Undergraduate Psy Research Experience
*Many students wonder about the type of experiences that admissions committees scout for in potential PhD students. The good news is that students do not have to fit a particular mold in order to demonstrate their experience in research. Not every student needs to have completed "all" their research in the field of psychology. A potent strategy is to discuss how experience in other areas
enhance your admission profile. I do not advocate that students forsake
psychological research training, but students without a major in
psychology have the option of taking advanced psychology courses and selling
their ancillary experience (i.e., biology, physics, business, etc.). A
student should always tie their previous experience with that of
psychology. A good question to ask yourself is: How will my previous or current experience in (insert your field) inform my research and practice as a psychologist in training?
For instance, a student that comes from a pre-medicine background will usually have expansive knowledge of research methodologies and its application. A wise strategy for a student with a pre-medicine background would include citing the following: area of research experience, laboratory tasks/responsibilities, projects with faculty, published or documented work from research, and so forth (communicated on one's CV, admissions essay, and interview with faculty). That being said, it is still wise to obtain as much research experience in the field of psychology as possible. Admissions committees want to ensure that they offer enrollment invitations to students that have good skills in research. Faculty members do not want to review every basic step on research methods with first year students. For that reason, admissions committees screen applicants. They choose students who have experience but still have room to grow in the field.
*One category of students are those who do not have much research experience. I recommend that these students begin obtaining research experience as soon as possible. More than likely, you will be volunteering. Do not "overly" focus on obtaining a paid research experience. You might have to contact organizations or other universities to obtain this experience, if there are no openings at your campus. If you are unsure about how to find these internships, then speak to professors and the career center at your university. These connections should help you to obtain a spot on a research team.
*For students that are psychology majors, ensure that you have well rounded research experiences. Do not be afraid to work in areas that deviate from the work of other applicants (unless the program is very specific about experience areas). After all, the uniqueness of your experience is what helps you to stand out. Another suggestion is to try working with groups across the life span. If all of your experience is in working with adults, then try to obtain experience working with children or geriatric clients/participants.
*Overall, I recommend that students do not discount the value of their previous experiences. Students need to learn how to capitalize on their work and academic experience. Take some time to brainstorm on the various research experiences that you have obtained. Then, comb through your CV to ensure that all important tasks and roles are listed. Never leave out important experience on your CV or admissions essay.
*Remember to get started on research experience early. Do not wait until the last minute to search for sites. A number of students are actively seeking out places to volunteer, so you must be diligent to locate and communicate with a site early in your degree plan. Students that are discouraged in this process remember that there are always hidden opportunities. Do not give up before you find your pot of gold or research opportunity!
*Here are some resources from the Council on Undergraduate Research, APA, and Psi Chi on Research Opportunity Tips/Facts:
http://www.cur.org/
http://apa.org/education/undergrad/student-research.aspx
http://www.psichi.org/?page=092EyeWin05bPurdy&hhSearchTerms=%22finding+and+research+and+opportunities%22
http://www.psichi.org/?page=062EyeWin02hSadowski&hhSearchTerms=%22finding+and+research+and+opportunities%22
http://www.psichi.org/?page=143EyeSpr10aDetweile&hhSearchTerms=%22finding+and+research+and+opportunities%22
For instance, a student that comes from a pre-medicine background will usually have expansive knowledge of research methodologies and its application. A wise strategy for a student with a pre-medicine background would include citing the following: area of research experience, laboratory tasks/responsibilities, projects with faculty, published or documented work from research, and so forth (communicated on one's CV, admissions essay, and interview with faculty). That being said, it is still wise to obtain as much research experience in the field of psychology as possible. Admissions committees want to ensure that they offer enrollment invitations to students that have good skills in research. Faculty members do not want to review every basic step on research methods with first year students. For that reason, admissions committees screen applicants. They choose students who have experience but still have room to grow in the field.
*One category of students are those who do not have much research experience. I recommend that these students begin obtaining research experience as soon as possible. More than likely, you will be volunteering. Do not "overly" focus on obtaining a paid research experience. You might have to contact organizations or other universities to obtain this experience, if there are no openings at your campus. If you are unsure about how to find these internships, then speak to professors and the career center at your university. These connections should help you to obtain a spot on a research team.
*For students that are psychology majors, ensure that you have well rounded research experiences. Do not be afraid to work in areas that deviate from the work of other applicants (unless the program is very specific about experience areas). After all, the uniqueness of your experience is what helps you to stand out. Another suggestion is to try working with groups across the life span. If all of your experience is in working with adults, then try to obtain experience working with children or geriatric clients/participants.
*Overall, I recommend that students do not discount the value of their previous experiences. Students need to learn how to capitalize on their work and academic experience. Take some time to brainstorm on the various research experiences that you have obtained. Then, comb through your CV to ensure that all important tasks and roles are listed. Never leave out important experience on your CV or admissions essay.
*Remember to get started on research experience early. Do not wait until the last minute to search for sites. A number of students are actively seeking out places to volunteer, so you must be diligent to locate and communicate with a site early in your degree plan. Students that are discouraged in this process remember that there are always hidden opportunities. Do not give up before you find your pot of gold or research opportunity!
*Here are some resources from the Council on Undergraduate Research, APA, and Psi Chi on Research Opportunity Tips/Facts:
http://www.cur.org/
http://apa.org/education/undergrad/student-research.aspx
http://www.psichi.org/?page=092EyeWin05bPurdy&hhSearchTerms=%22finding+and+research+and+opportunities%22
http://www.psichi.org/?page=062EyeWin02hSadowski&hhSearchTerms=%22finding+and+research+and+opportunities%22
http://www.psichi.org/?page=143EyeSpr10aDetweile&hhSearchTerms=%22finding+and+research+and+opportunities%22
