Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) hosted a “Psyched for Success: Careers in Psychology” presentation last month, a new initiative created and launched this past spring by the American Psychological Association (APA) designed to introduce students to psychology professionals and spark interest in the field of psychology.
As part of the APA’s “Engaging Psychology’s Future” initiative, this event aims to highlight diverse career paths in the field, inspire career exploration and encourage further study of psychology.
Dr. Julie Lazzara, CGCC psychology faculty, spearheaded the one-day event, which was attended by roughly 75 CGCC students, faculty and staff members. Dr Lazzara applied for funding through the APA, as well as selected panelists and moderated the panel discussion.
Featured panelists, including CGCC psychology faculty members Dr. Scott Silberman and Dr. Jared Dinehart, school psychologist Dr. Paula McCall and neuropsychologist Dr. Robin Garret, shared their educational and career journeys with students. They also talked about other important relevant topics, like the importance of getting involved in research as a student, maintaining personal mental health while working in this field and acknowledging the first path students take may not be their ideal career.
All in attendance found the conversations and content valuable and insightful, and the audience was well engaged. For more information on the APA’s initiative, as well as resources, guidelines and templates, visit APA’s website.