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What are the activities (including internships, volunteering, research, etc)? Can I apply to pursue a career in psychology as a sophomore college student? Could you please help suggest activities, organizations, or places where I can start (including the specific websites or names of the places)?
I am nearly in my sophomore year (the fall of 2025), basically I don't have either an Associate or a Bachelor in Psychology field, I wonder if any activities in this field I could do to learn more about my major and improve my skills as I want to become a psychologist/therapist and a researcher in psychology.
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5 answers
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Victoria Nghi !
It is awesome that you are a Psychology Major at college and are wondering about this exciting career !
Here is my advice. You do not need to start interacting with anyone just yet. You were introduced to your major in your first semester and you will find out next semester what projects or things will be required of you. Keep yourself free and open for now and you'll see the opportunities come your way once you know more and are around your Psychology Department at your college and make stronger connections there. Keep in mind your college work load for next semester and psychology is not a light major, so for now, do not make any time commitments for work you're not familiar with just yet.
Classes. In your next semester, I would suggest that you sign up for more Psychology required courses. I also recommend a Public Speaking or Personal Communications course as a way to sharpen those skills because psychology is a lot of speaking with different types of people. Read what your college requires for General Education required courses and take some of them, too or in a Summer Session if your college offers summer classes. The mix of your next semester's courses to register for is something that should be focused on right now.
From now till you start next semester, read as many psychology books as you like and search for Human Behavior, Behavioral Health and other related topics in the form of videos on You Tube. There are many independent presentations and documentaries you can find on this subject at You Tube which will give you casual insight for before you start next semester.
It is possible that you might be able to work right at your colleges' Psychology Department through the Work Study Program. You apply for these jobs on the Federal Student Financial Aid Form, so speak with the Financial Aid Officer about this valuable opportunity.
So, I advise to not get ahead of yourself with this. Your Psychology Department will suggest and inform you of everything you'll need to know for next semester. You need to be available for them. They will get to know you and you will not be some random person applying for things. Ask your professors if Internship Placement is done in your Junior and Senior years of college. Internships are for people that sort of have a foundational knowledge of the career. So it's great that you're thinking about it and are ambitious, but school will start soon and you need to be free of commitments when it starts. The Psychology Department will guide you 100% with their connection to the community, their resources and special events, activities, speakers and conferences they are a part of.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best as you begin learning more for this awesome behavioral health career !
It is awesome that you are a Psychology Major at college and are wondering about this exciting career !
Here is my advice. You do not need to start interacting with anyone just yet. You were introduced to your major in your first semester and you will find out next semester what projects or things will be required of you. Keep yourself free and open for now and you'll see the opportunities come your way once you know more and are around your Psychology Department at your college and make stronger connections there. Keep in mind your college work load for next semester and psychology is not a light major, so for now, do not make any time commitments for work you're not familiar with just yet.
Classes. In your next semester, I would suggest that you sign up for more Psychology required courses. I also recommend a Public Speaking or Personal Communications course as a way to sharpen those skills because psychology is a lot of speaking with different types of people. Read what your college requires for General Education required courses and take some of them, too or in a Summer Session if your college offers summer classes. The mix of your next semester's courses to register for is something that should be focused on right now.
From now till you start next semester, read as many psychology books as you like and search for Human Behavior, Behavioral Health and other related topics in the form of videos on You Tube. There are many independent presentations and documentaries you can find on this subject at You Tube which will give you casual insight for before you start next semester.
It is possible that you might be able to work right at your colleges' Psychology Department through the Work Study Program. You apply for these jobs on the Federal Student Financial Aid Form, so speak with the Financial Aid Officer about this valuable opportunity.
So, I advise to not get ahead of yourself with this. Your Psychology Department will suggest and inform you of everything you'll need to know for next semester. You need to be available for them. They will get to know you and you will not be some random person applying for things. Ask your professors if Internship Placement is done in your Junior and Senior years of college. Internships are for people that sort of have a foundational knowledge of the career. So it's great that you're thinking about it and are ambitious, but school will start soon and you need to be free of commitments when it starts. The Psychology Department will guide you 100% with their connection to the community, their resources and special events, activities, speakers and conferences they are a part of.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best as you begin learning more for this awesome behavioral health career !
Thank you for your genuine advice! I understand now that sophomore year is still relatively new to a field like psychology, because I haven't learned many in-depth things about this major or the execution of this profession. I've already taken an interpersonal communication class and an intro to psychology course for the next semester, but it's still not enough. I wonder if there are any activities I can do to help me absorb knowledge more quickly, as psychology suggests, which are beneficial for learning and interacting. I want to gain a deeper understanding by actually doing something and experiencing it firsthand.
Victoria Nghi
You're welcome for the advice. Ask your department Chairperson if you can volunteer in the dept. doing situational peer counseling for students on campus (not therapy) and see if the on-campus clinic would like you to do it there, too.
Michelle M.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1021
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Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Victoria,
Your proactive way of involving yourself in psychology-related activities at such an early stage of your undergraduate career is impressive. Even if you don't have a psychology degree yet, you can definitely begin carving out a career path in psychology during your sophomore year. By engaging in research, volunteering, and internships now, you can develop your talents and improve your chances of getting into graduate school or landing a career later on.
Some ideas and activities to get you started are as follows:
1. Join Psychology or Mental Health Student Organizations
Start by checking your college’s psychology department or student affairs office to see if there are any clubs related to:
Psychology
Mental health awareness
Peer counseling
Active Minds (national mental health student organization): https://www.activeminds.org
Being part of these clubs helps you network, attend events, and hear from real professionals in the field.
2. Volunteer in Mental Health Settings
Volunteering helps you build compassion, communication skills, and real-world experience. Look for opportunities in:
Crisis centers (e.g., Crisis Text Line: https://www.crisistextline.org/volunteer/)
Hospitals or clinics
Nonprofits supporting mental health (e.g., NAMI: https://www.nami.org)
Local shelters or youth programs
Even roles like tutoring or mentoring youth with emotional or behavioral needs can help.
3. Research Assistant Positions
Many psychology professors look for undergraduates to help with lab work—even those in their second year. You can:
Check your department’s website for active labs.
Email professors directly expressing interest (attach a short resume and say why you’re interested in their research).
Search undergraduate research programs like PSYCHREACH, RA Match, or your school's research portal.
4. Online Learning and Certification
To build your understanding, consider free or low-cost certifications from:
Coursera (Psychology, mental health, research design): https://www.coursera.org
FutureLearn and edX also offer psychology and therapy-related courses.
Look into Mental Health First Aid or basic counselling skills workshops too.
5. Shadowing or Informational Interviews
Reach out to therapists, counselors, or researchers through:
LinkedIn
Your school’s career center or alumni network
Faculty recommendations
Even a 30-minute conversation with a professional can give you clarity and maybe lead to mentorship or future opportunities.
6. Internships and Summer Programs
While more common in junior or senior years, you can still apply to some entry-level internships. Sites to explore:
Handshake (college-specific internships)
Idealist.org (nonprofit jobs/internships)
APA Summer Research Opportunities: https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/psn/2020/01/research-opportunities
By your sophomore year, you don't have to know everything; just be curious, proactive, and receptive to new experiences. You learn something from everything you try, even the things you don't appreciate. You will be able to create a job that genuinely fits your passions with time and exposure.
By asking this question and showing an interest in learning, you're doing a fantastic job. Continue the passion!
Best wishes!
Your proactive way of involving yourself in psychology-related activities at such an early stage of your undergraduate career is impressive. Even if you don't have a psychology degree yet, you can definitely begin carving out a career path in psychology during your sophomore year. By engaging in research, volunteering, and internships now, you can develop your talents and improve your chances of getting into graduate school or landing a career later on.
Some ideas and activities to get you started are as follows:
1. Join Psychology or Mental Health Student Organizations
Start by checking your college’s psychology department or student affairs office to see if there are any clubs related to:
Psychology
Mental health awareness
Peer counseling
Active Minds (national mental health student organization): https://www.activeminds.org
Being part of these clubs helps you network, attend events, and hear from real professionals in the field.
2. Volunteer in Mental Health Settings
Volunteering helps you build compassion, communication skills, and real-world experience. Look for opportunities in:
Crisis centers (e.g., Crisis Text Line: https://www.crisistextline.org/volunteer/)
Hospitals or clinics
Nonprofits supporting mental health (e.g., NAMI: https://www.nami.org)
Local shelters or youth programs
Even roles like tutoring or mentoring youth with emotional or behavioral needs can help.
3. Research Assistant Positions
Many psychology professors look for undergraduates to help with lab work—even those in their second year. You can:
Check your department’s website for active labs.
Email professors directly expressing interest (attach a short resume and say why you’re interested in their research).
Search undergraduate research programs like PSYCHREACH, RA Match, or your school's research portal.
4. Online Learning and Certification
To build your understanding, consider free or low-cost certifications from:
Coursera (Psychology, mental health, research design): https://www.coursera.org
FutureLearn and edX also offer psychology and therapy-related courses.
Look into Mental Health First Aid or basic counselling skills workshops too.
5. Shadowing or Informational Interviews
Reach out to therapists, counselors, or researchers through:
Your school’s career center or alumni network
Faculty recommendations
Even a 30-minute conversation with a professional can give you clarity and maybe lead to mentorship or future opportunities.
6. Internships and Summer Programs
While more common in junior or senior years, you can still apply to some entry-level internships. Sites to explore:
Handshake (college-specific internships)
Idealist.org (nonprofit jobs/internships)
APA Summer Research Opportunities: https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/psn/2020/01/research-opportunities
By your sophomore year, you don't have to know everything; just be curious, proactive, and receptive to new experiences. You learn something from everything you try, even the things you don't appreciate. You will be able to create a job that genuinely fits your passions with time and exposure.
By asking this question and showing an interest in learning, you're doing a fantastic job. Continue the passion!
Best wishes!
Updated
Yeneisa’s Answer
Hi Victoria,
Getting involved in psychology is an exciting journey! Try volunteering in research labs at your university; many are eager for undergraduates to help with data collection or literature reviews. Online platforms like Coursera or edX offer courses to boost your knowledge in areas like cognitive psychology or therapy techniques. Volunteering with mental health organizations or peer support programs is also a great way to develop important skills like active listening and empathy. Starting with these steps will set you on a strong path to becoming a skilled psychologist, therapist, or researcher.
Best of luck on your journey,
Yeneisa
Getting involved in psychology is an exciting journey! Try volunteering in research labs at your university; many are eager for undergraduates to help with data collection or literature reviews. Online platforms like Coursera or edX offer courses to boost your knowledge in areas like cognitive psychology or therapy techniques. Volunteering with mental health organizations or peer support programs is also a great way to develop important skills like active listening and empathy. Starting with these steps will set you on a strong path to becoming a skilled psychologist, therapist, or researcher.
Best of luck on your journey,
Yeneisa
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 🡆 Optimization Of Human Performance
6844
Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Victoria Nghi! Start by contacting these people https://uh.edu/caps/clinical-training/apa-internship/ (University of Houston, Clinical Training in Psychology Internship). See if you can get a face-to-face interview. Approach the dean with a prospect of internship, you volunteering or doing research in the department. It will be helpful if you display an interest in the current research priorities of the psychology department. Also contact the Houston Psychological Department: https://psychologyhouston.org/ about work experience. It shall be handy if you know how to use search engines like PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
I Wish You Success!
I Wish You Success!
Thank you so much for suggesting me these links! I'll visit the website to see their criteria and how their program is gonna work out!
Victoria Nghi
Updated
Annah’s Answer
Victoria, I don't have much more to add than the other responses. I agree that being a student is sometimes enough. Staying on top of your studies while learning about yourself as a young adult can be a lot. Not to mention other responsibilities. However, knowing what you want to do in life is very useful! There is also no recipe for success- no one path of recommended activities or experiences. Taking part in your own psychotherapy is incredibly beneficial; some graduate programs actually require this (and in my opinion should). There are many types of therapy- from expressive arts, somatic/body-based, to more traditional styles such as Jungian. You might start by accessing your university counseling clinic or joining a support group (which can be much more affordable than individual therapy). Peruse the personal growth-related podcasts or volunteer with a homeless or youth shelter. Or become more involved on campus activities that may relate to your interests. You might also start your own if you can't find what you are looking for. This may sound wild but taking an improv class is one of the best things you can do; therapists need to think on their feet and strengthen creative and intuitive skills. Try any type of art to get your creative juices flowing or join a sport to learn how to work in a team and build communication. Almost anything can relate to a career in psychology while also giving you important life tools. Talking with a mentor may also be instrumental for you in making future choices. If you do not already have one, think about a person who inspires you- a professor, advisor, or someone who works in a desired job. It may take time to figure this out and also get their consent to participate. Your school may have connections with the greater community; it doesn't hurt to ask! As a new grad (if you do not enter into post-grad work immediately) look to gain work in social services (entry BA level roles) whether in your state, country, or abroad. You could train to be a peer counselor (a quick and inexpensive training) or work at a crisis hotline. Most importantly, build internal and external resources for yourself. Focus on your priorities and seek to maintain a balanced lifestyle to minimize overwhelm. Best of luck on all your adventures!
Hello Annah! I must say that I'm grateful for your helpful advice, as it took me a while to write down all of your suggestions and ponder each one. Thank you so much; your suggestions have actually helped me a great deal.
Victoria Nghi
Can I have a few questions about what I wrote? For instance, like the participation in my own psychotherapy, you mentioned that it will be a required part of some graduate programs. Does it mean that I should help myself, do the psychotherapy on myself first, before helping other people? And for improv classes, is it a class that teaches me how to improvise, or something like that? Can I ask what that course is usually called in college, because I don't think I've ever seen a course called 'improvise' 🥲.
Victoria Nghi
And lastly, I love your suggestion about trying any art, because I love art so much, in all its forms, and I always try to learn about them (but it's too much to learn about all art types at the same time, so I have to break them down into stages). Anyway, thank you very much for your helpful advice, I appreciate that a lot!
Victoria Nghi
As for doing your own therapy, I simply mean being a client yourself. See what the experience is like to talk with someone- a professional counselor or psychologist. Like anything, it is more difficult to be skilled in something if you have only experienced a one-sided perspective.
Annah Edmonds
Regarding improv- usually taught within a theater/drama course. You can also learn from an independent improv troupe. They may offer classes. It is a fun way to play as an adult, learn to think on your feet, and build confidence! A lot like playing games with movement involved. It can be intimidating if you are an introvert; it certainly was for me at first. Once I was able to be silly around others, I could let loose and enjoy making mistakes (part of life)!
Annah Edmonds
And as for creativity and art- literally anything goes! Art, music, baking, singing, dance, etc. Don't overwhelm yourself with the options, try something that looks fun and go from there. College level might be more structured and focused on critique. An online class or outside college course may be more focused on the process and building skills in a low-key atmosphere. If you want to start from scratch, try an intro drawing class where you will learn the basics.
Annah Edmonds