Advice from Internship Directors

Hi everyone,

Below are some notes we took on advice from internship directors, from a talk at ABCT 2012 Conference. We hope you find it useful! The below information can also be downloaded as a document here.

Application Process:

• Organize material carefully and submit info as early as possible
•  Apply to 12-15 programs
• Select Internships you are applying to based on fit - communicate who you are and how your interests fit with the particular site
• Seek out multidisciplinary settings- it's the way of the world
•  Try to avoid geographic limitations
•  Present yourself in an honest and straight-forward manner on  application - don't try to get "flowery and fun"

Interviews:

• Try to visit site if possible - some places are going to do Skype or Phone interviews
•  Know the site you are applying to - if they don't offer an experience you want, don't say you are looking to get that experience
•  Ask questions!
•  Ask site about research opportunities. Even though the focus is on clinical hours, ask if you are interested!
•  Ask about the atmosphere of the site-
•  Ask how people get along
•  Ask about hours (when days start, how many hours interns typically work in a week, etc.) 
• Don't talk bad about other sites – Many internship directors know each other, and regardless, this just makes you look bad

Ranking Sites:

• Rank your sites based on your true preference, don't try to game the system
•  Trust the system - there is no game to it and it will work out!