Monitor on Psychology - July/August 2012

University that included Song’s research. A prominent professor expressed interest in Song’s work, and Song’s advisor helped the two connect.

For professional psychology students, the internship is a crucial time to network for a postdoc, says Stukenberg. Because the internship placement process is already competitive, supervisors know you’re highly qualified. You may find a postdoc opportunity via your internship supervisor or someone else working at the site, he says.

Talking about potential supervisors with your advisor or other professors can also give you the opportunity to ask about possible personality conflicts, Weissman adds. To get good training, you want to work with someone with whom you’ll get along, he says.

Network at conferences

Attending scientific meetings such as APA’s Annual Convention is a great way to meet potential supervisors and to get the word out that you’re looking for a postdoc.

For clinical students who are looking to work with a new population, Kearney says it’s important to connect with someone in the field who is knowledgeable about each

ON DEMAND

specialty’s nuances. Consider attending a practitioner-oriented conference, such as the American Psychoanalytic Association meeting or the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies convention, says Stukenberg. Conferences are also a great way to connect with university faculty members, says Gorgens.

Whether you’re interested in making connections with
practitioners or faculty members, don’t be shy, Weissman says.
“Seek out speakers on topics you’re interested in; show that you
care about their research.”
You can engage potential supervisors in conversation by
asking interesting questions about their work. They’ll remember
you — which could set you apart from another candidate who
may have similar research interests, Weissman says.

Even if you’re not particularly well-versed about their research or career, the willingness to put yourself out there to meet someone speaks volumes, Gorgens says.