Internships in PsychologyAnd PSYC 489 Information

Dr. Larissa BarberInternship Director

Department of PsychologyNorthern Illinois University

Gaining Employment

•How can I get the job I want?▫Wrong question, implies passivity

•How can I DEMONSTRATE that I am the type of employee that employers want to hire?▫Employers will be closely examining your

materials for EVIDENCE, not assertions Show that you are

▫Rewarding to work with▫Able to do the job well▫Willing to work hard

Gaining Employment

•Increase your RAW potential▫People make attributions of your

“employability” based on your application materials

Gaining Employment• Degrees are minimum job requirements

Extra experiences and skill demonstration get you the positions

▫ In psychology, this is often conveyed through research experience and internships

• Your resume/CV needs to show activities beyond coursework that speak to your knowledge and skills

Anyone can say that “I have good interpersonal skills” Show them that you actually have training/experience

in it AND accomplishments “I received positive client evaluations at my internship” “I coordinated and advertised SPA social events, increasing attendance

by 10% from the previous year” “I received positive evaluations from my lab supervisor regarding my

interactions with research participants”

Why Should I Do an Internship?• Internships are the key to success in competitive market

▫ Students who have had internships are more likely to receive job offers after graduation

• Internships have the potential to…▫ Clarify your interests and goals▫ Promote skill development▫ Expand your network▫ Enhance the quality of your graduate school candidacy

(especially in applied fields)▫ Apply what you learned in classes▫ Enhance your awareness of your attributes (strengths and

weaknesses)▫ Turn into job offers or more internship experiences

(multiple internships encouraged)

The Internship Search• The internship search is a job search

▫Requires preparation Do you have a resume?

Has it been reviewed by multiple people for feedback? Is it organized, short, relevant, and aesthetically pleasing?

Do you have a professional “contact script” For contacting via email and phone (follow proper

etiquette) Have you done your “homework” on the

organization/position? Review websites, recruitment materials, etc.

Do you have an organizational system? Have a binder/excel sheet for tracking leads/contacts

The Internship Search

•Preparation resources▫Career Services

Help with internship search materials, interviewing, etc. Includes resume drop-in hours

Sets you up with job search tools (HuskiesGetHired!) Also visit their link for social service

agencies in the DeKalb/Sycamore area▫http://www.niu.edu/careerservices/weblinks/i

nterest/social_service_dek.shtml Dr. Brian Pillsbury is the psychology

major specialist

The Internship Search• Requires patience and persistence

▫There may not be a lot of ads for internships “Cold call” (or email) potential organizations

▫Some internships may not seem applicable to psychology, but they are Read into the skill-set required, not just job title

Human resources, marketing research, statistician▫You may get rejected…a lot

That’s ok! You have to keep trying Start early (1-3 months ahead) and devote X

amount of time to your search every day Set a goal and track it!

Getting Credit for Your Internship• PSYC 489

▫ Internship in Psychology Course Student eligibility

Junior or senior psychology major 2.5 GPA or higher (overall and major)

Internship eligibility Average of 10hrs per week (120hrs total) for

semester Fall, spring, & summer supervision

▫Some group sessions, professional development portfolio, internship presentation to peers

Credit limit Must take three hour course Only first three hours count toward major

▫Can be taken a 2nd time for general elective credit

Getting Credit for Your Internship•What if I am ineligible for PSYC

489?▫Alternatives to PSYC 489

Note on transcript Contact Kathie Coulter (815-753-8348)

▫Register internship through Career Services

ILAS 390 credit Contact Cathy Doederlein (

cdoederlein1@niu.edu) General elective credit

Getting Credit for Your Internship•Handouts

▫PSYC 489 Flyer & Past Sites▫PSYC 489 Frequently Asked Questions▫PSYC 489 Procedures

•More questions?▫Email Dr. Barber

lbarber@niu.edu▫Email Dr. Pillsbury

pillsbury@niu.edu

Final Message• Everyone has a degree by graduation

• What sets you apart are the additional experiences (including internships)

• Start your internship search preparation and planning today!

• Develop your critical job search skills