I Wish I Knew... When Applying for APA Internships
By Bridgette Atallah, Spring 2010
Internships accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) are regarded as the gold standard of pre-doc placements. Not only do they provide a shiny gold star on resumes, many APA sites pay their interns a living wage. But it can take years of professional and academic grooming to beat out the competition for one of the coveted sites. So, to help the reader gain a competitive edge, Bridgette shares the tips she gathered while braving the APA internship process:
- APA internships are extremely competitive, so it is important to manage expectations. Recognize that 25-30% of candidates do not match each year. Know what you’re up against.
- Make a realistic site list. If you are getting a PsyD, and a site has never taken PsyDs, your chances are slim. Apply to sites that have a reasonable applicant-to-position ratio.
- Focus on the match you see between yourself and the site—tell them why you are the type of intern they seek.
- Apply nationally. The Bay Area is extremely competitive. Consider if there is any way for you to apply to sites solely based on match. Geographic restrictions are hugely limiting.
- Do whatever you can to get clinical assessment experience before applying for internship. Even if assessment isn’t your area of interest and you aren’t sure about doing it in your internship, do it. Having the experience helps your chances of landing an APA approved site.
- Be kind to yourself during the process. Even if you receive many interviews, you’ll likely get many rejections. It can be hard.
- Consult with students who have been through the application process. Experience is invaluable in this process.
- At the end of the day, know there are no guarantees. No amount of advice will guarantee you a position. Even the best candidates sometimes get squeezed out.
- Have a plan B … just in case. Remember that finishing a doctorate program in four to five years is quite a feat. It is okay to slow down, and taking an extra year can make you much more competitive.
- Go for it. Nationally, 70% of applicants match. Maybe you will be among that group.