The Internship Application Process: A Survey of Program Training Directors and Intern Candidates

Although counseling psychology students are required to complete a one-year professional practice internship as part of their doctoral course work this research revealed that obtaining such an internship may not be an easy process. For example, 18 of 50 counseling psychology training directors reported that one or more of their students who were involved in the 1992-1993 internship application process failed to obtain a placement. Findings also indicated that the responding 189 intern candidates and 50 training directors had different perceptions about the process and the type of help provided by training directors. Descriptive information on intern candidates 'applications are discussed, and suggestions for modification of the internship selection process are made.