As a psychology intern, you will have the opportunity to work in a variety of different psychology-related industries, depending on the organization you are interning for. However, there are several common duties and responsibilities that most psychology interns can expect to perform. In this article, we'll outline some of the most common duties and responsibilities of a psychology intern.
1. Conduct assessments: One of the primary duties of a psychology intern is to conduct assessments of clients' mental health and behavior. This could include administering psychological tests, conducting interviews, and gathering other relevant information.
2. Provide therapy: Depending on the organization you are interning for, you may be involved in providing therapy to clients. This could include tasks such as developing treatment plans, conducting therapy sessions, and monitoring clients' progress.
3. Assist with research: Psychology interns may also be involved in assisting with research tasks. This could include tasks such as conducting literature reviews, collecting data, and assisting with statistical analysis.
4. Assist with program development: Depending on the organization you are interning for, you may be involved in assisting with program development tasks. This could include tasks such as developing educational materials, designing interventions, and creating training programs for staff.
5. Assist with case management: Psychology interns may also be involved in assisting with case management tasks, such as coordinating care among different healthcare providers, communicating with family members, and connecting clients with community resources.
6. Attend educational sessions: Psychology interns may be required to attend educational sessions on various topics related to psychology, such as ethics, communication, and cultural competence.
7. Assist with administrative tasks: Psychology interns may also be responsible for assisting with administrative tasks related to the operation of a mental health clinic or private practice. This could include tasks such as answering phones, responding to emails, scheduling appointments, and maintaining records.
8. Other tasks as assigned: As with any internship, psychology interns may be asked to perform a variety of other tasks as needed. This could include tasks such as running errands, assisting with office tasks, or assisting with other psychology-related projects.
In addition to these specific duties, psychology interns will also need to possess a range of skills and personal attributes, including:
1. Strong analytical skills: Psychology interns must be able to analyze data and make informed decisions based on that data.
2. Attention to detail: Working in psychology requires a high level of attention to detail, as even small mistakes can have significant consequences.
3. Strong communication skills: Psychology interns must be able to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders, including clients, family members, and other healthcare professionals.
4. Ethical behavior: Psychology interns must adhere to strict ethical standards and act with integrity at all times.
5. Flexibility: Working in psychology can be unpredictable, and psychology interns must be able to adapt to changing circumstances and take on new tasks as needed.
6. Time management skills: Psychology interns must be able to manage their time effectively in order to complete tasks efficiently and meet deadlines.
7. Teamwork: Working in psychology often requires collaboration with others, and psychology interns must be able to work effectively as part of a team.
8. Empathy: Psychology interns must have a high level of empathy and be able to connect with clients on a personal level.
9. Technical proficiency: Psychology interns must be proficient in psychological testing software and other technical tools used in the psychology field.
10. Cultural competence: Psychology interns must be able to work effectively with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds and understand how cultural factors may impact mental health and behavior.
Let's face it student jobs are tough to get, you are competing against people that have work experience and are looking for a full time job. But you can find part time jobs for students. Ideally you want to find an internship because that will give you work experience in your chosen field. Jobs for students typically pay less than those of a full time employee, there are less benefits as well. But the benefit to you is immense. It's competitive, but don't distress, search student jobs and summer internships in psychology and get your career started on the right path!
