Career Choices In Psychology Class 1 A3 Preparing For 211333
Career Choices In Psychology Classm1 A3preparing For The Informational
Prepare for an informational interview with a psychology professional by identifying a suitable candidate, creating a script, designing a list of questions, and scheduling the interview. The interview should last at least thirty minutes and can be conducted in person or via phone if necessary. You will later submit a written account of this interview in a subsequent assignment.
Begin by selecting a professional engaged in a career you are interested in pursuing. Gather their identifying information: name, job title, education level, job responsibilities, license type (if applicable), location, and contact information. Develop at least fifteen relevant questions to ask during the interview, focusing on their career path, skills, experiences, professional organizations, ethical views, and challenges and rewards of their profession. Craft a script for the meet-and-greet portion, including professional introductions, small talk, and the purpose of the interview, demonstrating effective professional communication skills.
Paper For Above instruction
In this preparatory assignment for an upcoming informational interview, I have selected Beth Pumerantz, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California, as the professional to interview. Her background, role, and responsibilities closely align with my career interests in the psychology field, particularly in mental health therapy. Her credentials include a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MS: MFT), and her work involves a broad range of responsibilities that include counseling clients, documenting sessions, managing scheduling, billing, conducting assessments, creating treatment plans, and continually learning and growing in her practice.
Developing a list of questions that are relevant and open-ended was essential to prepare for the interview. Some of these questions include: "Can you tell me about your educational journey and the steps you took to become a licensed therapist?" "What skills and qualities do you believe are critical for success in this field?" "How do professional organizations influence your work?" "What are your views on ethical issues and maintaining integrity in your practice?" "Can you describe a challenging case you encountered and how you handled it?" "What motivates you to stay committed to this work?" "How do you incorporate research findings into your therapeutic practice?" "What advice would you give to someone considering a career in psychology?" "What are the most rewarding aspects of your job?" and "How do you balance the emotional demands of this work?" These questions aim to garner insights into the practical, ethical, and emotional aspects of a career as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).
Additionally, I prepared a professional script for the "warm-up" segment of the interview. Upon greeting Ms. Pumerantz, I would introduce myself clearly, perhaps with a handshake if in person, and express appreciation for her time. My script might be: "Hello, Ms. Pumerantz. Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me today. My name is [Your Name], and I am exploring careers in psychology. I’m very interested in understanding your professional journey and the day-to-day realities of your work. I look forward to learning from your experiences." This approach demonstrates professionalism, respect, and genuine interest, setting a positive tone for the interview.
This preparatory work ensures I am well-organized and ready to conduct an insightful and respectful interview, gaining valuable firsthand knowledge from a practicing LMFT. Proper preparation will enable me to ask meaningful questions, maintain professional decorum, and gather the information necessary for my understanding of the psychology profession.
References
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- Heppner, P. P., & Packer, M. J. (2018). Career counseling and development (6th ed.). Cengage Learning.
- Kaslow, N. J. (2019). Professional identity and ethics in psychology. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 50(3), 161-166.
- National Board for Certified Counselors. (2021). Ethical standards. https://www.nbcc.org/Assets/Ethics/EthicalStandards.pdf
- Wolf, A. (2017). The role of professional organizations in psychology. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mental-health-matters/201703/role-professional-organizations
- American Counseling Association. (2020). ACA code of ethics. https://www.counseling.org/docs/professional-development/ethics/aca-code-of-ethics.pdf
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