As an early career psychology professional, the networks you build will play an integral role throughout your career, providing insights into the dynamics of your chosen field while also giving you access to the ‘hidden job market’ and other valuable opportunities.
As an early career psychologist, there is an important shift to make from the networks and connections that sustained student life to developing a valuable and resourceful professional network that will support and challenge you during the early years of your career.
Connecting for success can involve developing a network of peers and more experienced professionals in your area of interest, joining the APS early career LinkedIn group, attending a mentoring session, blogging with an expert, among other opportunities.
How connected are you in your area of career interest? What steps might you take?
Take a few minutes to create your own connections mind-map (see example below). Be sure to identify the areas that require action to build your professional networks at this important early stage of your career.
The APS is currently exploring options and possible mechanisms for provision of a mentoring program for interested APS early career members. Any mentoring program related queries or input can be directed to earlycareer@psychology.org.au
Recently, the APS College of Clinical Psychologists has commenced the process of establishing a mentor program for Associate Members of the College. If you are an Associate Member of the Clinical College, and would like to learn more about the mentor program on offer, click here.
LinkedIn is quickly proving to be the networking option of choice with a vast range of information and contacts available at the click of a button. The APS has set up an early career LinkedIn group.
www.weallwearitdifferently.com is a series of podcasts produced by an APS early career member aimed at supporting other early career psychologists through provision of up-to-date evidence-based discussions on topics of relevance to practicing psychologists in the early stages of their career. A new podcast is uploaded every two weeks with recent ones on trauma, eating disorders, working with older adults, forensic psychology, and sports and performance.
