Career Planning
From Dreams to Reality: Your Roadmap to a Dream Psychology Career
Ready to plan your future? The following tips will help your dreams of a future career in psychology become a reality.
Self-Reflection: Begin by assessing your interests, values, and strengths in psychology to identify potential career paths that align with your passions and skills.
Research Career Options: Explore various fields within psychology, such as clinical, counseling, research, or industrial-organizational psychology, to understand the requirements, job prospects, and growth opportunities associated with each.
Seek Guidance: Consult with academic advisors, career counselors, and psychology professors to gain insights into different career trajectories and receive personalized advice on setting achievable goals.
Set Specific Goals: Establish clear and measurable career goals, such as obtaining a certain degree, gaining relevant experience through internships, or achieving specific certifications.
Break Down Goals: Divide long-term goals into smaller, manageable steps and set achievable milestones to track your progress effectively.
Gain Experience: Pursue internships, volunteer work, or research opportunities to gain practical experience in your chosen area of psychology and enhance your resume.
Networking: Build a professional network by attending events, joining organizations, and connecting with professionals in your field of interest to increase visibility and access potential career opportunities.
Continuous Learning: Commit to continuous learning by staying up-to-date with the latest research, trends, and advancements in psychology through workshops, seminars, or online courses.
Create a Career Development Plan: Develop a well-structured plan outlining short-term and long-term goals, action steps, and deadlines to help you stay focused and accountable.
Review and Revise: Regularly review your career development plan, reassess your goals, and be open to making necessary adjustments as your interests and aspirations evolve throughout your academic journey in psychology.
Maximizing Opportunities: The Impact of a Polished Resume in Psychology
Preparing a resume is of utmost importance for undergraduate students in psychology as it serves as a crucial tool for showcasing your skills, experiences, and achievements to potential employers and graduate programs. A well-crafted resume can effectively communicate your academic accomplishments, research involvement, relevant coursework, and extracurricular activities, enhancing your chances of standing out in a competitive job market or graduate school application process. Fortunately, there are numerous resources available to assist students and alumni in creating impressive resumes. Most colleges and universities provide access to career centers that offer resume proofreading, editing, and mock interview sessions. Additionally, Psi Chi, the National Honor Society in Psychology, offers valuable free resume review services and a wealth of informational blog posts, featuring resume and cover letter tips, templates designed specifically for psychology students, and expert advice to avoid common pitfalls. Embracing these resources ensures psychology students present themselves professionally and effectively as they embark on their career journey.
Unlock Your Potential with the Power of Internships
Completing an internship or practicum experience offers invaluable real-world exposure and practical application of the theoretical knowledge you gain in the classroom. It provides you with an opportunity to work alongside professionals in the field, fostering the development of essential skills, building professional networks, and gaining insights into various career paths within psychology. This will bolster your competitiveness on the job market. Internships and practicums also help you discover your strengths and interests, helping you make a well-informed decisions regarding your future career path. Explore and apply for internship opportunities through websites such as Handshake, LinkedIn, idealist, InternJobs.com, and USA Jobs.
Handshake
Handshake was specifically created for college students. Employers turn to this job board first in order to find student talent.
OPM Internship Program
U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Internship Program provides students with opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school and while getting paid for the work performed. Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible for conversion to a permanent job in the civil service.
APA Internship Opportunities
APA maintains a list of undergraduate research opportunities and internships available to students.
LinkedIn
Use LinkedIn to search for internship opportunities by utilizing the platform's job search feature and filtering results based on location, industry, and job type. You can also follow companies of interest to receive notifications about their internship postings. When applying, ensure your LinkedIn profiles are up-to-date and tailored to showcase relevant skills and experiences.
InternJobs.com
InternJobs.com is a global database of internships and entry-level positions for students, recent graduates and career changers. Search our job database by keyword or by location.
idealist
Idealist.org gives people the ability to search job opportunities spanning a variety of nonprofits, social-impact businesses, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Positions include entry-level positions (including volunteer and internship positions) to executive roles. This site gives people the ability to explore opportunities that align with your personal and professional values and goals.
Psychology Job & Internship Opportunities
The Psychology Job & Internship Opportunities blog for undergraduate students and recent gradates seeking full-time or summer employment maintains a list of job and internship openings for psychology majors.
Psych-Up Your Connections: 10 Tips for Building Your Professional Network
Join Professional Associations: Become a member of professional and student organizations, to access networking events, conferences, and online forums where you can connect with peers and seasoned professionals.
Psychology Student Network: Psychology Student Network (PSN) is a newsletter published by APA's Center for Education in Psychology to serve as a resource for undergraduate psychology students. PSN features invited and submitted articles aimed at introducing students to innovative ideas in psychology and highlighting various career paths in, and related to, psychology. They feature articles focused on networking opportunities.
Psi Chi, the National Honor Society in Psychology: Membership in Psi Chi is open to students who are majoring or minoring in psychology and attend an institution where a chapter is located. To be eligible, you must be a psychology major/minor, have completed at least 3 full-time semesters of college work, completed 9 psychology credits, and earned a cumulative GPA in the top 35% of your class.
American Psychological Association (APA): Anyone studying psychology as an undergraduate student is welcome to join APA as an undergraduate student affiliate for a reduced rate of $35 a year.
Attend Campus Events: Participate in psychology department events, seminars, and workshops, and engage with professors, guest speakers, and fellow students to build connections within your academic community. And remember, your classmates of today will be your colleagues of tomorrow!
Seek Internships and Volunteering Opportunities: Gain practical experience and expand your network by participating in internships, volunteer programs, or research projects.
Utilize LinkedIn and Handshake: Create a professional LinkedIn and Handshake profiles. You can utilize these sites to connect with professors, classmates, and professionals in the psychology field. Engage in discussions, share relevant content, and reach out to potential mentors.
Informational Interviews: Request informational interviews with professionals in your areas of interest to learn about their career paths, gain insights, and foster meaningful connections.
Join Online Communities: Engage with psychology-focused groups on social media platforms or forums to interact with individuals who share similar interests and exchange knowledge and advice.
Attend Career Fairs: Participate in career fairs specific to psychology or related fields to meet potential employers and network with representatives from various organizations.
Network at Conferences: Attend psychology conferences and symposiums to meet experts in the field, present your research, and network with peers and potential mentors.
Maintain Professionalism: Be courteous, respectful, and approachable in all interactions, whether in person or online, as maintaining a professional demeanor fosters lasting relationships.
Follow Up: After networking events or informational interviews, send thank-you emails expressing gratitude for their time and insights, and stay in touch periodically to nurture these connections over time.
From Psych 101 to Professional Resume: Mastering the Art of Presentation
Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each application to highlight relevant experiences, skills, and accomplishments that align with the specific job or internship you are applying for.
Education and Coursework: Include your educational background, major, GPA (if impressive), and relevant psychology coursework to showcase your academic achievements and expertise.
Relevant Experience: Emphasize psychology-related experiences, such as internships, research projects, or volunteer work, to demonstrate your practical skills and passion for the field.
Skills: Highlight specific psychology-related skills, such as data analysis, information synthesis, or public speaking to showcase your strengths and expertise.
Extracurricular Activities: Include relevant extracurricular activities or leadership roles that demonstrate your commitment to psychology and your ability to work in a team or take initiative.
Certifications and Training: If applicable, list any certifications or specialized training you have obtained in psychology, such as crisis intervention, research methodologies, or data analysis.
Professional Formatting: Ensure your resume has a clean and professional format, using bullet points to present information clearly and concisely.
Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use numbers or metrics to quantify your achievements, such as the number of clients served, research participants recruited, or projects completed.
References: Consider providing references or stating that they are available upon request to demonstrate your readiness and willingness to provide recommendations.
Proofread: Thoroughly proofread your resume to eliminate any spelling or grammatical errors, and ask a peer or mentor to review it for feedback before submitting it to potential employers or internship supervisors.
Career Sleuth: Cracking the Code to Finding Psychology Jobs
Job Boards: Utilize online job boards and websites that specifically cater to psychology-related job postings, such as APA PsycCareers, Indeed, or LinkedIn Jobs.
Networking: Leverage your professional network, including professors, classmates, and mentors, to inquire about potential job openings and seek referrals or recommendations.
Career Services: Utilize your university's career services office, where you can access job listings, resume reviews, interview preparation, and career counseling.
Company Websites: Regularly check the websites of psychology-related organizations and institutions that you are interested in working for, as they may post job opportunities directly on their sites.
Professional Associations: Join psychology-related associations and follow their job boards or career sections for exclusive job postings within the field.
Job Fairs and Conferences: Attend career fairs, psychology conferences, or networking events where you can meet potential employers and explore job opportunities.
Internships and Volunteering: Keep an eye out for internships or volunteer positions in psychology-related settings, as they can often lead to full-time job offers.
Networking Events: Participate in psychology networking events, workshops, or seminars, where you can interact with professionals and gather information about job prospects.
Online Networking: Engage with psychology professionals and organizations on social media platforms like LinkedIn, as they may share job openings or provide insights into the job market.
Set Job Alerts: Set up job alerts on job search websites to receive notifications when new psychology-related positions are posted, ensuring you stay updated with the latest opportunities.
Beyond the Resume: Interview Insights for Psychology Graduates
Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with the organization's mission, values, and recent accomplishments to demonstrate genuine interest during the interview.
Review Your Resume: Be ready to discuss your experiences, skills, and accomplishments listed on your resume, providing specific examples that showcase your abilities.
Practice Common Questions: Prepare responses to common interview questions, such as "Tell me about yourself" and "Why do you want to work here?" Practice with a friend or through mock interviews to refine your answers.
Know Psychology Concepts: Brush up on fundamental psychology concepts and theories, as you may be asked to apply your knowledge during the interview.
Behavioral Examples: Be ready to share examples of how you handled challenges, worked in a team, or demonstrated leadership in past experiences.
Ask Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the organization's culture, and opportunities for professional growth to demonstrate your interest and curiosity.
Dress Appropriately for the Environment: Choose attire that aligns with the company's dress code and reflects the image expected by the company/organization/job role.
Body Language: Practice positive body language, such as maintaining eye contact, offering a firm handshake, and sitting attentively during the interview.
Research the Interviewer: If possible, research the interviewer's background or role within the company to establish a connection during the conversation.
Follow-Up: Send a thank-you email or note to the interviewer within 24 hours of the interview to express gratitude for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the position.
LinkedIn Tips for Students & New Grads
Want to make a powerful impact on employers, grad schools, and future colleagues? Look no further than LinkedIn! With over 52 million users every week and 8 people hired every minute, it's your ticket to incredible opportunities!
LinkedIn is a great place to find student jobs and internships, with over a million and a half available. Plus, a whopping 9 out of 10 companies use LinkedIn to find their next superstar employees! So, let's kickstart your success with these 10 essential LinkedIn tips for students and new grads!
Start with a Strong Profile Photo: Upload a professional photo of yourself facing forward. Many universities have career centers that offer professional headshots to students and alumni for FREE. In a pinch, I've also taken a friend's headshot in a department store after they tried on a suit and used free software to edit the background.
Craft an Engaging Headline: Use a punchy headline that describes who you are and what you aspire to do. Include relevant keywords, desired job title, and experience to catch recruiters' attention. For example, a current student may have a headline such as, "Aspiring Data Analyst | Seeking Entry-Level Analyst Position | Experience with Excel, R, and Python." If you have relevant experience, consider omitting "aspiring" to focus on showcasing your qualifications for the role. For internships, mentioning it in the headline can attract recruiters looking for interns.
Write an Impactful Summary: Think of your summary as an elevator pitch or cover letter. Tell your unique story, highlight your accomplishments, and explain what value you can bring to an organization. See this great resource from UpJourney with more tips and examples of engaging summary statements.
Include Relevant Experience: List internships, volunteer work, and part-time jobs that showcase your skills and achievements in the experience section. For example, highlight your role in organizing a successful Mental Health Wellness Fair with Psi Chi, demonstrating your event management and leadership abilities.
Highlight Education and Courses: Include your major, minor, study abroad experiences, and relevant coursework to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise. For example, highlight the teaching or research assistant positions you held or the additional statistics or research classes you took to showcase important research skills.
Build a Strong Network: Connect with classmates, professors, mentors, and industry professionals to expand your network and increase job opportunities. For instance, attend networking events and engage in conversations with local professionals to build meaningful connections.
Claim Your Unique LinkedIn URL: Customize your profile URL to make it easier for others to find and remember you.
Showcase Your Work: Add real examples of your work, such as projects, articles, or portfolios, to demonstrate your abilities and creativity. For example, upload a research paper you authored, a research poster you presented, or share a link to a blog post where you discuss the latest trends in psychological research.
Use Keywords and Get Endorsements: Incorporate searchable keywords in your skills section and seek endorsements from connections who can vouch for your expertise. For instance, use keywords like "information synthesis," "research methodology," or "data analysis" to enhance your profile's visibility to potential employers.
Engage with Content and Join Groups: Follow industry leaders, companies, and join relevant LinkedIn groups to stay updated on trends and participate in professional discussions. For example, join psychology-focused groups to engage in conversations with fellow students and professionals in the field.
Seek Recommendations: Request recommendations from managers, professors, or colleagues to strengthen your profile and demonstrate your value to potential employers. For instance, ask your current manager or research supervisor to write a recommendation highlighting your strong analytical skills and dedication to academic excellence.
Be Active and Post Regular Updates: Share insightful career updates, articles, or thoughts related to your field to stay engaged with your network and keep your profile active. For example, share interesting findings from recent psychological studies or discuss your experiences attending psychology conferences.