8 answers
Bridget
Student
Bronx, ID
1
Question
Asked
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How do I get more experience?
I feel ashamed to say this. I am a recent graduate but I have no experience in psychology. I like psychology but I am not sure if I want to continue. I want to gain experience in the field before I think about giving up. How do I get more experience to beef up my resume?
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8 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1902
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Bridget !
It's very understandable that you have these conflicting feelings about a career in Psychology. You are sensing something and this may be the time to make some decisions. Psychology is not an easy career to get an impression of to make a decision as to whether or not to pursue it. It takes a very strong drive, mission and love for the field to prepare for a career as a Psychologist. You will never get your own real idea by volunteering or shadowing. You cannot just look at one or two examples of it and magically want to do it or not. You are having doubts right now and that should be acknowledged because there just may be a different interest you'll have in your own time.
Have you recently graduated high school or college and are concerned about having no "experience" in psychology ? It would make the situation more understandable if you're saying you are newly out of high school. But if you're saying that you just graduated college with a degree in Psychology . . . that is a whole different story because you would have had experience. No matter what the situation is, experience is not going to make you like psychology any differently. Also, you do not get experience for the reason of having something on your resume. The reality of the field is when you start working with patients and you can't do that before you go through the degree and licensing process. I also want to mention that you would not be "giving up". You would be giving yourself room to transition to other interests that you feel strongly about. People do it all the time and it's not failure or "giving up" at all. It is self-discovery and making decisions for yourself.
You definitely should start out with volunteer work in any venue that you are interested in. Having a volunteer experience will be something you can put on your resume, but more importantly, make it an experience of giving back and contributing to your community and not just something for a resume.
If you just graduated high school, take a psychology course in college to confirm your feelings. The structure of the study will help you determine if it's something you'd want to continue with and if you can dedicate the time and understanding to a long academic path.
Although my advice is different from some people, I would advise moving on and going with your instincts. Find a few other things that you really love doing and that could alleviate doubt and negative feelings. You can always use the knowledge of psychology in everyday life, but it would have to be something you are sure about and want to dedicate your focus to for a career. Give it some time. You can be very knowledgeable about human behavior without becoming a psychologist. The choice is yours.
It's very understandable that you have these conflicting feelings about a career in Psychology. You are sensing something and this may be the time to make some decisions. Psychology is not an easy career to get an impression of to make a decision as to whether or not to pursue it. It takes a very strong drive, mission and love for the field to prepare for a career as a Psychologist. You will never get your own real idea by volunteering or shadowing. You cannot just look at one or two examples of it and magically want to do it or not. You are having doubts right now and that should be acknowledged because there just may be a different interest you'll have in your own time.
Have you recently graduated high school or college and are concerned about having no "experience" in psychology ? It would make the situation more understandable if you're saying you are newly out of high school. But if you're saying that you just graduated college with a degree in Psychology . . . that is a whole different story because you would have had experience. No matter what the situation is, experience is not going to make you like psychology any differently. Also, you do not get experience for the reason of having something on your resume. The reality of the field is when you start working with patients and you can't do that before you go through the degree and licensing process. I also want to mention that you would not be "giving up". You would be giving yourself room to transition to other interests that you feel strongly about. People do it all the time and it's not failure or "giving up" at all. It is self-discovery and making decisions for yourself.
You definitely should start out with volunteer work in any venue that you are interested in. Having a volunteer experience will be something you can put on your resume, but more importantly, make it an experience of giving back and contributing to your community and not just something for a resume.
If you just graduated high school, take a psychology course in college to confirm your feelings. The structure of the study will help you determine if it's something you'd want to continue with and if you can dedicate the time and understanding to a long academic path.
Although my advice is different from some people, I would advise moving on and going with your instincts. Find a few other things that you really love doing and that could alleviate doubt and negative feelings. You can always use the knowledge of psychology in everyday life, but it would have to be something you are sure about and want to dedicate your focus to for a career. Give it some time. You can be very knowledgeable about human behavior without becoming a psychologist. The choice is yours.
Samira Hasnain
Content Writer | Aspiring Clinical Psychologist
16
Answers
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Updated
Samira’s Answer
Firstly, please know that you're an accomplished graduate and there's nothing shameful or embarrassing about your struggle.
Secondly, you can look up volunteering opportunities around you, either remote or on-site. Volunteering and internships can potentially help you make your way up to full-time positions. To improve your resume, you can also take certifications, courses, and licenses from reputable institutes and organizations. Linking some free resources below!
✏ Harvard University: ⇾ Clinical Care for Autistic Adults (one of the most deep dive courses for autism) https://lnkd.in/gg6cDRug (expires: July 30, 2026)
✏ Stanford University School of Medicine: ⇾ Identifying and Responding to Developmental Delay in Young Children https://lnkd.in/gZZBMVYa ⇾ Identifying Early Signs of Psychosis in Adolescents and Young Adults https://lnkd.in/gD7S8sJq
✏ University of Pennsylvania ⇾ Ethics and Regulation of Social and Behavioral Research https://lnkd.in/g5XrjVts (expires: Oct 1, 2025) ⇾ Focus on Opioid Use Disorder and Treatment https://lnkd.in/gjcZ_66Z (expires: Nov 23, 2025)
✏ Brown University: ⇾ Stigma: Its Impact and What You Can Do https://lnkd.in/gHsV5A-s (expires: March 5, 2026) ⇾ Feeling the Pain: Empathy and Action https://lnkd.in/g7sj39uv (expires: Aug 6, 2025)
✏ World Health Organization: ⇾ Introducing Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) in emergencies https://lnkd.in/gtMhXp_f ⇾ Management of intimate partner violence in humanitarian settings https://lnkd.in/gC3PzR8Z ⇾ Mental health and psychosocial support: Clinical management of rape and intimate partner violence in humanitarian settings https://lnkd.in/gSqt8ABf
Secondly, you can look up volunteering opportunities around you, either remote or on-site. Volunteering and internships can potentially help you make your way up to full-time positions. To improve your resume, you can also take certifications, courses, and licenses from reputable institutes and organizations. Linking some free resources below!
Samira recommends the following next steps:
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
610
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Bridget,
You have the potential to achieve great things in the field of psychology, and your journey of gaining experience and knowledge is just beginning. It's great that you want to gain experience in psychology before making any decisions about your career path. Here are some ways to get more experience and build up your resume:
1. Internships or volunteer work: Look for internships or volunteer opportunities related to psychology, such as at mental health clinics, research labs, counseling centers, or non-profit organizations. This will provide hands-on experience and allow you to observe professionals in the field.
2. Research assistant positions: Consider joining a research team as a research assistant. Many universities have ongoing research projects in various areas of psychology where they may need assistance. This can give you exposure to different subfields and help you develop valuable skills.
3. Part-time jobs in related fields: Explore part-time job opportunities that involve working with people or analyzing human behavior, such as crisis helplines, social services agencies, rehabilitation centers, or customer service roles where understanding human behavior is important.
4. Online courses and certifications: Enroll in online courses or workshops related to psychology through platforms like Coursera, Alison, or Udemy. Completing relevant certifications can demonstrate your willingness to learn and showcase your knowledge on your resume.
5. Join professional organizations: Become a member of professional associations within the field of psychology (e.g., American Psychological Association). These organizations often offer networking events, conferences, and resources that can help expand your knowledge base and connect with professionals who may offer mentoring opportunities.
6. Conduct independent research/projects: Undertake small-scale independent projects where you apply psychological principles/methods—such as conducting surveys or experiments—to explore topics that interest you personally.
7. Network with professionals: Attend conferences, seminars, workshops, or webinars related to psychology where you can meet professionals working in the field directly. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into their experiences and potentially open doors for future opportunities.
Remember that gaining experience takes time and effort; it's okay if it doesn't happen overnight! Stay proactive by consistently seeking out opportunities aligned with your interests, while also keeping an open mind about exploring new areas within the field of psychology.
Best wishes.
You have the potential to achieve great things in the field of psychology, and your journey of gaining experience and knowledge is just beginning. It's great that you want to gain experience in psychology before making any decisions about your career path. Here are some ways to get more experience and build up your resume:
1. Internships or volunteer work: Look for internships or volunteer opportunities related to psychology, such as at mental health clinics, research labs, counseling centers, or non-profit organizations. This will provide hands-on experience and allow you to observe professionals in the field.
2. Research assistant positions: Consider joining a research team as a research assistant. Many universities have ongoing research projects in various areas of psychology where they may need assistance. This can give you exposure to different subfields and help you develop valuable skills.
3. Part-time jobs in related fields: Explore part-time job opportunities that involve working with people or analyzing human behavior, such as crisis helplines, social services agencies, rehabilitation centers, or customer service roles where understanding human behavior is important.
4. Online courses and certifications: Enroll in online courses or workshops related to psychology through platforms like Coursera, Alison, or Udemy. Completing relevant certifications can demonstrate your willingness to learn and showcase your knowledge on your resume.
5. Join professional organizations: Become a member of professional associations within the field of psychology (e.g., American Psychological Association). These organizations often offer networking events, conferences, and resources that can help expand your knowledge base and connect with professionals who may offer mentoring opportunities.
6. Conduct independent research/projects: Undertake small-scale independent projects where you apply psychological principles/methods—such as conducting surveys or experiments—to explore topics that interest you personally.
7. Network with professionals: Attend conferences, seminars, workshops, or webinars related to psychology where you can meet professionals working in the field directly. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into their experiences and potentially open doors for future opportunities.
Remember that gaining experience takes time and effort; it's okay if it doesn't happen overnight! Stay proactive by consistently seeking out opportunities aligned with your interests, while also keeping an open mind about exploring new areas within the field of psychology.
Best wishes.
Kim Arskii
Social Media Analyst
145
Answers
St. Augustine, Florida
Updated
Kim’s Answer
It's completely understandable to feel uncertain about your career path, especially when you're just starting out. Gaining experience in psychology can help you make a more informed decision about whether to continue in the field. One of the first steps you can take is to look for internships or volunteer opportunities. Many organizations, such as mental health clinics, hospitals, and non-profits, offer positions where you can gain hands-on experience. Volunteering on crisis hotlines or at community centers can also provide valuable insights and practical skills.
Another option is to seek out research assistant positions at universities or research institutions. These roles often involve working on various psychological studies and can give you a good understanding of the research aspect of psychology. Additionally, consider joining professional organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA) or local psychology clubs. These organizations often have resources for networking, job postings, and continuing education opportunities.
Attending workshops, seminars, and conferences can also be beneficial. They not only provide learning opportunities but also allow you to network with professionals in the field. Online courses and certifications can further enhance your knowledge and make your resume more attractive to potential employers. By actively seeking out these opportunities, you can gain the experience you need to make an informed decision about your future in psychology and strengthen your resume in the process.
Another option is to seek out research assistant positions at universities or research institutions. These roles often involve working on various psychological studies and can give you a good understanding of the research aspect of psychology. Additionally, consider joining professional organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA) or local psychology clubs. These organizations often have resources for networking, job postings, and continuing education opportunities.
Attending workshops, seminars, and conferences can also be beneficial. They not only provide learning opportunities but also allow you to network with professionals in the field. Online courses and certifications can further enhance your knowledge and make your resume more attractive to potential employers. By actively seeking out these opportunities, you can gain the experience you need to make an informed decision about your future in psychology and strengthen your resume in the process.
Amy Greenholz
Human Resources Advisor
10
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Start where you are - are you currently working in any job? You can almost always identify transferable skills that you're using today that will apply to psychology-specific roles. For example, do you work on a team, lead work or deal with the public? If so you're dealing with people and need to understand how to relate to differences, communicate effectively, listen actively, etc. Another suggestion may to volunteer in your specific area.
Annah Edmonds
Licensed Clinical Counselor and Art Therapist
118
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Annah’s Answer
Bridget, First- kick that shame in the rear! It will not serve you well. I am unsure whether you are speaking as a high school or college graduate. Either way, there is always time to study a new subject or pursue an alternate path in life. I did not study one course in psychology in undergrad. Then I did my pre-requisites for graduate school at a community college. I was accepted into my first and only MA program in clinical counseling and art therapy. My understanding and interest in psychology came from my own experience as a patient struggling with my own mental health issues. Depending on where you are at in your life, I suggest doing some reading on the topic- whether psychology or self-help. Engage in your own counseling as a client to understand what it is like to work on your own personal growth. Even if this looks like attending a free 12-step group or paying for an individual private practitioner- you will gain insight into what it is like to delve deep into yourself. You can volunteer at a crisis line or help line; you will be trained to support people with their immediate needs. Sometimes this means being a listening ear and expressing compassion. You do not need a psychology background to do this- only a genuine desire to help others. Depending upon where you are in school, sign up for a community college class in psychology. Start with the introductory course. It will not cost you too much and if you are already a college graduate you will need certain foundational courses to apply for a graduate degree. My graduate degree required three courses; I was able to do two online and one in person. Call your local university and ask to sit in on a class or more as a potential student. Whether you are planning to attend the program or not, this is a secret most people do not know about! I sat in on a day of graduate level classes to observe the instructors and meet the students. It gave me a good idea whether I could see myself in such an environment. To do this I contacted the department head. There are many routes to take with psychology as it is actually a very broad subject! As you do some digging, see what stands out to you- learning about the brain, history of psychology, testing measures, counseling- with families, individuals, couples, youth? Do you see yourself working in a school or hospital? Or does starting a private practice appeal to you? These are merely questions to guide you- not necessary to answer in this moment. If you have not yet attended undergrad, take the first year to try a variety of classes. You are not required to have a major at this stage- though the school may ask where you are leaning. Gaining work experience in social services is something you can do with an AA or BA degree. Look at nonprofit organizations that work to help underserved communities. They often hire case managers (and other lower-level positions) to assist people with all kinds of tasks ranging from attending medical and mental health appointments, getting food benefits, and getting and staying connected to resources. This experience will look very good on your resume, though it is not for the faint of heart. It can be challenging working with people who have experienced the worst in life- marginalization, racism, systemic oppression, injustice, significant trauma, addiction, and more. If you have overcome an addiction or are in your own recovery, consider becoming a Peer Specialist. The training is minimal- around two weeks. In my city, you can get trained with the county. Peer work is amazing because you can be more transparent with your patients, sharing your own story of recovery. It is not therapy, but a supportive professional relationship. If nothing else, I hope this response has you excited to get started! I studied art for most of my childhood and young adulthood; this translated into my becoming an art therapist. Never underestimate the importance of your own life experiences and knowledge to inform where you end up in life!
Meredith Beihoff
Marketing
2
Answers
Northport, New York
Updated
Meredith’s Answer
Embarking on the journey of gaining experience can be challenging at first, but it's an exciting adventure. A great starting point could be volunteering. Whether it's in an office, hospital, community center, or camp, these opportunities can provide invaluable experience. They also open doors to networking contacts that could potentially lead to entry-level jobs, further enhancing your experience. Plus, it gives you a chance to understand the roles and responsibilities in the field you're passionate about.
Don't underestimate the power of observation and curiosity. Shadowing professionals or asking questions can be incredibly enlightening. Participating in clubs and organizations is another excellent way to gather experience.
When it comes to building your resume, reflect on your past roles or memberships in different clubs. Consider how you applied your skills in these roles and make sure to emphasize them. Remember, every step you take is a step towards growth and learning. You're on the right track!
Don't underestimate the power of observation and curiosity. Shadowing professionals or asking questions can be incredibly enlightening. Participating in clubs and organizations is another excellent way to gather experience.
When it comes to building your resume, reflect on your past roles or memberships in different clubs. Consider how you applied your skills in these roles and make sure to emphasize them. Remember, every step you take is a step towards growth and learning. You're on the right track!
Katherine Avery
Run a music studio and teach private music lessons; teach college-level religion classes
350
Answers
Spanish Fork, Utah
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
For putting on a resume, go volunteer with some community organization like working with victims of assault or with refugees, or at a school or college--look for any internships and see what you would have to have gained in classes or experience in order to apply for the internships etc.
But also, for your own interest's sake and being able to decide your own opinions and recognize your own expertise, get familiar with the books and podcasts, YouTube channels and websites, of John Townsend, Henry Cloud, John Delony, Terence Real, Gary Chapman, Ross Campbell, John and Julie Gottman, John Gray, Les and Leslie Parrott, Thais Gibson, Anna Runkle, and Melody Beattie. Knowing their content can help you see more of the kinds of things people often seek out psychologists for.
But also, for your own interest's sake and being able to decide your own opinions and recognize your own expertise, get familiar with the books and podcasts, YouTube channels and websites, of John Townsend, Henry Cloud, John Delony, Terence Real, Gary Chapman, Ross Campbell, John and Julie Gottman, John Gray, Les and Leslie Parrott, Thais Gibson, Anna Runkle, and Melody Beattie. Knowing their content can help you see more of the kinds of things people often seek out psychologists for.