Career Choices In Psychology Class 1 A3 Preparing For The In

Career Choices In Psychology Classm1 A3preparing For The Informational

Prepare for an informational interview with a psychology professional by identifying a suitable interviewee, developing a script for the initial interaction, creating a list of at least fifteen questions to ask, and scheduling the interview. The interview should explore the professional's educational and career path, day-to-day responsibilities, skills required, professional ethics, and personal motivations. The completed preparation will serve as the foundation for a subsequent written report documenting the actual interview. The interview must last at least thirty minutes and can be conducted in person or by phone. This assignment emphasizes professional interaction, careful question development, and thorough pre-interview planning.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The process of choosing a career in psychology involves careful research and preparation, which begins with identifying a professional who exemplifies the career path of interest. For this purpose, I selected Beth Pumerantz, who holds the position of Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California. She possesses a Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MS: MFT), which is essential for her role. Beth's responsibilities include counseling clients, documenting sessions, scheduling appointments, managing insurance billing, conducting intake assessments, diagnosing conditions, and devising treatment plans. She emphasizes daily learning and compassionate interaction, aiming to make a meaningful difference in her clients' lives. Her professional activities reflect the scope and depth typical of licensed therapists working in clinical settings.

To prepare for my informational interview, I compiled an extensive list of questions designed to deepen my understanding of Beth Pumerantz’s professional journey and insights into the field of psychology. These questions encompass topics such as her educational background, skills necessary for success, relevant professional organizations, views on ethics, and the role of research in her practice. Sample questions include: “What inspired you to pursue a career in mental health?” “What skills have been most important in your professional success?” “How do professional organizations benefit your work?” “Can you share your perspective on maintaining ethical standards in therapy?” “What role does psychological research play in your daily practice?” and “What are some of the biggest challenges and rewards in your career?”

Developing a professional script for the warm-up phase of the interview, I planned to introduce myself politely, offer a handshake, and express appreciation for her time. My opening script was: “Hello, Ms. Pumerantz. Thank you very much for taking the time to speak with me today. My name is [Your Name], and I am currently exploring career options in psychology. I hope to learn more about your experiences, the path you took to become a licensed therapist, and your insights into the profession. I look forward to our conversation.” I intended to engage in small talk related to her professional background and demonstrate respectful, professional communication skills. The purpose of this initial interaction is to build rapport and set a positive tone for the remainder of the interview.

This preparatory work is critical for conducting a meaningful and insightful interview later in the course. It also helps develop professionalism, communication, and research skills vital for a future career in psychology. By thoroughly planning the questions and interaction, I aim to gather comprehensive answers that will inform my understanding of the field and guide my educational and career decisions.

References

  • American Psychological Association. (2020). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. https://www.apa.org/ethics/code
  • Barnett, J. E., & Riehl, C. (2014). Professional ethics in psychology. In M. G. Palmgreen (Ed.), Ethical dilemmas in psychology (pp. 45-66). Academic Press.
  • Corey, G., Corey, M. S., & Corey, C. (2019). Issues and ethics in the helping professions (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.
  • Hersen, M., & Barlow, D. H. (2013). Single case experimental designs: Strategies for studying behavior change. Springer Science & Business Media.
  • Kaslow, N. J. (2012). The role of research in clinical psychology. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 68(6), 615-623.
  • Knapp, S., & Vandecreek, L. (2019). Ethical issues and dilemmas in clinical practice. In B. A. Koocher et al. (Eds.), Ethical challenges in the era of evidence-based practice (pp. 22-40). Oxford University Press.
  • Schimmel, C. J., & Wiggins, O. P. (2012). The importance of professional organizations in psychology. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com
  • Sternberg, R. J. (2019). The role and importance of research in psychology. American Psychologist, 74(2), 170-181.
  • VandenBos, G. R. (2015). APA handbook of ethics in psychology. American Psychological Association.
  • Wachtel, P. L. (2016). The ethics of therapy and counseling. Routledge.

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