Licensed Psychologist 

How did you get your current job?
I worked fro an institution (hospital) for several years and then provided the same service independently.

What was the application process?
Complted psychology licensing exam, developed a business plan, rentedan office and sought referrals.

Did you have to interview for your current job? If yes, what did the interview process entail?
Not relevant to my job.

If you can remember, what questions were you asked during the interview?

Do you feel your employer properly prepared you for your job? Explain.
My personal training described above prepared me well for my job and I also attend many hours of continuing education training each year to enhance my skills.

Was there training for your current position? If yes, what did it entail?
Yes, the training consisted of psycology raduate school that provided formal education in all aspects of psychology. This was followed by both a predoctoral as well as a psot doctoral clinical internship to gain practical skills and required hours for licensure.

Do you feel your educational background prepared you for your job? Explain.
Yes; psychologt graduate school has a prescribed curriculum that addresses all necessary aspects of psychological functioning.

If applicable, do you feel your internship experience helped you prepare for your job?
Yes, the internship positions were essential for fully understanding the nature of the work and to develop skills with access to supevision with more senior clinicians in my field.

If someone wanted to go about getting a job similar to yours, what would you recommend for him or her to do?
In order to do the work I do, an individual would need to complete a doctoral program in psychology and pass the state licensing exam as a psychologist.

What skills do you think a person should have if they want to pursue a position like yours?
1. High level of interpersonal skill including empathic ability, patience, sensitivity to others and ability to set limits as needed. 2) Excellent intellectual and conceptual abilities including a good memory and ability to attend to details. 3)Self-knowledge and ability to manage one’s personal issues and keep them separate from those of the client.

Do you feel that you need a certain level of education or training to be successful in your job?
Completion of a doctoral psychology program is a requirement.

What advice would you give to someone who was about to start work in your position/ line of work?
Make sure that you have the skills noted above, that you really enjoy extensive contact with people with problems and that you can work independently sometimes without support on a regular basis.