Mentoring Matters in Psychology events are designed to give students opportunities to engage with Department faculty to learn about specialized topics that are of common interest among our majors. Topics include professional development opportunities for majors, learning more about specialized career pathways, and tips on planning for one's next steps.
Upcoming events will be announced on an ongoing basis.
Students are expected to meet both of their Mentoring Matters requirements within their first two years after declaring the major.
If you missed an event or are interested in documents shared by session leaders, please see the Event Archives at the bottom of this page.
How do I check my Mentoring Matters completion record? Please use the DegreeWorks app that can be found at myslu.slu.edu. Your mentoring matters record should be updated there. If you detect an error, please contact me (Dr. Willoughby) by email.
Upcoming Events: Spring 2026
Session 1: Align Your Career Aspirations with Employer Expectations
Leader: Dr. Ed Sabin
Date: February 26th
Time: 3-4pm
Location: Morrissey Hall 2601
Registration required. Registration closes on February 19th. Register here: https://forms.gle/GykodhWTXAMk3DRW9
This session will explore what you seek in a career. We will also consider the skills employers value in job candidates and the performance expectations they have for employees. Sources of information for career planning, preparation, and development to deal with the rapidly changing world of work will be reviewed.
Session 2: Sport Psychology: Career Opportunities and Preparation
Leader: Dr. Michael Ross
Date: March 18th
Time: 3-4pm
Location: MOR 2603
Registration required. Registration closes on March 11. Register here: https://forms.gle/98WTCzJhKhCLgfg77
In this session you will learn about the specialty of sport psychology. We will discuss various pathways for education, training and credentialing in sport psychology, We will also discuss what sport psychologists do and in what settings, as well as what are the opportunities and areas of growth for sport psychologists.
Session 3: Psychology Practicum
Leader: Dr. Janet Kuebli
Date: March 19th
Time: 2-3pm
Location: MOR 2601
Registration required. Registration closes on March 12. Register here: https://forms.gle/NEfEeKKh6UxbMZA79
This session is designed to help you think about if and when earning psychology major credits through completing a practicum is right for you. Practicum experiences are service-learning experiences where students engage in professional experiences that have a human services component to them. They typically involve personally and professionally meaningful volunteer field work at a human services site. Practicum experiences help students learn about career options and engage in work that involves professional skills development relevant to post-graduation plans. They are also supervised by psychology faculty members who support students as they practice what they have learned in applied settings.
Session 4: Neuroscience of Psychology
Leader: Dr. Tony Buchanan
Date: April 13th
Time: 2-3pm
Location: MOR 2601
Registration required. Registration closes on April 6th. Register here https://forms.gle/DisPh8PyLtf7GHQPA
This session introduces students to the neuroscience foundations of psychology, highlighting how brain processes underlie behavior, cognition, and uniquely human capacities such as morality and culture. Dr. Tony Buchanan outlines psychology and neuroscience courses with substantial brain-based content and explains how these courses build progressively toward advanced study. The session also explores a wide range of career paths that integrate psychology and neuroscience, helping students connect coursework to future academic and professional opportunities.
Session 5: TBD
September 21, 2023 Workshop: Finding Graduate Programs in Psychology and Related Fields
September 28, 2023 Workshop: Preparing Application Materials for Psychology Graduate Programs (and Related Fields)
PAST EVENTS:
Fall 2025
Session 1: Exploring Masters Degree Options in Psychology and Social Sciences
Leader: Dr. Madeline Stenersen
In this session we will be discussing the various options for masters programs following graduation with a Bachelor’s in Psychology. This includes presentation and discussion of masters programs and subsequent careers in counseling, clinical psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy and others. We will discuss how to look for a legitimate and accredited program in these fields and what they look for in applications. We’ll also discuss how to decide which direction is right for you and/or if you want to apply for masters or PhD programs out of undergrad.
Session 2: Experiential Learning Opportunities with Research
Leader: Dr. Lisa Willoughby
Curious about getting involved in research? This session will cover how to find and apply for research experiences, what faculty look for in student researchers, and how to prepare yourself professionally. We’ll discuss expectations, tips for making a strong impression, and strategies to get the most out of your research experience.
Session 3: Explore Psychology Micro-Credentials
Leader: Dr. Jere Weinstock
Discover how SLU’s Psychology program connects with interdisciplinary micro-credentials—like "Applied Data Science in the Social Sciences" and "Bilingual Counseling Skills"—to expand your skills and career pathways.
Session 4: Careers in IO Psychology
Leader: Dr. Ed Sabin
Industrial-Organizational (IO) Psychology is the people side of business and the business side of psychology. Students interested in exploring a variety of rewarding career opportunities in IO Psychology should attend. Topics include: What IO Psychologists do, where IOs work, the demand for IOs in the future, graduate training in IO, and how you can prepare for an IO career now at SLU
Spring 2025
Session 1: Careers in Forensic Psychology and the Legal System
This session will provide an overview of roles psychologists play in the legal system, including forensic psychology. It will also describe the training needed for common jobs that psychologists have within the legal system.
Session 2: Psychology Practicum
This session is designed to help you think about if and when earning psychology major credits through completing a practicum is right for you. Practicum experiences are service-learning experiences where students engage in professional experiences that have a human services component to them. They typically involve personally and professionally meaningful volunteer field work at a human services site. Practicum experiences help students learn about career options and engage in work that involves professional skills development relevant to post-graduation plans. They are also supervised by psychology faculty members who support students as they practice what they have learned in applied settings.
Session 3: Tips for Successfully Applying to Graduate School in Clinical Psychology
This session will provide an overview of the process for applying to graduate school in clinical psychology. Topics covered will include 1) comparing different types of clinical psychology degrees and programs, 2) discussion of costs and financial considerations & 3) an overview of what graduate programs are looking for in applications.
Session 4: Align Your Career Aspirations with Employer Expectations
This session will explore what you seek in a career. We will also consider the skills employers value in job candidates and the performance expectations they have for employees. Sources of information for career planning, preparation, and development to deal with the rapidly changing world of work will be reviewed.
Session 5: Education, Training, and Careers in Sport Psychology
In this session you will learn about the specialty of sport psychology. We will discuss various pathways for education, training and credentialing in sport psychology. We will also discuss what sport psychologists do and in what settings are, and what are the opportunities and areas of growth for sport psychologists.
Fall 2024
Finding Graduate Programs in Psychology and Related Fields
This hands-on workshop is designed to demonstrate how to identify good quality graduate programs in psychology (clinical, applied, or research tracks) or related fields, such as programs that will lead to counselor/therapist careers, that suit students' interests and academic preparations. Tips on how to organize and manage the abundant information available will be shared. Students will begin a guided backward search for graduate programs to help prepare for their next steps. To maximize experience, students should plan on bringing their laptops/tablets or other devices that will allow them to access the internet. Also note this is not a Q&A session about graduate training in psychology, but rather a session suited for students who are ready to identify graduate programs that align with their career aspirations.
Developing Timelines Psychology Graduate Program Applications
This hands-on workshop will give students an overview of typical graduate program application components and timelines for graduate training in psychology and related fields. Students will work on developing an application preparation timeline during this session. To maximize experience, students should plan on bringing their laptops/tablets or other devices that will allow them to access the internet. Also note this is not a Q&A session about graduate training in psychology, but rather a session suited for students who are already working on their psychology graduate program applications or are planning to do so in the near future.
Rewarding Careers in IO Psychology
Industrial-Organizational (IO) Psychology is the people side of business and the business side of psychology. Students interested in exploring a variety of rewarding career opportunities in IO Psychology should attend. Topics include: What IO Psychologists do, where IOs work, the demand for IOs in the future, graduate training in IO, and how you can prepare for an IO career now at SLU.
Education and Careers in Neuropsychology
Dr. Gfeller will provide an overview of Clinical Neuropsychology as a specialty discipline. Topics covered will include 1) how to identify quality graduate programs in this field, 2) what graduate programs are looking for in competitive applicants & 3) an overview of the settings where Clinical Neuropsychologists are employed and how they spend their professional time.
So, you think you want to be a clinical psychologist?
This session will expand your vision of what clinical psychologists do. We'll debunk stereotypes about and the narrow lens many people have of clinical practice and research. We don't just sit in a chair and talk to people. We do so much more, and we hope you come learn about the possibilities.
Fall 2023
Workshop: Finding Graduate Programs in Psychology and Related Fields.
This hands-on workshop is designed to demonstrate how to identify good quality graduate programs in psychology (clinical, applied, or research tracks) or related fields, such as programs that will lead to counselor/therapist careers, that suit students' interests and academic preparations. Tips on how to organize and manage the abundant information available will be shared. Students will begin a guided backward search for graduate programs to help prepare for their next steps. To maximize experience, students should plan on bringing their laptops/tablets or other devices that will allow them to access the internet. Also note this is not a Q&A session about graduate training in psychology, but rather a session suited for students who are reading to identify graduate programs that align with their career aspirations. Limited seating is available and students will be prioritized by seniority. Students must register for this event.
Date: September 21, 2023 (Thursday)
Time: 4-5p
Workshop: Preparing Application Materials for Psychology Graduate Programs (and Related Fields).
This hands-on workshop is designed to help students understand how to prepare graduate program applications for graduate training in psychology and related fields. Students will work on developing an application preparation timeline during this session. To maximize experience, students should plan on bringing their laptops/tablets or other devices that will allow them to access the internet. Also note this is not a Q&A session about graduate training in psychology, but rather a session suited for students who have started or are ready to begin working on their psychology graduate program applications. Limited seating is available and students will be prioritized by seniority. Students must register for this event.
Date: September 28, 2023
Time: 4-5p
Building Skills and Knowledge through Practica and Service Learning Experiences.
No matter what career aspirations students may have, practicum experiences are valuable. Many graduate programs and entry-level positions are seeking prospective students and employees with quality experience working in relevant professional settings. More immediately, learn more during this session about how earning practicum credit can help you meet psychology BA and BS major requirements. Students will also learn about different types of practica and how to find suitable practicum sites as well as the steps SLU requires before you can be enrolled for practicum credit. Students must register for this event.
Date: October 13, 2023
Time: 12-1p
Overview of Clinical Neuropsychology.
Dr. Gfeller will provide an overview of Clinical Neuropsychology as a specialty discipline. Topics covered will include 1) how to identify quality graduate programs in this field, 2) what graduate programs are looking for in competitive applicants &3) an overview of the settings where Clinical Neuropsychologists are employed and how they spend their professional time.
Date: November 29, 2023
Time: 2p-3p
Spring 2024
Session 1: Getting Research Experience as an Undergraduate Student. This session will provide an overview of getting involved in psychological research as an undergraduate. Dr. Warner will discuss what courses in the Psychology Department provide research experience for credit (and fulfill B.A. and B.S. requirements). Students will also learn how to identify faculty labs and approach faculty about working in their labs. In addition, opportunities for engaging in psychological research outside of SLU and funding sources for undergraduate research will be covered.
Session 2: Rewarding Careers in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. Industrial-Organizational (IO) Psychology is the people side of business and the business side of psychology. Students interested in exploring a variety of rewarding career opportunities in IO Psychology should attend. Topics include: What IO Psychologists do, where IOs work, the demand for IOs in the future, graduate training in IO, and how you can prepare for an IO career now at SLU.
Session 3: Careers for Psychology Majors Working in/with Schools. Description is forthcoming.
Session 4: An Overview of Sport Psychology. This session will provide students with information related to the practice of sport psychology including opportunities for education, training, and credentialing.
Session 5: Cookies and CVs. Learn how to start and build an effective CV (curriculum vita).