Psychology 489 - Internship in Psychology

Course Description and Objectives:

Psychology 489 – Internship in Psychology

 Course Description and Objectives:

Psychology 489 provides psychology students with an opportunity to work in a professional setting and begin to integrate their academic knowledge with experiences, expectations, values, and demands of the world outside the classroom. This class will meet every other week to discuss professional, psychological, ethical, and other issues relevant to the internship experience.

• Why are internships important?
• What kinds of internships do Psych 489 students do?
• How do I find out about available internships?
• What are the prerequisites for Psych 489?
• How much time commitment is involved in Psych 489?
• How do I sign up for Psych 489?
• Etiquette Tips: Is there anything specific I need to do or say when communicating with a potential internship site?

Why are internships important?

Internships are important components of a well-rounded study of psychology.  In addition to providing opportunities to apply concepts and theories outside of your coursework, they also enhance you marketability in the professional world.  Some students find that a college internship evolves into a job post-graduation.

For students entering today’s competitive job market directly after earning their undergraduate degree, internships are practically a must.  They’re a key factor in setting you apart as a job candidate.  As an intern working with a professional in your field of interest, you’ll be able to apply your in-depth classroom knowledge to real-world applications.  There’s not an employer around who doesn’t value hands-on experience coupled with a solid academic foundation!

What kinds of internships do Psych 489 students do?

Psych 489 students participate in a wide variety to internship experiences.  Any internship that connects with your psych coursework is fair game!  For example, some Psych 489 students have volunteered with the Suicide Prevention Hotline accepting calls from suicidal adults.  Others have worked with Goodwill Industries, designing programming for adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities.  Some have worked as interns in human resources departments, helping to design new employee evaluations. Ask yourself: What do you want to do with your psychology degree? What is your dream job? Who is doing your dream job? How did they get started? What kinds of internships or volunteer opportunities are available for people getting started in that field?

How do I find out about available internships?

There are many paths to finding an internship.  An opportunity isn’t always advertised as an internship (it may be advertised as a volunteer opportunity) – it won’t necessarily even be advertised at all!  The first step to finding an internship is to get a better idea of what kind of internship you want.  Ask yourself the questions above.  Remember an ideal internship will help you continue to explore career options.

• CarmenWiki Page for Psychology-Related Internships for OSU Students is a repository forpast and future internships completed and considered by PSYCH 489 students. If you're looking for an internship related to the field of psychology, this is a great place to start.
• OSU’s Arts & Sciences Career Services Office in Townshend Hall is a great place to start.  Career Services provides multiple resources for students, such as preparing resumes, cover letters, and mock interviewing opportunities, in addition to listings of possible internships. Stop in for a walk-in appointment to meet with an internship specialist.
• Your own network is also a great place to find internship opportunities.  Ask fellow students what kinds of internships or sustained volunteer jobs they’ve had.  Ask your professors.  Ask your advisors.  Ask your parents. Ask people at your job or place of worship. If you have an idea of what you’re looking for (e.g. working with the homeless), start looking for service providers in the Columbus area (e.g. homeless shelters), contact them, and ask if they have volunteer/internship opportunities for college students! (Wondering what to say? See the etiquette tips below.)
• Join FutureLink to connect with prospective internship sites and employers and apply online. ASC Career Services often runs workshops on how to use FutureLink effectively.
• Explore internships where past Psych 489 students worked.  In the psychology undergraduate advising office (PSY 15), ask to see the notebook with information on past Psych 489 placements.

What are the prerequisites for Psych 489?

In order to enroll in Psych 489:

• You must have junior or senior standing
• You much have completed Psych 100 and an additional 15 credit hours in Psychology
• You must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.8
• You must have an internship related to the field of psychology
• The internship much promote skill development and hands-on learning
• You must have a direct supervisor at the internship who is responsible for overseeing your work
• You supervisor must be able to evaluate your performance at the internship and must be willing to complete a basic internship evaluation form.

How much time commitment is involved in Psych 489?

Currently, as of Autumn 2010, students enrolled in Psych 489 must be able to commit to at least 10-12 hours per week (100-120 hours over the quarter) at the internship site, in addition to 5 one-hour in-class meetings, and out-of-class time for coursework and assignments.

Psych 489 may soon be offered for variable credit such that a student can choose to take the course for 1-5 credit hours (approx. 3 hours per week at the internship site for each credit earned).  Stay tuned for more info.

How do I sign up for Psych 489?

Once you have your internship secured, contact the instructor for Psych 489.  You’ll need to meet with the instructor to get instructor permission to enroll – this ensures that the only people registering are students who meet the prerequisites for Psych 489 and who have already found an internship related to psychology.

Bring a course enrollment form for the instructor to sign.  Course enrollment forms are available online at the Registrar’s Office website under Current Students/ On-line Forms or at the Undergrad Psych Advising Office.  Take the completed form to the College of Arts and Sciences in Denny Hall (non-honors) or Enarson Hall (honors).

Etiquette Tips: Is there anything specific I need to do or say when communicating with a potential internship site?

Etiquette is always important.  Internships are often competitive and you want to put your best foot forward right from the start.  A polite, professional email could make the difference between never getting a response and an internship offer. 

DO NOT say…Hey, I’m interested in an internship with your organization. Do you have any openings?  Thanks.  Your email may well be ignored.

DO say something like: Hello Mr./Ms. (Name): My name is (your name), and I’m interested in the work you’re doing at (name the organization). As a psychology major at The Ohio State University, I’ve learned about (name something you’ve learned that relates to the internship) and would like the opportunity gain hands-on experience putting my knowledge to work. Your mission at (organization) relates directly to my interest in (state your interest).  

I am currently seeking internship opportunities for (state the quarter you hope to enroll in Psych 489). Is your organization looking for interns or volunteers for that time frame? If so, would you be willing to meet in person or by phone to discuss those opportunities?  I’m available (name specific days and times you are available – give a range).  I can be reached at (your phone and email contacts). If your organization does not have internship or volunteer opportunities, do you have any suggestions of other organizations in the Columbus area that are doing similar work?

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely, Iam A. Student