Getting research experience..

[chman]

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Hey guys,

So about 6 months ago I decided to switch my focus from pre-med to aiming for getting in to a psych PhD program. As of now my stats are mediocre (3.5 GPA, volunteer experience etc).

I only have two quarters (plus summer) left in school (at University of Washington). At any rate, obviously not having any research experience thus far is a major road block. There is a website with undergraduate research opportunities and I have e-mailed just about every clinical-related offer on there. I have gotten a couple interviews, which I didn't get, but most don't even get back at all..

At this point I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions for another way for me to get experience (or get around just e-mailing people)? Secondly, I know it is probably a long shot, but even if I got in to a lab pronto, am I pretty much SOL for applying next fall (I kinda figure I am)? How would you guys proceed if it were you?

Thanks

 

[lava12345]

Hey guys,

So about 6 months ago I decided to switch my focus from pre-med to aiming for getting in to a psych PhD program. As of now my stats are mediocre (3.5 GPA, volunteer experience etc).

I only have two quarters (plus summer) left in school (at University of Washington). At any rate, obviously not having any research experience thus far is a major road block. There is a website with undergraduate research opportunities and I have e-mailed just about every clinical-related offer on there. I have gotten a couple interviews, which I didn't get, but most don't even get back at all..

At this point I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions for another way for me to get experience (or get around just e-mailing people)? Secondly, I know it is probably a long shot, but even if I got in to a lab pronto, am I pretty much SOL for applying next fall (I kinda figure I am)? How would you guys proceed if it were you?

Thanks

Don't worry, you can get in with very little undergrad research experience, however you will have to probably wait to apply. With your situation, I would really consider working for a year or two as a research assistant after graduation. For me, I went to a small liberal arts school that had minimal research opportunities, so I worked at a big research university for two years after college as an RA. I got 5 interviews and I am currently a grad student.

I would try to do at least something research related for your next two semesters. See if any grad students need help with their theses/dissertations? The only undergrad experience I had was in helping a master's student run participants for their thesis (basically handing out surveys and setting up computer tasks). But I was able to talk about that in my job interview. I also had a small project as part of my research methods class that I could draw upon. Anything to get your foot in the door.

 

[Doctor Eliza]

Why the switch to clinical psych PhD?

Dr. E

 

[chman]

Why the switch to clinical psych PhD?

Dr. E

For the money, fame, and prestige of course! (just kidding)

Well, the short answer is that after I got in to the psych major I realized my interests are really in human behavior rather than the disease processes of the whole body (although I realize they are connected). I would rather focus on what I'm actually interested in.

The long answer is more complicated than that though. First, my areas of interest involve addiction and adolescence, among other things. I feel that a lot of progress needs to, and can, be made in this area in both fields (medicine and psychology). I considered becoming an addiction medicine specialist, but decided psychology is a much better route for a couple of reasons. First, addiction medicine specialists and psychiatrists are primarily interested in medication for addiction (at least from my understanding). While there may be magic pills someday for certain addictions, so far these medications, for most part, either don't work or cause more harm than good IMO. Secondly, the kind of drug research I'm interested in, and how these drugs influence behavior, are primarily prescription drugs. Perhaps I am paranoid, but I feel that I would have more freedom research wise in the field of psychology (without drug company influence and the status quo of current prescribing practices).

Lastly, if I went in to medicine I would either want to do psychiatry or neurology (aside from addiction medicine) . I don't want to do psychiatry because I don't want medication to be my primary treatment tool. As far as neurology, I don't think it is really aligned with my interests; ie, I want a little more freedom. I want to be able to spend time with clients and help implement plans from start to "finish."


Now, after that speech, I will also admit I am really confused right now. I really love psychology. However, I am also now 26 years old, and as my previous post suggests, am probably approximately 2 years away from even starting a program.. So yea, I guess at this point I'm trying to figure out if I should do what I love or try to go for something a little more practical..

 

[Doctor Eliza]

I would definitely talk to professionals in both professions before making any decisions. You might start with the "would you do it again?" thread here.

Honestly, I would do anything to be in my 20's and have the option of med school. Every day I wish I could hop in my time machine and become a physician instead of a psychologist.

Dr. E

 

[chman]

I would definitely talk to professionals in both professions before making any decisions. You might start with the "would you do it again?" thread here.

Honestly, I would do anything to be in my 20's and have the option of med school. Every day I wish I could hop in my time machine and become a physician instead of a psychologist.

Dr. E

Yea, that is good advice.. and I did browse that thread, among others.. Scary, for someone considering the profession.