Psychology students have a multitude of opportunities to get involved in the field of psychology outside of the traditional classroom. Internships, research, learning communities, student organizations and study abroad are just a few examples of the opportunities you will have to build career-related experience, as well as lasting relationships.
As you explore the various opportunities for getting involved below, remember the following advice:
- Your experiences should relate to your future career goals as much as possible.
- Always strive to do the best job possible, even if you are not getting paid. These experiences can lead to letters of recommendation and potentially to a future job offer.
- Network. Try to meet as many people in the organization as you can. Learn about what other people do. Save contact information of people you meet. Send a thank you letter when your position is over and stay in contact with your supervisor once you leave. When the time comes to find a full-time job, you will have connections.
- Do not burn bridges. Even if you realize this field is not for you, finish your commitment and do a good job.
Teaching Assistant
Being a teaching assistant is another great way to build transferrable skills. Even if you do not want to be a teacher, being a TA helps you gain experience in communication, teamwork, management, public speaking and leadership. It is also a great way to get to know a faculty member for a future reference for graduate school or a job.
To be a TA, you must do very well in the course and show exceptional mastery of the course material. Most of the time, the instructor approaches a student and asks him/her to be a TA. Some TA positions are also advertised in the Monday Message. If you are interested in being a TA and have not been asked, go ahead and express your interest to the instructor.
Student Organizations
UNL offers more than 500 student organizations, many of which may relate directly to your career goals. Even if you cannot find one that matches your desired career, you can still gain transferrable skills that are valued in your field. Most organizations provide opportunities for leadership, teamwork, communication, fundraising and event planning, all of which are highly valued by employers. Employers prefer to see that you were active and took on leadership roles rather than simply being a member of the organization.
Find an organization that interests you at the Office of Student Involvement.
Here are a couple of psychology student organizations that you may want to join:
Psychology Club
Psychology Club is a student organization sponsored by students for students in psychology, which interest in psychology outside of the traditional classroom setting, especially professional and career development. It is open to all who are interested. Its members meet monthly with those of Psi Chi.
Psi Chi
Psi Chi is a national honorary society for graduate and undergraduate psychology students, founded to recognize, encourage, stimulate and maintain excellence in scholarship of its members and advance the science of psychology.
Professional Organizations
In addition to on-campus student organizations, you may wish to explore joining a professional organization, many of which offer student memberships. Below are just two of your many options. Additionally, UNL Psychology events sponsored by the department allow you to connect with professionals from across the nation:
Research
We take great pride the quantity and quality of our research and scholarly activity at all levels. Our faculty publish numerous papers each year in leading scholarly journals, many of which have graduate and undergraduate students as co-authors. As an undergraduate psychology major at UNL, you have the opportunity to be actively engaged in research.