The importance of interning while in college cannot be stressed enough. Internships provide students with networking opportunities, real-world experience and on-the-job career training. This week we spoke with Greg Haynes, a senior FCLC student, majoring in Psychology, who landed the internship of his dreams. With a full-time course load, work study, two research projects and a part-time job, Greg still finds the time to participate in his ideal internship.
Greg’s internship at the Lieber Center for Schizophrenia Research of the New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI) has been a great opportunity for him to both learn and grow professionally. His duties as an intern include recording data for a longitudinal study on supplemental medication to improve the cognitive deficits caused by schizophrenia, developing and organizing assessment and medical files, and monitoring patients at the center. When asked about whether he enjoys his internship, Greg answered, “I believe my internship has provided me with an invaluable experience. Some may look at my job and say it is a lot administrative work and data entry, but for me, it’s a job in which I can engage individuals with mental disorders, work with professionals in my field, and gain insight into the different techniques of conducting psychological research.” As a consequence of his positive approach to the internship, the research coordinator who supervises him asked that he extend his November through Spring position through the summer. Though it is a generous and exciting offer, Greg is unsure whether or not he will accept this extension due to his application in another competitive summer internship exchange program abroad through Mount Sinai.
Greg’s evident optimism and ambition is what helped him find his internship in the first place. Greg had done independent research of possible internship opportunities and aware of the long application and screening process that the New York Psychiatric Institute requires, Greg approached one of his psychology professors for assistance. Greg’s professor was able to put him in contact with a former Fordham student who had previously worked in the Lieber Center, who advised him regarding how to submit his resume for consideration.
As Greg was determined to get an internship at NYSPI, he worked hard to fully prepare his resume and cover letter, as well as practice for his interview. In preparation for the interview process, Greg was very enthusiastic about utilizing the resources provided at Fordham’s Career Services. He met with a career counselor for resume critiques, mock interviews and general career guidance, and this prep allowed him to truly excel in his interview and feel comfortable throughout the entire interview process. Participating in a mock interview allowed Greg to prepare for questions he would be asked during the real interview and made him aware of what to expect. “Because of career services, I was able to effortlessly discuss my interests in psychology and my future goals of earning a doctorate in clinical psychology and working in the psychology field. I was prepared for any questions that they could ask”.
Greg’s final remarks were advice for students interested in psychology internships, “Be proactive. Seek out professors you have a relationship with, or build a relationship with one via a good grade or your interest in topic that they focus on, and NETWORK. Try to join Professional Organizations and organizations on campus, such as Psi Chi, to expand your professional network in the psychology field, and make a variety of contacts. Also, network within your major! Share and discuss opportunities with fellow students in the major. And don’t hesitate to look for volunteer opportunities for flexible and convenient hours.”
Greg’s advice, however, applies to students seeking internships in all fields. Rewarding internships can be difficult to find, that’s why it is important to be persistent, network, and most importantly, be prepared when approached for a resume or offered an opportunity to interview.
