Aging Graduate Student Internship

The graduate student intern will work in Aging of the American Psychological Association under the direction of and in collaboration with Deborah DiGilio, MPH, director. The Office on Aging is the focal point for APA activities pertaining to aging. Its mission is to promote the application of psychological knowledge to issues affecting the health and well-being of older adults. The office provides consultation and information to APA entities, psychologists, other professionals, policymakers and the public, and establishes linkages with health and aging organizations to work cooperatively to address the needs and support the strengths of older adults, their families and caregivers. It also engages in advocacy to direct attention to the psychology of aging and the inclusion of psychological research and practice in national initiatives and policy efforts.

The office is a part of the Public Interest Directorate at the APA whose mission is to apply the science and practice of psychology to the fundamental problems of human welfare and the promotion of equitable and just treatment of all segments of society through education, training and public policy.

More information about the office and its activities can be found at the Aging website.

Internship benefits

• Offers a meaningful link between formal course work and applied professional work.
• Provides exposure to and involvement in a wide range of projects in psychology and aging, spanning education and training, science, practice, public interest and policy issues.
• Facilitates networking opportunities with eminent psychologists and other professionals involved in national aging and health efforts.
• Allows for exploration of career options.
• Enhances competitiveness for future employment.
• Provides opportunities to gain confidence as an emerging professional.

Criteria

Applicants must be enrolled in a doctoral program in psychology or a related field, in at least the second year of graduate training and have a strong interest in promoting the application of psychological knowledge to issues effecting the well-being and quality of life of older adults. The intern must be able to work efficiently and communicate effectively, given the short-term nature of the internship.

Internships from two months to 12 months are available. For summer internships, applicants must be available to work a minimum of 22.5 hours per week for an eight-week period. Fifteen of these weekly hours must be completed onsite at APA’s Central Office in Washington, D.C. At other times of the year, applicants must be available to work a minimum of 15 hours per week, with 7.5 of these hours onsite at APA’s Central Office. Dates of placement are flexible and will be negotiated based on the student’s availability and ability to be in the Washington area.

Compensation

Academic credit or based on funding, paid internships are available year round.

1. Submit the APA online application via Internships at APA.

2. A current vitae providing information about educational background and any relevant experience working with aging populations.

3. For applicants requesting academic credit, upon an offer of placement, a letter from the department or the student’s academic mentor indicating that applicant is enrolled and is in good standing with college/university and that they will receive academic credit from the college/university for their participation in the internship.

Direct questions and comments to Aging administrative coordinator, Alex Watt.