Internship in Psychology FAQ
Internship in Psychology (PSY520) is designed to be educational while exposing students to fieldwork. Students are given the opportunity to apply psychology in community, institutional and business settings. Through this field experience, students explore career options, gain practical experience and skills, and make contact with potential employers.
The specific type of internship setting is determined by a student’s interests and by the availability of placements. In addition to on-site work, students are expected to engage in academic activities (e.g., reading relevant professional literature, writing a paper or preparing a final project related to their internship).
What are the benefits of taking PSY520, Internship in Psychology?
There are many benefits to enrolling in the psychology internship course, PSY520. Here are some of the best reasons why you should consider doing an internship:
· Gateway to a job or graduate school: An internship can result in a full-time career within a company or agency. It may help your chances of getting accepted into graduate or professional school.
· Resume builder: Having an internship on your resume shows you’ve had experience and can handle working in the real world. Noting specific projects you’ve completed or well-known people for whom you have worked can give you an edge when you are competing against equally-skilled applicants.
· Networking: An internship can lead to relationships with your mentor, staff and fellow interns. For most careers, building a network of contacts such as these is the key to advancement.
· Testing the waters: One of the greatest benefits of doing an internship is to “test the waters.” After a semester, you may realize that you don’t want to work in that industry after all. Instead of putting time and effort into getting the job you thought you wanted, you can cross it off your list and try another possibility. On the other hand, if you find that your internship was a good fit after all, you will be one step ahead of the competition.
· Academic credit: An internship provides real-world experience, access to untapped resources, while earning academic credits at the same time! PSY 520 meets the requirements of a Level 4 course.
How many credits do I need in order to enroll in PSY520, Internship in Psychology? Do I need to take specific classes?
Students are required to have completed a minimum of 24 credits in psychology, including an introductory psychology course (PSY101/320H). The remaining credits should include some courses relevant to the internship setting; courses must be reviewed and approved by the faculty sponsor.
What other academic requirements must I meet before enrolling in the Internship Course?
Students should have a Psychology GPA of 3.0 or above prior to enrolling in PSY520. In the case of students who have transferred to Salem State University with transfer credit, the grades for their psychology courses will be considered towards this requirement.
Do I need to find an internship site or does the psychology department locate one for me?
You, the student, are responsible for finding an internship site. The psychology faculty will assist you in this process. We have organized a binder that lists various internship sites and opportunities. You will need to ask a member of the psychology faculty to work with you as your “faculty sponsor” to determine possible sites of interest and learn their application process. We will also guide you in writing a professional resume and preparing for an on-site interview
How do I find a faculty sponsor?
All full-time psychology faculty members can serve as a faculty sponsor. Ask yourself whether you’ve had a professor who might be a good mentor for you. Or perhaps there is a specific population or focus that you find interesting. Both are good starting points in determining which faculty member to approach about becoming your faculty sponsor.
When do I need to begin the process?
Students should begin the process of applying for an internship the semester prior to beginning the internship. For example, if you are considering doing an internship in the spring semester, you should begin the internship process as early as possible during the preceding fall semeseter. Once your faculty sponsor has approved the site and you have been offered the internship, you register for the Internship course by submitting specific paperwork to the registrar’s office.
What is expected of me during my internship?
PSY520 Internship in Psychology is both a field and academic experience. Undergraduate interns are expected to work a minimum of eight (8) hours per week on site and 2 to 3 hours a week on related assignments. Interns are expected to meet weekly with their faculty sponsor and receive a minimum of 30 minutes per week of face-to-face supervision from their site supervisor.
How will I be evaluated for my work?
Students are evaluated 6 weeks into their internship by their site supervisor and at 13 weeks by both their supervisor and faculty sponsor. A grade will be determined based on these evaluations and on related class assignments. Interns are also given the opportunity to evaluate and give feedback about their internship experience.
Where have other Salem State students done undergraduate psychology internships?
Salem State University undergraduates have been placed in a variety of sites ranging from substance abuse clinics, rape crisis centers, local pediatric units, homes for those with developmental disabilities, and outreach programs for the elderly, human resource departments, and other organization development related positions.
Internships are available to work with various populations with mental health issues including: battered women and children; rape and sexual assault victims; veterans; the elderly; recovering addicts; children undergoing medical procedures; individuals with schizophrenia and other major psychiatric disorders; and families struggling with poverty. Internships are also available in workplace settings for students interested in industrial/organization psychology.
For more information, please contact your academic advisor.
