APA/APAGS Internship Resources
Doctoral Internships in Professional Psychology
Ending the Internship Crisis
Internship Applicant Webisodes
Linda Sobell's Internship Manual
Linda Sobell of APA and Nova Southeastern University has prepared the following internship preparation manual, which describes the internship application process from start to finish so that students have an easier time navigating it. Highlights include choosing sites, interviewing, writing essays, preparing a CV, and ranking sites.
| final_internship_manual_for_psy_4499_college_of_psychology_8.05.2015_unlocked.pdf |
A Compilation of Interview Tips from The California Psychological Association Division II
Members of California Psychological Association Division II (Education and Training) have anonymously provided answers based on their experience as Directors of Training for internships, externships, grad programs, and as former interns themselves.
Members of California Psychological Association Division II (Education and Training) have anonymously provided answers based on their experience as Directors of Training for internships, externships, grad programs, and as former interns themselves.
| interview_tips_for_cpags_from_divii_members.pdf |
The following pieces of advice were shared by our members to help with preparing for internship application:
"Stay away from the powdered donuts on internship interview...and bring a mini lint roller!"
"Carry on your suit and shoes! I felt so bad for people that lost luggage and didn't have time to buy appropriate interview attire. Also visit the site the day before or get there really early--don't rely on GPS"
"There are a number of things, that although are very basic, turned out to be extremely important. First off, if you can afford it, don't cut any corners in traveling to the interview (if travel is needed of course). I cut as many corners as I could in order to save money and although I saved a few bucks, I waisted a lot of time in all of my layovers, red eye flights and super uncomfortable seats. Second, as already noted, try to carry everything with you, so you can be sure nothing will be lost. Also, having everything with you allows you to get to your next flight or rental car quickly and without any difficulties. Thirdly, again, as already noted, visit the site if you can. It will significantly decrease your stress the morning of your interview and will (likely) allow for better, more restful sleep the night before. Fourth, arrive at your interview rested, hydrated and have tons of questions in hand because you will be asked many times...'So what questions do you have?'"
"I think this goes without saying, but just in case, do your homework before arriving to your interview. Learn everything you can about the site and those that work there, including rotations, theoretical orientations, limitations, supervision styles etc. If you end up asking a simple question that can be easily learned from their webpage/brochure, it won't look good. Second, if flying, try to leave plenty of time between the interview day and your departure. I tried cutting a lot of corners and in so doing, I had to leave the interview day a bit earlier than most in order to make my flight. Third, if given the opportunity to meet and talk with the current intern class, ask them as many questions as possible. This is your time to learn as many good/bad things about this training site. If you're not given time to speak with the current intern class, or you are offered that time but it's not without faculty sitting in/listening, there may be some reason for concern. Lastly, be sure to send a thank you card (or even an email) thanking the site for an opportunity to interview. If you want, if you think you made a connection with a particular staff member, send them a card/email addressed specifically to them."
"I learned that worrying excessively about the process is counterproductive. Any rejections that you receive is not an indicator of you or your competencies. It's the system."
"Have a couple of trusted editors for your essays. Realize that everybody has an opinion and you may feel like it's never going to be perfect. Go with your gut. You probably have been writing for quite some time now and unless someone tells you that you're not good at writing, you are a competent writer!"
"Carry on your suit and shoes! I felt so bad for people that lost luggage and didn't have time to buy appropriate interview attire. Also visit the site the day before or get there really early--don't rely on GPS"
"There are a number of things, that although are very basic, turned out to be extremely important. First off, if you can afford it, don't cut any corners in traveling to the interview (if travel is needed of course). I cut as many corners as I could in order to save money and although I saved a few bucks, I waisted a lot of time in all of my layovers, red eye flights and super uncomfortable seats. Second, as already noted, try to carry everything with you, so you can be sure nothing will be lost. Also, having everything with you allows you to get to your next flight or rental car quickly and without any difficulties. Thirdly, again, as already noted, visit the site if you can. It will significantly decrease your stress the morning of your interview and will (likely) allow for better, more restful sleep the night before. Fourth, arrive at your interview rested, hydrated and have tons of questions in hand because you will be asked many times...'So what questions do you have?'"
"I think this goes without saying, but just in case, do your homework before arriving to your interview. Learn everything you can about the site and those that work there, including rotations, theoretical orientations, limitations, supervision styles etc. If you end up asking a simple question that can be easily learned from their webpage/brochure, it won't look good. Second, if flying, try to leave plenty of time between the interview day and your departure. I tried cutting a lot of corners and in so doing, I had to leave the interview day a bit earlier than most in order to make my flight. Third, if given the opportunity to meet and talk with the current intern class, ask them as many questions as possible. This is your time to learn as many good/bad things about this training site. If you're not given time to speak with the current intern class, or you are offered that time but it's not without faculty sitting in/listening, there may be some reason for concern. Lastly, be sure to send a thank you card (or even an email) thanking the site for an opportunity to interview. If you want, if you think you made a connection with a particular staff member, send them a card/email addressed specifically to them."
"I learned that worrying excessively about the process is counterproductive. Any rejections that you receive is not an indicator of you or your competencies. It's the system."
"Have a couple of trusted editors for your essays. Realize that everybody has an opinion and you may feel like it's never going to be perfect. Go with your gut. You probably have been writing for quite some time now and unless someone tells you that you're not good at writing, you are a competent writer!"
Have your own advice to add? E-mail it to us at Div19StudentRep@gmail.com
