7 answers
Alyna
Student
Pasadena, California
1
Question
Asked
1003 views
What is the best way to reach out to a professional and ask to shadow?
Being a sophomore in college majoring in Psychology, I've been told the limitations of the major. With that, I want to expand and learn more about what I can do in the future by reaching out to various professionals in the field of psychology or adjacent. How do I go about this? Those in the field, how did you take the first step in this direction?
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7 answers
Daniel Chung
Project Manager
35
Answers
Fort Lee, New Jersey
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
To reach out to professionals in the field of psychology or related fields, start by identifying individuals whose work aligns with your interests. You can connect with them through professional networking platforms like LinkedIn or attending conferences and events related to psychology. Craft a concise and polite message expressing your interest in learning more about their career path and asking if they would be willing to chat or provide advice. Be respectful of their time and consider offering to meet for a coffee or a virtual informational interview to discuss their experiences and insights further. Taking this initiative can provide valuable guidance as you explore different career opportunities within and adjacent to psychology.
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
780
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Alyna, I want to first thank you for reaching out and asking your questions regarding your interest in pursuing a career in the psychology field. I hope the information that I have below provides you with some insight and/or help.
Alyna, your proactive approach in reaching out to professionals for shadowing opportunities is commendable and a brilliant way to delve into the world of psychology and discover potential career trajectories. As a Psychology sophomore, these shadowing experiences can offer you a first-hand glimpse into the various specialties, environments, and roles within this field. Here are some steps to kickstart this journey:
• Start by identifying professionals in psychology or related fields who mirror your interests and career ambitions. This could encompass psychologists in clinical environments, research institutions, educational sectors, or private practices. Seek out individuals whose work aligns with your goals and who might be open to a student shadow.
• When initiating contact with professionals, ensure your email is professionally crafted, expressing your desire to shadow and explaining your interest in their specific work. Briefly introduce yourself, outlining your current academic status, major, and career aspirations. Be transparent about your objective to gain insights into the field and learn from their wisdom. Politely request a shadowing opportunity, indicating your availability and adaptability.
• In your email, underscore any pertinent skills, experiences, or coursework that showcase your dedication to psychology and your preparedness for shadowing activities. This could encompass psychology coursework, relevant extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or previous experiences that have fueled your interest in the field.
• Remember that professionals often have tight schedules, so it's crucial to respect their time and availability. In your email, acknowledge their busy agenda and express your readiness to adjust to their scheduling preferences for the shadowing experience. Be flexible and open to their suggestions regarding timing and arrangements.
• If you don't receive a reply to your initial email within a reasonable period, it's acceptable to send a courteous follow-up message as a gentle nudge of your interest. However, refrain from being excessively persistent or demanding, as this could be off-putting to professionals.
• Beyond reaching out to individual professionals, think about networking with classmates, professors, or career counselors who might have contacts or suggestions for shadowing opportunities. Participate in psychology-related events, workshops, or conferences where you can meet professionals face-to-face and start discussions about shadowing opportunities.
Finally, approaching professionals with respect, professionalism, and an authentic eagerness to learn can boost your chances of securing shadowing opportunities in psychology. Keep in mind that perseverance, networking, and a forward-thinking attitude are essential in taking this initial step and uncovering the multitude of opportunities within the psychology field.
Alyna, your proactive approach in reaching out to professionals for shadowing opportunities is commendable and a brilliant way to delve into the world of psychology and discover potential career trajectories. As a Psychology sophomore, these shadowing experiences can offer you a first-hand glimpse into the various specialties, environments, and roles within this field. Here are some steps to kickstart this journey:
• Start by identifying professionals in psychology or related fields who mirror your interests and career ambitions. This could encompass psychologists in clinical environments, research institutions, educational sectors, or private practices. Seek out individuals whose work aligns with your goals and who might be open to a student shadow.
• When initiating contact with professionals, ensure your email is professionally crafted, expressing your desire to shadow and explaining your interest in their specific work. Briefly introduce yourself, outlining your current academic status, major, and career aspirations. Be transparent about your objective to gain insights into the field and learn from their wisdom. Politely request a shadowing opportunity, indicating your availability and adaptability.
• In your email, underscore any pertinent skills, experiences, or coursework that showcase your dedication to psychology and your preparedness for shadowing activities. This could encompass psychology coursework, relevant extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or previous experiences that have fueled your interest in the field.
• Remember that professionals often have tight schedules, so it's crucial to respect their time and availability. In your email, acknowledge their busy agenda and express your readiness to adjust to their scheduling preferences for the shadowing experience. Be flexible and open to their suggestions regarding timing and arrangements.
• If you don't receive a reply to your initial email within a reasonable period, it's acceptable to send a courteous follow-up message as a gentle nudge of your interest. However, refrain from being excessively persistent or demanding, as this could be off-putting to professionals.
• Beyond reaching out to individual professionals, think about networking with classmates, professors, or career counselors who might have contacts or suggestions for shadowing opportunities. Participate in psychology-related events, workshops, or conferences where you can meet professionals face-to-face and start discussions about shadowing opportunities.
Finally, approaching professionals with respect, professionalism, and an authentic eagerness to learn can boost your chances of securing shadowing opportunities in psychology. Keep in mind that perseverance, networking, and a forward-thinking attitude are essential in taking this initial step and uncovering the multitude of opportunities within the psychology field.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Alyna,
Best Way to Reach Out to a Professional and Ask to Shadow
Reaching out to professionals in the field of psychology or related areas for shadowing opportunities can be a valuable experience for a college student looking to explore career options. Here are some steps you can take to effectively reach out and ask to shadow a professional:
1. Identify Potential Professionals:
Start by researching professionals in the field of psychology or related areas that you are interested in shadowing. This could include psychologists, therapists, counselors, social workers, or researchers.
2. Reach Out via Email or Phone:
Craft a professional and polite email introducing yourself, explaining your interest in shadowing, and expressing your willingness to learn from their expertise. Alternatively, you can also call the professional’s office to inquire about shadowing opportunities.
3. Highlight Your Motivation and Goals:
Clearly communicate why you are interested in shadowing the professional, what you hope to gain from the experience, and how it aligns with your academic and career goals.
4. Be Flexible and Respectful:
Understand that professionals may have busy schedules, so be flexible with your availability for shadowing. Respect their time and boundaries while expressing your eagerness to learn from them.
5. Follow Up:
If you do not receive a response initially, don’t hesitate to send a polite follow-up email or make a brief phone call to inquire about the status of your request.
6. Prepare for the Shadowing Experience:
Once you secure a shadowing opportunity, make sure to prepare by researching the professional’s work, familiarizing yourself with their field of expertise, and coming ready with questions to make the most of the experience.
By following these steps and approaching professionals in a respectful and professional manner, you increase your chances of securing a valuable shadowing experience that can provide insights into potential career paths within the field of psychology.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
American Psychological Association (APA): The APA provides guidelines and resources for students interested in pursuing careers in psychology, including tips on networking and gaining practical experience through shadowing.
Psychology Today: Psychology Today offers insights and advice on various aspects of psychology careers, including articles on how students can connect with professionals in the field for mentorship opportunities like shadowing.
Verywell Mind: Verywell Mind is a trusted source for mental health information and career guidance in psychology. Their articles often provide practical tips for students seeking hands-on experience through shadowing professionals in the field.
GOD BLESS!
James.
Best Way to Reach Out to a Professional and Ask to Shadow
Reaching out to professionals in the field of psychology or related areas for shadowing opportunities can be a valuable experience for a college student looking to explore career options. Here are some steps you can take to effectively reach out and ask to shadow a professional:
1. Identify Potential Professionals:
Start by researching professionals in the field of psychology or related areas that you are interested in shadowing. This could include psychologists, therapists, counselors, social workers, or researchers.
2. Reach Out via Email or Phone:
Craft a professional and polite email introducing yourself, explaining your interest in shadowing, and expressing your willingness to learn from their expertise. Alternatively, you can also call the professional’s office to inquire about shadowing opportunities.
3. Highlight Your Motivation and Goals:
Clearly communicate why you are interested in shadowing the professional, what you hope to gain from the experience, and how it aligns with your academic and career goals.
4. Be Flexible and Respectful:
Understand that professionals may have busy schedules, so be flexible with your availability for shadowing. Respect their time and boundaries while expressing your eagerness to learn from them.
5. Follow Up:
If you do not receive a response initially, don’t hesitate to send a polite follow-up email or make a brief phone call to inquire about the status of your request.
6. Prepare for the Shadowing Experience:
Once you secure a shadowing opportunity, make sure to prepare by researching the professional’s work, familiarizing yourself with their field of expertise, and coming ready with questions to make the most of the experience.
By following these steps and approaching professionals in a respectful and professional manner, you increase your chances of securing a valuable shadowing experience that can provide insights into potential career paths within the field of psychology.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
American Psychological Association (APA): The APA provides guidelines and resources for students interested in pursuing careers in psychology, including tips on networking and gaining practical experience through shadowing.
Psychology Today: Psychology Today offers insights and advice on various aspects of psychology careers, including articles on how students can connect with professionals in the field for mentorship opportunities like shadowing.
Verywell Mind: Verywell Mind is a trusted source for mental health information and career guidance in psychology. Their articles often provide practical tips for students seeking hands-on experience through shadowing professionals in the field.
GOD BLESS!
James.
Karin P.
Lecturer
375
Answers
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Alyna,
Psychology is a great entry point for many different careers inside and outside the mental health field as well. Marketing, product design, human-computer interactions, UX research or social media for example are about understanding people and how they act.
Identify some career options that you might enjoy and find out what skills they need. Research methods (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods) are going to be valuable in your skill set. Statistics and data analysis including software like SPSS will be an asset as well as coding. Look into design as well if that spikes your interest. Many of these careers are very much team-oriented and people come from all kinds of backgrounds. So, you don't need to know everything.
Use LinkedIn to find some professionals in those careers and reach out. Network. You can also search on Indeed or LinkedIn for internships. Check out the big tech companies. Ask your professors if they know of any opportunities or introduce you to people.
I hope this helps! Good luck!
KP
https://www.verywellmind.com/a-list-of-psychology-careers-2794917
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/top-psychology-degree-jobs
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.zdnet.com/google-amp/education/professional-development/how-to-get-into-tech-with-psychology-degree/
https://www.icscareergps.com/blog/latest-education-and-career-buzz/getting-into-tech-with-a-psychology-degree/
Psychology is a great entry point for many different careers inside and outside the mental health field as well. Marketing, product design, human-computer interactions, UX research or social media for example are about understanding people and how they act.
Identify some career options that you might enjoy and find out what skills they need. Research methods (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods) are going to be valuable in your skill set. Statistics and data analysis including software like SPSS will be an asset as well as coding. Look into design as well if that spikes your interest. Many of these careers are very much team-oriented and people come from all kinds of backgrounds. So, you don't need to know everything.
Use LinkedIn to find some professionals in those careers and reach out. Network. You can also search on Indeed or LinkedIn for internships. Check out the big tech companies. Ask your professors if they know of any opportunities or introduce you to people.
I hope this helps! Good luck!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much!
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1914
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Alyna !
I am not a psychology professional but I have worked in the behavioral health field so I would be happy to give you some advice about finding a mentor. I am wondering what you have been told about limitations, could that mean not being able to shadow because of confidentiality ? That would be correct. So it's great that you are persistent and reaching out for guidance for other experiences.
I would suggest visiting The Center for Connection at 3030 E. Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena. Psychology professionals work there. My advice is to go in person and speak with an administrator. Why not be a mentor to a younger person and get paid doing it ? I have left a link for you below for some jobs in your area as a mentor. There are also some opportunities to be a psychology research assistant which sounds interesting and a sure way to increase your skills. You can sometimes acquire a mentor through employment, too.
Keep in mind that psychologists' work is very private and they are very busy with interacting with patients and writing reports which requires much concentration so it would not be appropriate to shadow. My advice is that you don't need to shadow. If you do volunteer work or obtain employment, that would give you great experience and you'd have something to show for it. Shadowing is great for some fields of work but not for others but that never stopped anyone from becoming familiar with the career that they love.
You can also think about obtaining a general mentor, perhaps not someone who is a working psychology professional, but just a mentor who can be there for you in general. I have left a link for you below for more information about it. A lot of times the best mentors are people that really care and not in the career path that you will choose. Next I would suggest going to You Tube and doing a search for videos of people who are psychology professionals talking about their position and career. Also watch psychology documentaries - old ones and contemporary ones. A lot of them show what institutions used to be like and contemporary documentaries have a current perspective, so they will be very helpful, I think.
One thing to keep in mind is that you will not get the exact idea of your career by shadowing, so it's not all that much to worry about. But it's great to have a mentor and observe various media and even start working or volunteering to get experience and familiarity in environments you may work in.
I hope that this helps you to begin an interesting and exciting journey and I wish you all the best !
THE CENTER FOR CONNECTION FOR MENTOR POSSIBILITIES https://www.thecenterforconnection.org/jobs
BE A MENTOR YOURSELF https://www.simplyhired.com/search?q=youth%20mentor&l=pasadena,%20ca
BE A RESEARCH ASSISTANT https://www.simplyhired.com/k-psychology-research-assistant-l-pasadena-ca-jobs.html
FOR A GENERAL MENTOR https://imentor.org/
HEY MENTOR - FREE MENTORS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS https://www.heymentor.org/
I am not a psychology professional but I have worked in the behavioral health field so I would be happy to give you some advice about finding a mentor. I am wondering what you have been told about limitations, could that mean not being able to shadow because of confidentiality ? That would be correct. So it's great that you are persistent and reaching out for guidance for other experiences.
I would suggest visiting The Center for Connection at 3030 E. Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena. Psychology professionals work there. My advice is to go in person and speak with an administrator. Why not be a mentor to a younger person and get paid doing it ? I have left a link for you below for some jobs in your area as a mentor. There are also some opportunities to be a psychology research assistant which sounds interesting and a sure way to increase your skills. You can sometimes acquire a mentor through employment, too.
Keep in mind that psychologists' work is very private and they are very busy with interacting with patients and writing reports which requires much concentration so it would not be appropriate to shadow. My advice is that you don't need to shadow. If you do volunteer work or obtain employment, that would give you great experience and you'd have something to show for it. Shadowing is great for some fields of work but not for others but that never stopped anyone from becoming familiar with the career that they love.
You can also think about obtaining a general mentor, perhaps not someone who is a working psychology professional, but just a mentor who can be there for you in general. I have left a link for you below for more information about it. A lot of times the best mentors are people that really care and not in the career path that you will choose. Next I would suggest going to You Tube and doing a search for videos of people who are psychology professionals talking about their position and career. Also watch psychology documentaries - old ones and contemporary ones. A lot of them show what institutions used to be like and contemporary documentaries have a current perspective, so they will be very helpful, I think.
One thing to keep in mind is that you will not get the exact idea of your career by shadowing, so it's not all that much to worry about. But it's great to have a mentor and observe various media and even start working or volunteering to get experience and familiarity in environments you may work in.
I hope that this helps you to begin an interesting and exciting journey and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
John Clos, PhD, CAPM
Analytical Chemist
6
Answers
Newnan, Georgia
Updated
John’s Answer
Discovering people on LinkedIn, connecting with your professors, or just looking up local psychologists can be a great starting point. I understand that this might seem daunting, as I've faced the same fears, but rest assured, most people are open and welcoming. Sure, you might encounter someone who doesn't respond or even expresses disinterest, but the majority will be more than happy to spare 15 to 30 minutes for a meeting. Trust me, it's much simpler than you're imagining.
Tamia Reed
Inside Sales Supervisor
2
Answers
Hampton, Virginia
Updated
Tamia’s Answer
Hi! First of all I am excited for you that you are actually looking to take your career into your own hands. Networking is the best way to get to the next level. How you reach out may depend on the industry you are in but I will share the basics. The first step is to just do it. Create a professional email that shares just a sentence or two about who you are. Then share how you heard about the person and why you would love to have a quick meet with them. Do not look to shadow on the first meet up. Look to first connect and have about 3 questions prepared to find out more about what they do. Make sure you are really interested in seeing the day to day activities before you shadow. Next step, run the opportunity to shadow the person by them and ask what that would look. This will give you a good feel for if the person is willing to allow shadow time. Keep in mind everyone is not a teacher. You want to shadow someone that is willing and able to explain some of the activities of their day. Another good practice is to reach out to who knows the person you want to shadow or even better someone that may report to them. You can get a feel for the personality you are getting ready to interact with. Stay humble and professional. However, be ready to sale your skills when necessary. Last but not least, send a thank for your time email or message and hopefully before you finish the interaction you have set up another time to meet and shadow. You can create an invite and set up your time. Good luck!