Where do Psychologists Fit?

AbstractThe goal of this workshop is to educate graduate and undergraduate

students about the diverse career opportunities that a degree in psychology can lead to, and share tips for a successful career. Advice on enriching a CV and preparing for job applications will be offered. Presenters will outline the different domains where psychologists are active (academic, research, clinical, education, management, military, international organizations) and explore job opportunities in each area. A panel of psychologists from academia, clinical work, applied psychology and management, as well as various specializations such as education, forensics and international organizations will join in the discussion. The panel will share their career path and advice on ensuring a successful and fulfilling career in psychology. They will also answer questions from the audience. Issues discussed will include: getting ready for a career in a particular domain; facts and myths about psychologists in a particular area, as well as resources and networking. The workshop is meant to be an educational one; nevertheless we will strongly encourage discussion and questions from the audience.

OutlinePanel of expertsPutting together a tool boxPsychology and International reliefChoosing a path

Academic routeClinical work Consulting and industrySocial, Corrections, I/O, Clinical (Geriatrics),

and Neuropsychology

Dr. P. Hausdorf hausdorf@psy.uoguelph.caI/O Psychology PhD Human resources Management/Labour Relations, McMaster U.

Dr. L. Sinclair l.sinclair@uwinnipeg.ca Academia/Social PsychologyPhD. Social Psychology University of Waterloo

Dr. D. Cotton cottonDH@csc-scc.gc.caCorrections; Clinical Psychology; NeuropsychologyPh.D. Psychology, Queen's University

Dr. C. Mackenzie corey_mackenzie@umanitoba.caResearch & Academic, Clinical psychology (geriatric population), Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, Queen’s University

Dr. J. Mills millsJF@csc-scc.gc.caCorrectional services; Consulting and Private PracticePh.D. Psychology, Carleton University

Tool Box for Psychologists-to-be• Collaboration and Networking

– Take advantage of opportunities brought to you by your peers and supervisors

– Get involved in professional organizations, student government and interest groups

– Take opportunities to meet and discuss ideas with individuals who are active in the domains that you are interested in

Tool Box for Psychologists-to-be• Be a good departmental citizen

Accept that you don’t know everything, and that you have a lot to learn

Solicit advice from mentorsGet involved in others research is possibleLearn to be political at timesBe flexible with your plans, ideas and interests

International opportunities for Clinical PsychologistsDoctors Without Borders (MSF)

Médecins du Monde

Canadian Red Cross

Canadian International Development Agency

United Nations

Basic Requirements for employmentAvailability

Team work

Flexibility

Stress management abilities

Knowledge of two or more languages

Prior experience in developing countries and trauma relief

Specific requirements for employment

A Ph.D in Clinical Psychology from a recognized University

2 years of post qualification experience

Prior experience in PTSD, trauma, or other related fields

Prior experience in psycho-education, training, supervising and managing others

Things to ExpectIn addition, field workers need to be

prepared to work in environments that are:

• Insecure – Thus limiting individual freedoms in terms of movement and local interactions;

•Unfamiliar – Therefore requiring open mindedness from field workers;

•Stressful – Which may affect your motivation to continue to work;

• Isolated – In that you have to put your personal life on hold for up to a year;

Get the word out!Form an interest group in

International Psychology at your University;

Advocate for the role of psychologists abroad;

Encourage the accreditation of international practicum and internship placements;

Invite speakers to give a talk on international topics for your Department;

More resources are presented at the end of the presentation

Key Points from the PanelPersistence, persistence, PERSISTANCE!

You will receive many more rejection letters than acceptance letters. Don’t let them discourage you, instead focus on your achievements and let those lead the way!

Be a good departmental citizenBe involved, ask for help and offer help to your

colleagues!Approach individuals who inspire you, and ask them

questions:“Let me buy you a coffee! Let’s talk!” – Dr. Mills

Do not take on more projects than you can handleTime management is priceless: ask your supervisor

“when do you need this by?”, and schedule in specific reading and times.

Additional ResourcesInternational and Relief Psychology

http://www.msf.ca/http://www.redcross.ca/http://www.medecinsdumonde.ca/http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/http://www.un.org/

Careers in psychology Davis S.F., Giordano, P.J., & Licht, C.A. (2009) Your

Career in Psychology, Wiley-Balckwell, Oxford. Sternberg, R.J. (2007) Career Paths in Psychology:

Where your degree can take you (2nd ed). American Psychological Association, Washington D.C.

Thank you and good luck!

Contact:rana.pishva @ queensu.ca