Jenn Hunt & Stephani Foraker

Good grades is only the starting point! Important to engage in individualized

experiences & department activities First-hand experience in research or applied

settings Student organizations

Learn what psychology is really like

Gain valuable experience for jobs or graduate school

Get to know faculty members

Develop skills & learn about yourself

Have fun!

Psychology Club Open to all students interested in Psychology Informational & social events, speakers Spring research project Advisor: Dr. Reid

Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology Eligibility standards: High GPAs, credit hours Informational, volunteer, & social events Advisor: Dr. Foraker

Psychology Students Interested in Community Outreach (PSICO) Open to all students interested in community service Raise money to sponsor families during the holidays Advisor: Dr. DiPirro

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Open to all students interested in Human Resources Advisor: Dr. Delprino

Independent Studies (PSY 495) One semester Work closely with faculty a

member Complete a research study No minimum GPA Sample topics:

Body image in 6th grade students How views of parents affect views of God Gender bias in hiring judgments Factors affecting road rage

Opportunities to present and publish research

Honors Theses (PSY 496 and 498) Bigger research project - two semesters Work with committee of three faculty members Must have GPAs of 3.5+ in psychology and 3.25+ overall Recent topics:

Social withdrawal in veterans with PTSD Academic and social adjustment of students with ADHD Prejudice against Canadians

Opportunities to present and publish research

Psychology Club Research Team

Research Assistant Work in faculty lab

Research Participant

Field Internship (PSY 488) Complete 150 hours (12 hours per week) at

community setting Weekly internship class At least second-semester junior At least 2.5 GPA Apply before registration for next semester

Internship sites include: School psychology in Niagara Falls Schools School counseling at Gateway Longview Work with refugees at Journey's End Work with serious mental illness at Transitional Services, Inc. Inpatient psychological care at Buffalo Psychiatric Center Substance abuse work at Northpointe Council

Teaching Internship (PSY 488) Assist a faculty member with a class in which

you have excelled Typical duties include

Leading test review sessions Holding office hours Helping with grading

Volunteer-Service Learning Courses Require service connected to course objectives

& community needs 15-40 hours, depending on course Can do in many departments

Volunteer for community organizations related to psychology Flexibility in # of hours Opportunities within

walking distance Opportunities through

Psychology Club, Psi Chi Career Development

Center

Many careers in Psychology require a Masters degree or Ph.D. Clinical, counseling, school Academic researcher Consulting

Very competitive – Need to plan ahead!

UNDERGRADUATE Broad education Well-rounded Class-based

GRADUATE Highly focused Specialist Research/experience-

based with fewer classes

UNDERGRADUATE Large number admitted

100s or 1000s / year Flexibility in final

interests/major Form a good pool General qualifications &

experiences

GRADUATE Small number admitted

Ph.D. programs: < 10/year Commitment to specific

area Match with program and

mentors Look for specific

experiences in that field

Many parallels Lots of applications for limited positions Need experience as well as grades

Grades: High as possible >3.0 for MA, >3.5 for Ph.D

Solid course preparation Likely exceed minimum requirements

Research!!! Independent studies, research teams, senior thesis

Applied experiences Internship Related volunteering or work Teaching

Get involved in the department Psychology Club, Psi Chi, PSICOs, SHRM Leadership positions

GREs Need to do well Ongoing preparation: Read! Specific preparation:

Books, courses (e.g., Kaplan)

As transfer students, you have less time, so start getting involved right away!