Preparing for the Match: What Internship Training Directors Look for in Applicants

Chair: Emily Angstreich, MA 
Discussant: Julie Anne Miller, MA
Panelists: Dr. Joye Anestis, Dr. Ksera Dyette, and Dr. Abby Mulay

The Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) match is one of the most important milestones for a doctoral trainee, yet many students enter the application process with limited knowledge of how internship sites evaluate applicants or how to prepare a competitive application. Preparing a competitive application has become even more important today than in previous history due to federal funding changes that have resulted in modest reductions in the number of accredited internship positions. Doctoral programs provide extensive training in research and clinical practice; however, many students receive limited guidance regarding what APPIC internship training directors prioritize during the match process. The guidance that some are provided is often based on the anecdotal experiences of those who are indirectly involved in the internship process. It would be largely beneficial for many students preparing to begin their internship application process to have direct feedback from individuals who have experiences on both sides of the internship process (i.e., as applicants and applicant reviewers).

The SPA Graduate Student (SPAGS) Board is organizing a roundtable discussion, where panelists will share their personal and professional knowledge regarding what distinguishes exceptional APPIC applicants, common reasons qualified applicants are not ranked highly, the ways students can begin identifying sites that align with their interests, and any additional advice they may have for students preparing for the application process. The aims of the roundtable would be for student members of SPA and Expert members of SPA to engage in open dialogue regarding the internship selection process, expectations for competitive applicants, and to help students strategically prepare for the next stage in their professional development.