5 answers
Carly
Student
Greenville, South Carolina
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Being a psychology major, what are good volunteer opportunities I should join to build my resume for grad school?
It is hard to find internships for counseling and psychology, but my career adviser said that volunteer work is just as important. #psychology
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5 answers
Linda Ann Robinson, Ph.D.
Industrial-Organizational Psychology & HR Consulting
199
Answers
Updated
Linda Ann’s Answer
I would suggest volunteer opportunities with a local hospital - a pediatric hospital, specifically or a pediatric wing of a major hospital. Another suggestion : non profit organizations in your community, e.g., a homeless shelter or a food pantry.
There are many human service needs throughout our nation.
Ken Simmons
Assist with Recognizing and Developing Potential
1695
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Cleveland, Ohio
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Ken’s Answer
Hi Carly!
Coop, internship, shadowing, and volunteer programs should be viewed as opportunities to get exposure to the career field rather than a way to impress someone. One should evaluate them based upon the opportunity to see how the career area fits.
Best of luck! Please keep me informed. i would like to follow your progress!
Theresa Olguin
DBT Therapist, Director of DBT Training and Certification
23
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Albuquerque, New Mexico
Updated
Theresa’s Answer
Anything that involves people. One of the most helpful things to learn as a psychologist is how to be and sit with suffering - your own and others’ - and because everyone has pain and suffering in various gradations, you can practice being with it.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Carly,
Volunteer Opportunities for Psychology Majors to Build Their Resume for Grad School
As a psychology major looking to enhance your resume for grad school, engaging in volunteer opportunities related to psychology and counseling can be highly beneficial. Here are some good volunteer opportunities you should consider:
Mental Health Hotlines: Volunteering at mental health hotlines such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or Crisis Text Line can provide you with valuable experience in crisis intervention and counseling skills. These opportunities allow you to directly support individuals in need of emotional support and guidance.
Nonprofit Organizations: Many nonprofit organizations focused on mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, or other related issues often welcome volunteers. By volunteering at such organizations, you can gain hands-on experience working with diverse populations and contributing to community mental health initiatives.
Community Counseling Centers: Volunteering at community counseling centers or clinics can give you exposure to the practical aspects of counseling and therapy. You may have the opportunity to assist licensed professionals, interact with clients, and observe different therapeutic approaches in action.
Support Groups: Volunteering with support groups for individuals dealing with specific mental health challenges or life circumstances can be a rewarding experience. Facilitating group discussions, providing emotional support, and helping participants navigate resources are valuable skills that can strengthen your resume.
Research Projects: Participating in research projects within the field of psychology can also be a valuable volunteer opportunity. Working as a research assistant allows you to gain insight into the scientific process, data analysis techniques, and research methodologies relevant to psychology.
School-Based Programs: Volunteering in school-based programs that focus on mental health education, peer counseling, or youth development can be another avenue to gain practical experience while making a positive impact on students’ well-being.
Online Counseling Platforms: Some online platforms offer opportunities for volunteers to provide virtual counseling services or emotional support to individuals in need. Engaging in online counseling can help you develop communication skills and adaptability in a digital environment.
Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities: Volunteering at hospitals or healthcare facilities with mental health departments can expose you to clinical settings and the intersection of psychology with medical care. Assisting patients, shadowing professionals, and participating in mental health awareness campaigns are potential activities in this setting.
By actively participating in these volunteer opportunities, you can not only enhance your resume for grad school but also gain practical skills, expand your professional network, and deepen your understanding of the field of psychology.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Psychological Association (APA): The APA is a leading organization that provides resources and guidance for psychology students and professionals. Their website offers information on volunteer opportunities, career development advice, and best practices in the field of psychology.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI is a reputable nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals affected by mental illness. They often list volunteer opportunities related to mental health advocacy, education programs, and community outreach initiatives.
Psychology Today: Psychology Today is a trusted source for information on various aspects of psychology, including volunteer opportunities, career advice, and educational resources for aspiring psychologists. Their platform may feature articles or listings related to volunteering in the field of psychology.
GOD BLESS YOU CARLY!
JC.
Volunteer Opportunities for Psychology Majors to Build Their Resume for Grad School
As a psychology major looking to enhance your resume for grad school, engaging in volunteer opportunities related to psychology and counseling can be highly beneficial. Here are some good volunteer opportunities you should consider:
Mental Health Hotlines: Volunteering at mental health hotlines such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or Crisis Text Line can provide you with valuable experience in crisis intervention and counseling skills. These opportunities allow you to directly support individuals in need of emotional support and guidance.
Nonprofit Organizations: Many nonprofit organizations focused on mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, or other related issues often welcome volunteers. By volunteering at such organizations, you can gain hands-on experience working with diverse populations and contributing to community mental health initiatives.
Community Counseling Centers: Volunteering at community counseling centers or clinics can give you exposure to the practical aspects of counseling and therapy. You may have the opportunity to assist licensed professionals, interact with clients, and observe different therapeutic approaches in action.
Support Groups: Volunteering with support groups for individuals dealing with specific mental health challenges or life circumstances can be a rewarding experience. Facilitating group discussions, providing emotional support, and helping participants navigate resources are valuable skills that can strengthen your resume.
Research Projects: Participating in research projects within the field of psychology can also be a valuable volunteer opportunity. Working as a research assistant allows you to gain insight into the scientific process, data analysis techniques, and research methodologies relevant to psychology.
School-Based Programs: Volunteering in school-based programs that focus on mental health education, peer counseling, or youth development can be another avenue to gain practical experience while making a positive impact on students’ well-being.
Online Counseling Platforms: Some online platforms offer opportunities for volunteers to provide virtual counseling services or emotional support to individuals in need. Engaging in online counseling can help you develop communication skills and adaptability in a digital environment.
Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities: Volunteering at hospitals or healthcare facilities with mental health departments can expose you to clinical settings and the intersection of psychology with medical care. Assisting patients, shadowing professionals, and participating in mental health awareness campaigns are potential activities in this setting.
By actively participating in these volunteer opportunities, you can not only enhance your resume for grad school but also gain practical skills, expand your professional network, and deepen your understanding of the field of psychology.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Psychological Association (APA): The APA is a leading organization that provides resources and guidance for psychology students and professionals. Their website offers information on volunteer opportunities, career development advice, and best practices in the field of psychology.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI is a reputable nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals affected by mental illness. They often list volunteer opportunities related to mental health advocacy, education programs, and community outreach initiatives.
Psychology Today: Psychology Today is a trusted source for information on various aspects of psychology, including volunteer opportunities, career advice, and educational resources for aspiring psychologists. Their platform may feature articles or listings related to volunteering in the field of psychology.
GOD BLESS YOU CARLY!
JC.
Ivee Baker
Sales Clerk
3
Answers
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Updated
Ivee’s Answer
Non-Profit organizations are always a good option, although I would recommend finding something that you truly care about and that you would find fulfilling. Volunteering helps to build your resume and experience, yes, but altruism is also important for personal fulfillment and growth, and your passion for the opportunity will impact the organization you volunteer with as well. Help in Crisis, or similar organizations, is always a great option.