I want to add, that if you are getting in to do 4 and get out, it might not be the best match. The mindset of someone who wants to pay their bills (which is admirable) and move on to something else, might not give you the job satisfaction you are looking for. I worry that people following the money, which is lucrative, are setting themselves up for an experience that they will find frustrating and less than satisfying. I don't say this to scare you off or set you on a different course, but if you wouldn't be happy in this environment without the money, no amount of loan repayment would change that. The military is VERY different than the "real world", and I love it for that, but there are people who can't stand it for the same reason (and it's a good reason.)
Mark
Hey Mark, roubs, and/or other HPSP/USUHS/Navy/Army/Airforce Psychologists
I was hoping you could unpack the statement above. In what ways do you see the culture/environment of military psychology differing from "real world" experiences?
Im going back and forth about applying for HPSP and/or Navy internship down the line, and am just curious to see more description of the lived-experience of a naval psychologist (been reading back issues of The Naval Psychologist online, in addition to posting on webboards!).
Military service honestly never occurred to me until this year. Im in the first year of a doc program, having already completed a MA in counseling...so Im sort-of a 2nd year? Essentially I have two more years of classes/practica prior to internship. Researching internships this year I became interested in the Navy WRMMC site, due to the depth/breadth of training combined with the financial and career development support.
I am hesitant about committing mainly due to having no first-hand or familial experience with military / naval culture. I have a prior boss who retired from Navy after 20 years who Ive spoken with, but thats about it. Lots to think about...just looking for more first-hand accounts.
-ela