Where should I start in the field of Psychology?
I'm currently a junior psychology student aspiring to become a psychologist. More specifically, a school psychologist. But, I'm having a hard time thinking where to start. I still haven't had any part-time jobs or any volunteering experience. Time is rapidly passing and by the time I graduate I fear that I'll have an empty resume. I'm doing a decent performance in my classes, but I assume that companies don't look for GPA but rather experience. I don't want to get a part-time job because I feel that I will not get any required experience for the psychology field. In short, I want to start a volunteering job in the field of psychology that doesn't require past work experience (i.e. part-time jobs). That way I can start gaining experience for volunteering and upgrade my career step-by-step. However, that's after I graduate. #college #psychology
2 answers
Tamara Smith, M.S., CPLC
Tamara’s Answer
Hi Vidal,
You have asked a wonderful question!! School Psychology is a very important and powerful field to get into. The best way to gain some experience in the field is by simply volunteering. Set specific days and times that you can commit to a school. It is absolutely acceptable if you can only commit to once a month. No matter the length of time, it ALL counts on your resume. Consider offering your time at your current school, as well as the local public schools. Most careers in Psychology require some graduate level hours, and/or a completed Master's degree in the field. In addition to gaining experience, you should begin thinking about if you are willing and ready to enroll in a graduate program once you complete your current degree program. As a current doctoral student in the Psychological arena, I suggest you also consider obtaining your PhD at some point. This will open many more doors for you if you find you love the field. I hope I have provided some useful information for you. Please see the link below for further information in regard to your question. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Good luck in your program and your future endeavors!! :)
http://careersinpsychology.org/become-a-school-psychologist/
Thank you for the advice.
Vidal
Linda Ann’s Answer
In order to be a school psychologist, you really need to have a minimum of a master's degree in the field with a certification in school psychology. You should be focusing your time and energy, while in school taking classes, to prepare for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). It is not clear to me from your question here, if you are planning to attend a graduate program within a few months of graduating from your undergraduate institution or if you were planning on working in a psychology-related job for your "resume building." I'm inferring that it is the latter, rather than an immediate move to a graduate program.
Students generally make application to graduate programs in the fall of their senior year in college. I would recommend having several conversations with your psychology advisor for some specific guidance on graduate programs. I would also recommend the American Psychological Association's website:
www.apa.org.
The best of luck to you!