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How can I stand out in the field of psychology research?
Hello!
I'm going to be earning my Bachelors in Psychology this Spring, and hope to get into the field of clinical psychology (I'll be applying next year to give time to build my resume up). But one thing I'm struggling with is to find/obtain research jobs (or any jobs in general to help build my resume up). I have previous research experience (both 1 year helping in a lab, and undergraduate research projects). If anyone has any advice, or just any job opportunities I should search out for that would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Lauren !
For an exciting post Bachelors experience with a Degree in Psychology you can consider joining the Psychology Associations that will provide the support, direction and information to prepare you for your post-graduate education. These are American Psychological Association, American Psychological Association of Graduate Students (they assist students that plan to go for their Masters and Doctorates), the Association for Psychological Science which is international and can be a good resource. Connect with them for possible research work or positions.
You can also register at Linked In and Indeed, two heavily used employment websites that provide employment notices and information. On Linked In, you can follow your classmates, professors, your prospective Masters college and any and all things connected to Psychology.
Also inquire about Internships or employment at NAMI Santa Clara County, Bay Area Clinical Associates, San Jose Behavioral Health, Bay Area Mental Health, and Pacific Clinics.
I would also suggest continuing with doing independent research projects that you conduct yourself. Try to have your findings published, even if it's online. Try Psy Post dot org. Others to look into are Scientific Reports, MDPI, or try matching up your research report using Elsevier's Journal Finder. For more places to publish research you can do on your own, do an internet search.
You can also reach out for internships or employment through your Psychology department at your college, the campus Career Center, Academic Guidance Office, Health and Job Fairs. Attend events at and inquire about employment or internships at the Bill Wilson Center, Mindpath Health, and Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Services which also has a Behavioral Health Call Center that you can apply for a job with.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
For an exciting post Bachelors experience with a Degree in Psychology you can consider joining the Psychology Associations that will provide the support, direction and information to prepare you for your post-graduate education. These are American Psychological Association, American Psychological Association of Graduate Students (they assist students that plan to go for their Masters and Doctorates), the Association for Psychological Science which is international and can be a good resource. Connect with them for possible research work or positions.
You can also register at Linked In and Indeed, two heavily used employment websites that provide employment notices and information. On Linked In, you can follow your classmates, professors, your prospective Masters college and any and all things connected to Psychology.
Also inquire about Internships or employment at NAMI Santa Clara County, Bay Area Clinical Associates, San Jose Behavioral Health, Bay Area Mental Health, and Pacific Clinics.
I would also suggest continuing with doing independent research projects that you conduct yourself. Try to have your findings published, even if it's online. Try Psy Post dot org. Others to look into are Scientific Reports, MDPI, or try matching up your research report using Elsevier's Journal Finder. For more places to publish research you can do on your own, do an internet search.
You can also reach out for internships or employment through your Psychology department at your college, the campus Career Center, Academic Guidance Office, Health and Job Fairs. Attend events at and inquire about employment or internships at the Bill Wilson Center, Mindpath Health, and Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Services which also has a Behavioral Health Call Center that you can apply for a job with.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Lauren,
First off, congratulations on being so close to earning your bachelor's degree! I must say, it’s great that you’re already thinking ahead about strengthening your resume before applying to grad school. Since you have previous research experience, you’re already on the right track, but there are definitely ways to make yourself stand out even more in the field of clinical psychology research.
To find more research opportunities, start by reaching out to your professors or former research mentors. Even if they don’t have open positions, they might know someone who does. Also, check with your university’s psychology department for any available lab assistant positions, post-baccalaureate research programs, or funded projects. Many research labs love hiring students with prior experience, so emphasizing your background can help.
Another great way to build your resume is to look into research assistant roles at hospitals, mental health clinics, or non-profits focused on psychology and mental health. Many clinical psychology research projects take place in medical settings, and having experience in those environments can make you stand out in grad school applications. Websites like APA’s PsycCareers, HigherEdJobs, and even LinkedIn can help you find these opportunities.
If paid research positions are hard to find, you can look into volunteering for research projects. Some professors and labs may not have funding for a paid role but would welcome an extra set of hands, this will give you valuable hands-on experience. Additionally, presenting your previous research at conferences or trying to get published (even as a co-author) can add a huge boost to your application. If you haven't already, look into submitting your work to undergraduate psychology journals.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of networking. Attend psychology research conferences, join organizations like APA or APS, and connect with grad students and professionals in your area. Even reaching out for informational interviews can lead to unexpected job opportunities.
You’re already doing all the right things, just keep putting yourself out there, and you’ll find the right opportunities. I hope you find this helpful!
Best wishes!
First off, congratulations on being so close to earning your bachelor's degree! I must say, it’s great that you’re already thinking ahead about strengthening your resume before applying to grad school. Since you have previous research experience, you’re already on the right track, but there are definitely ways to make yourself stand out even more in the field of clinical psychology research.
To find more research opportunities, start by reaching out to your professors or former research mentors. Even if they don’t have open positions, they might know someone who does. Also, check with your university’s psychology department for any available lab assistant positions, post-baccalaureate research programs, or funded projects. Many research labs love hiring students with prior experience, so emphasizing your background can help.
Another great way to build your resume is to look into research assistant roles at hospitals, mental health clinics, or non-profits focused on psychology and mental health. Many clinical psychology research projects take place in medical settings, and having experience in those environments can make you stand out in grad school applications. Websites like APA’s PsycCareers, HigherEdJobs, and even LinkedIn can help you find these opportunities.
If paid research positions are hard to find, you can look into volunteering for research projects. Some professors and labs may not have funding for a paid role but would welcome an extra set of hands, this will give you valuable hands-on experience. Additionally, presenting your previous research at conferences or trying to get published (even as a co-author) can add a huge boost to your application. If you haven't already, look into submitting your work to undergraduate psychology journals.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of networking. Attend psychology research conferences, join organizations like APA or APS, and connect with grad students and professionals in your area. Even reaching out for informational interviews can lead to unexpected job opportunities.
You’re already doing all the right things, just keep putting yourself out there, and you’ll find the right opportunities. I hope you find this helpful!
Best wishes!