Practicum interviews

[CounselingGirl]

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Hey everyone!

I was wondering if anyone had advice on preparing for practicum interviews.

 

[Student4Life0]

Hey everyone!

I was wondering if anyone had advice on preparing for practicum interviews.

I would suggest doing the same that you would do for any interview: dress professionally, bring a CV, be ready to speak on your clinical interests and future plans. However, I do not find that practicum interviews are nearly as stressful as other interviews (ie, getting into school). Most people on practicum interviews do not have very much clinical experience, and the point of a practicum is to gain experience. You are not expected to walk in as an expert. I have been on a few practicum interviews, and they were all pretty painless.

 

[docma]

Be knowledgeable about the agency and what services they provide and who they serve. Be able to talk about why this setting is of interest and value in training for you. Be able to talk about your strengths and weaknesses as a clinician at this stage. Have some thoughtful questions of your own prepared. Do not smoke during the interview. Try to relax enough that you can demonstrate you have a sense of humor. Be prepared to talk about a clinical case. If you have stated you can provide services in another language be prepared to respond to questions in that language.

 

[psychgirl77]

I received offers from my top two practicum placements (Yay!). But now I need to decline my second choice. Anyone have any suggestions on how to decline the offer from my second choice in a manner which would not burn any bridges and would leave the door open for me to complete a practicum there in the future? I would be really happy to complete a practicum there next year or an internship in the future so I want to make sure I word it in a way that shows I was definitely interested but that I simply got an offer from my first choice. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[docma]

If you can honestly give a reason like one of these, do: travel time and costs make a difference, opportunity to do x (testing, research interest, learn a specific tx modality, etc.) These are reasons sites understand even if they are disappointed with your rejection of the offer. Otherwise, just be honest and say that for a variety of reasons you need to choose another site for next year, thank them for the offer and express an interest for the following year (if you genuinely have one.) And don't delay on getting back to them, as your information helps them move on and find someone who is interested for next year.

 

[psychgirl77]

Thanks Docma, that was very helpful. I just sent off the letter. 🙂

 

[cara susanna]

I'm having the opposite problem where it's likely the practicum I'll get will not be really related to my interests. Does this hurt me in the long run, or is any experience good experience?

Thanks!

 

[deadmau5]

it's okay to have a variety. one in your ideal area would be good.

 

[psyman]

Be knowledgeable about the agency and what services they provide and who they serve. Be able to talk about why this setting is of interest and value in training for you. Be able to talk about your strengths and weaknesses as a clinician at this stage. Have some thoughtful questions of your own prepared. Do not smoke during the interview. Try to relax enough that you can demonstrate you have a sense of humor. Be prepared to talk about a clinical case. If you have stated you can provide services in another language be prepared to respond to questions in that language.

Really?