource for not only looking for jobs but also volunteer positions in the field.

With a quick search for "Sports Psychology" in "Arizona" I was able to locate the following:
(The same could be done for any location)

https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/3520612423/?eBP=JOB_SEARCH_ORGANIC&recommendedFlavor=ACTIVELY_HIRING_COMPANY&refId=e3enPQqq%2B0QwKjmctuIENg%3D%3D&trackingId=4Eu6YkGVLm2j9vFPUgAEAg%3D%3D&trk=flagship3_search_srp_jobs

https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/search/?currentJobId=3497679286&geoId=106032500&keywords=sports%20psychology&location=Arizona%2C%20United%20States&refresh=true
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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Cameron,

Here's a comprehensive guide to help you secure Summer Volunteer Work or Internships in the exciting fields of Sports Psychology and Fitness Psychology:

1. University Career Services: Initiate your search by tapping into the resources of your university’s career services department. They can provide you with relevant internship listings and connections in sports and fitness psychology.

2. Professional Organizations: Explore professional bodies such as the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) and the American Psychological Association (APA) Division 47: Exercise and Sport Psychology. They may have information on internships or volunteer openings.

3. Local Gyms and Sports Teams: Reach out to local gyms, sports teams, or athletic programs. They often have internships or volunteer roles where you can put your psychology and fitness knowledge into practice.

4. Online Platforms: Harness the power of online platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, or Internships.com to find summer opportunities in sports and fitness psychology. Use filters to refine your search.

5. Networking: Connect with professors, mentors, or professionals in sports and fitness psychology. Networking can open doors to opportunities that may not be publicly advertised.

6. Resume and Cover Letter: Craft a compelling resume and cover letter that showcases your interest in sports and fitness psychology. Highlight relevant coursework, certifications, skills, and experiences that make you an ideal candidate.

7. Career Fairs and Events: Attend career fairs, workshops, or events related to psychology, social work, sports, or fitness. These gatherings are great for networking and discovering potential internship leads.

8. Volunteer Opportunities: Think about volunteering at local community centers, schools, or organizations that run sports or fitness programs. This can give you valuable field experience and insights, even if it's unpaid.

By proactively following these steps and demonstrating your passion for sports and fitness psychology, you'll greatly improve your chances of securing meaningful summer volunteer work or internships.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:

1. Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP): A leading body in sport and exercise psychology, offering resources, internship information, and networking opportunities.

2. American Psychological Association (APA): The largest psychology organization in the U.S., providing insights into various psychology subfields, including sports psychology.

3. National Council on Strength & Fitness (NCSF): The certifying body for personal trainers, offering industry standards, certifications, and resources for fitness professionals seeking opportunities in related fields like sports psychology.

May God bless you on your journey!
James Constantine Frangos.
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