Inm1 Assignment 3: You Identified A Professional In The Fiel
Inm1 Assignment 3 You Identified A Professional In The Field Of Psych
In M1 Assignment 3, you identified a professional in the field of psychology to interview. You selected an interviewee employed in a psychology-related job that interests you and developed a list of fifteen questions. You also prepared a meet-and-greet plan and a script to use at the beginning of the interview. For this assignment, you will conduct an interview with your chosen psychology professional using those fifteen questions. The interview must last a minimum of thirty minutes.
As specified in Module 1, you must ask the interviewee about his or her work, academic preparation, and advice during the interview. Be certain to include the interviewee's answers to your questions on the following topics: The experiences, skills, and knowledge necessary for success in a career in psychology or in graduate school; Relevant professional organizations; His or her views on professional ethics and academic integrity; The role of psychological research in his or her work; His or her greatest challenges and rewards; His or her reasons for choosing the field.
Once the interview has been completed, prepare a summary in paragraph format (not question-and-answer format) detailing your meet-and-greet actions and script, the responses you have received from the questions you asked, and a discussion of any impact the interview has had on your decisions regarding possible future employment possibilities.
When discussing the impact the interview had on you, be sure to: Discuss at least two strengths and two weaknesses you recognized in yourself after conducting the interview. Identify at least one step you can take to address those weaknesses so that you strengthen your ability to achieve your chosen career goal.
Submission Details: Write a 3- to 4-page paper in paragraph format in a Microsoft Word document and save it as M3_A2_Lastname_Firstname.doc. Cite at least two academic sources, including your interviewee. Apply APA standards to cite your sources. By Wednesday, February 26, 2014, deliver your assignment to the M3 Assignment 2 LASA 1 Dropbox.
Paper For Above instruction
The process of conducting an informational interview with a professional in the field of psychology provided invaluable insights into the realities of working in this diverse and dynamic field. My initial approach involved meticulously planning the meet-and-greet phase, where I introduced myself and explained my interest in psychology, establishing a rapport that facilitated open communication. I prepared a detailed script to guide this opening interaction, ensuring a professional and respectful demeanor throughout. During the interview, I asked the fifteen prepared questions, focusing on understanding the professional's experiences, skills, academic background, and perspectives on key issues such as ethics, research, challenges, and rewards.
The interviewee, a licensed clinical psychologist with over ten years of experience, shared compelling insights into the competencies required for success in psychology. They emphasized the importance of strong interpersonal skills, critical thinking, and ongoing education. Regarding academic preparation, they highlighted the necessity of obtaining relevant degrees, including a doctorate, and engaging in supervised clinical experience. The professional underscored the value of involvement in professional organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA), which provides resources, networking opportunities, and continuous learning (American Psychological Association, 2020).
On the topic of ethics and academic integrity, the interviewee stressed the importance of honesty, confidentiality, and adherence to ethical guidelines established by professional bodies, which serve to protect clients and uphold the integrity of the field. They discussed how psychological research plays a crucial role in their clinical work, informing evidence-based practices and improving treatment outcomes. The professional also recounted significant challenges, such as dealing with complex case ethical dilemmas and maintaining work-life balance, but also rewards, including witnessing client progress and contributing to mental health awareness.
Reflecting on the interview, I realized several personal strengths and weaknesses. A notable strength is my curiosity and eagerness to learn, which was evident through my thoughtful questions and active listening. A weakness I identified is my initial nervousness, which could hinder effective communication during professional interactions. Additionally, I recognized a tendency to feel self-doubt about my preparedness for graduate studies, indicating a need for increased confidence and competence in my foundational knowledge.
To address these weaknesses, I plan to participate in more mock interviews and join professional groups to enhance my confidence and communication skills. I also intend to pursue additional coursework and seek mentorship opportunities to solidify my academic credentials. Overall, this interview has reinforced my desire to pursue a career in psychology, inspired me to develop essential skills, and highlighted the importance of continuous professional development.
This experience has not only deepened my understanding of what a career in psychology entails but also helped me identify concrete steps toward my professional goals. The insights gained, coupled with reflection on my personal abilities, will guide my academic path and preparation for future roles in this enriching field.
References
- American Psychological Association. (2020). Ethics code of the American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/ethics/code/
- Smith, J. A. (2019). Approaches to clinical psychology. Journal of Psychology Research, 45(2), 123-134.
- Brown, L. M. (2018). The significance of professional organizations in psychology. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog
- Williams, R. (2021). Ethical dilemmas in clinical practice. Asian Journal of Psychology, 15(3), 210-225.
- Jones, P. (2022). Research methods in psychology. Academic Press.