Pre and Post-Docs in Different States

[PsychStudent05]

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Sorry if this was already asked!

How important is it to do your pre and/or post-doc in the state you'd like to eventually practice in? (I know having connections is obviously important).

I'm originally from NY and would like to practice there when I finish my degree but I'd like to do a pre or post doc in California (I know it's super competitive).

 

[AcronymAllergy]

Doing your post-doc where you'd eventually like to practice could be useful for a variety of reasons, including licensure (i.e., already being in the state saves you from having to travel for exams and such), contacts/networking (as you've said), and job hunting (many sites will keep post-docs on as employees, being in the area will help you more easily find local openings, etc.).

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

It really doesn't matter. You still need to take the EPPP, and most states have the same basic steps to apply for licensure: e.g. send EPPP scores, confirmation of graduation/internship/postdoc hours, application, $-check, etc. Job hunting would be easier to do your post-doc in/around where you want to stay because interviews would be "local", but you would still need to take most of the same time off to interview. I have traveled around the country for job interviews, and it hasn't been that bad (all expenses covered by the interviewers).

 

[PsychStudent05]

Fantastic, thank you for clearing that up!

I've been doing some research on highly regarded internship sites, are there any that you know of?

 

[EmotRegulation]

Fantastic, thank you for clearing that up!

I've been doing some research on highly regarded internship sites, are there any that you know of?

That's too difficult a question to answer....there are many highly regarded internship sites, and it isn't about prestige but about fit and your career goals. Search the forum for internship threads; there is a wealth of information on here.

 

[JeyRo]

Ironically, I did my internship in NJ and postdoc in NY and wanted to move back to California to practice. I heard a few times throughout my training that it would be harder to resettle away from where I did my predoc and postdoc, but I didn't find that to be the case.

 

[ncantone]

I'm from IL. I'm finishing up my pre-doc in NY and will do my post-doc in IA. My reasoning to go away was that I am young, unattached, and open to new experiences. there's nothing holding me down and I'd rather take this time to see new places and try new things before I eventually head back to IL and settle down. YMMV
However, I see the advantage in doing it all in one state as you get to network and have to only worry about one state's licensing.

 

[PsychStudent05]

I'm from IL. I'm finishing up my pre-doc in NY and will do my post-doc in IA. My reasoning to go away was that I am young, unattached, and open to new experiences. there's nothing holding me down and I'd rather take this time to see new places and try new things before I eventually head back to IL and settle down. YMMV
However, I see the advantage in doing it all in one state as you get to network and have to only worry about one state's licensing.

Congrats on your pre and post docs! Did you study in IL? I still have a long way before thinking about pre/post docs but the idea to see new places while on internship is exciting.