Having trouble finding relevant volunteer work/employment...

[userdefined]

Hi everyone,

I am trying to get some experience volunteering/working in clinical psychology to build up my resume for grad school applications (I'm applying to PsyD programs) but I'm having a lot of trouble finding anything directly related to clinical practice. Does anyone have any insight as to how I can find these opportunities? FYI I already have a B.A. in Psychology and am not currently enrolled at any university.

I am able to find lots of volunteer work at elderly homes for people with dimentia, for example, and while i might just do this volunteer work anyway, I am concerned that it may not help (or even hurt) my chances of getting accepted..does any of this seem valid?

Please do share opinions. Thanks in advance.

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[Quynh2007]

Hi everyone,

I am trying to get some experience volunteering/working in clinical psychology to build up my resume for grad school applications (I'm applying to PsyD programs) but I'm having a lot of trouble finding anything directly related to clinical practice. Does anyone have any insight as to how I can find these opportunities? FYI I already have a B.A. in Psychology and am not currently enrolled at any university.

I am able to find lots of volunteer work at elderly homes for people with dimentia, for example, and while i might just do this volunteer work anyway, I am concerned that it may not help (or even hurt) my chances of getting accepted..does any of this seem valid?

Please do share opinions. Thanks in advance.

that looks good to me. schools just want to see that you've done something clinically related. I interned/volunteered at my local family and children's mental health clinic for a little over a year and i don't think it was a big factor in my apps.

 

[Markro311]

I agree with Quynh, your work experience at the elderly home will definitely help you. Any sort of clinical type work will make you look better. Try to beef it up as much as you can in your statement of purpose and interviews as well.

Additionally, even though you're applying to Psy.D. programs (I'm about to enter one myself), it wouldn't hurt to get a little research experience as well. If there are any universities close to you at all, find out who is conducting research in the psych department there and e-mail them saying you're interested in helping out in any way you can. If there aren't any universities, try looking into a hospital or medical center or something. I think having some research, even for a Psy.D. applicant, will only help you.

I did about 10 hours of RA work per week for two semesters in undergrad. Even though research isn't really my thing, I found it to be enjoyable enough, and I got a great letter of rec. out of it as well. Plus, it's just good to have some experience with the research aspect. You'll still at least be working on a disseration for your Psy.D.

Hope this helps at all. 🙂

 

[psychplease]

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[Therapist4Chnge]

I second Mark in his advice about research. I did quite a bit of research during my undergrad, and it really helped me on my applications (split between PhD & PsyD). For the most part, any clinically relevant experience it good to have, though I'd look at the weak points in your application, and see if there is a way to bolster them.

-t

 

[Lunabin]

I remember in my undergrad looking at a lot of jobs with autistic children/adults. I found research work by talking to professors, though if you want to focus on clinical work, this may not be the best route.

You can also just call up any place that offers mental health/social services and ask about volunteer opportunities. My college roomate worked for some time as a volunteer in a drug rehab clinic...

good luck.

 

[userdefined]

Thanks everyone, I'll have to try some of your suggestions, as my long and difficult search has landed me 0 opportunities thus far.

 

[Reem16]

Hi Userdefined

I worked part-time last year as a mental health worker in a psychiatric hospital. The job did not require any previous experience, and I thought it was is an invaluable (and intense at times) clinical experience. I don't know how it'll look on my resume, but at least I feel like I am entering the field of clinical psych knowing what I am getting into.

Best of luck finding something 🙂

-R.