How to Find a Psychology Internship
Internships play a crucial role in accumulating practical experience within psychology, particularly at the undergraduate level, where students can earn credits or gain other hands-on clinical experience.
This post addresses undergraduate internships. It does not discuss the one-year practical training required for graduation from PsyD and PhD programs, which involves a competitive matching system.
Undergraduate internships are not just about gaining additional training in specific areas of interest but also about building professional connections. These connections can be invaluable in securing the best psychology internship programs, strengthening your resume, obtaining letters of recommendation, and even opening doors to full-time employment opportunities. While finding these opportunities can be challenging, your ability to network can make a significant difference.
Identify Your Specialization
Psychology is a broad field, and internships can vary greatly depending on your interests. Are you drawn to clinical psychology, where you might work in therapeutic settings, or are you more interested in cognitive psychology and research? Perhaps forensic psychology or neuropsychology piques your interest. Identifying your specialization is crucial as it will help you focus your internship search on opportunities that align closely with your career goals and provide you with a more focused and enriching internship experience.
Learn Your School’s Internship Policy
Before selecting an internship, it's essential to understand your program's specific requirements. While internships are typically a standard part of graduate studies, they are less frequently required at the undergraduate level. Understanding and engaging with your school's internship policy can guide your internship search, ensure that you meet all requirements, and help you maximize your internship experience. Determine whether your program awards academic credit for undergraduate internships and familiarize yourself with the types of sites, settings, and roles recognized and accepted by your educational institution.
For example, at Palo Alto, BS Psychology and Social Action students must complete a nine-month senior internship, gaining practical experience in their field and exploring career paths. Options include working as a research assistant for professors in psychological studies or interning in various social action settings such as community agencies or clinical environments. Students earn academic credits, dedicating about eight hours weekly to their internship while completing senior coursework. Those already employed in social services may use their workplace as an internship site with faculty approval. Supervision is provided by agency professionals and PAU professors, who mentor students to connect their fieldwork with academic studies. Possible internship locations include mental health centers, schools, and nonprofit organizations.
Engage with Your School
Many psychology departments partner with local healthcare facilities, universities, and research labs. Consulting with professors, advisors, or the department head can reveal potential opportunities they know about or are involved in. They can also help align these opportunities with your academic pursuits. University career services offices also offer resources, counseling, and access to internship databases. These offices frequently facilitate placements by leveraging their local organizational connections.
Utilize Professional Associations
Professional associations are goldmines for networking opportunities and internship listings. Associations often have student chapters and offer conferences, newsletters, and forums where internship opportunities are posted.
- Psi Chi offers various internship opportunities and resources that can be particularly useful for undergraduate students.
- Networking platforms like LinkedIn allow students to connect with professionals in the field and explore internship opportunities posted by various organizations.
Apply with Precision
When applying for internships, customize your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences required by each organization. Highlight any relevant coursework, volunteer work, and practical experience you have gained through your studies. Your cover letter should convey your passion for the field and enthusiasm for the specific opportunity.
Prepare for the Interview
When getting ready for interviews, it’s important to focus on the basics. Be prepared to talk about your coursework, any projects or presentations you've completed, and why you’re interested in psychology. Interviewers might ask about your understanding of basic psychological concepts and motivations for working in this field. Practice describing your experiences with teamwork, problem-solving, and any volunteer work or relevant activities demonstrating your commitment and interest in psychology. Keep examples simple and relatable, showing your eagerness to learn and contribute in a practical setting.
Reflect on Your Experience
After completing your internship, take the time to reflect on what you’ve learned and how it aligns with your career aspirations. Discuss your experience with mentors and peers, and consider how you can use the insights gained to further your academic and professional goals.
Finding the right internship in psychology requires a thoughtful approach that aligns your academic interests with professional opportunities. By following these steps, you can enhance your prospects of finding an internship that offers valuable experience and a solid stepping stone toward your future career in psychology.
Additional Student Resources
- APA highlights some internship and clinical opportunities for undergraduate and high school students.
- Explore the APA’s list of undergraduate research opportunities, another excellent method for deepening your experience and understanding of psychology.
- Chegg offers many resources, from resume building to interview preparation, to help you acquire the necessary skills for a lasting career. Join their waitlist to learn the skills that can lead to landing your dream job.
- The APA offers plenty of resources and advice on internships and starting your career.
Blog Contributor Dr. Amanda Beltrani
Amanda Beltrani, PhD, is a licensed forensic and clinical psychologist. She obtained a master’s degree in forensic psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She then earned a doctoral degree in clinical psychology with an emphasis in forensic psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University.
She completed an APA-accredited internship on the forensic psychology track at New York University-Bellevue Hospital. Dr. Beltrani has published over 15 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters on competency to stand trial, clinical assessment and decision making, serious mental illness, and barriers to implementing evidence-based practices.
Currently, she is a staff psychologist at Kirby Forensic Psychiatric Center in New York City. She works on a secure ward, conducting forensic psychological evaluations for the Courts as well as treatment and intervention programs for patients with various psychological and legal issues. In addition, Dr. Beltrani works part-time for CONCEPT Continuing & Professional Studies at Palo Alto University, providing new or aspiring mental health professionals with information about various aspects of practice to elevate their career and professional fulfillment.
About Palo Alto University
Palo Alto University offers undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs with online, hybrid and residential options. An engaged faculty, who make significant contributions to their fields and thrive as mentors, prepare practitioners and students through rigorous educational programs, research and extensive hands-on clinical practice. When you put all of this together, PAU creates a legacy of confident, competent, and compassionate professionals who are at the forefront of psychology and counseling, making a difference in their communities.