What qualities help make someone a successful intern here?
Do you anticipate any changes to the program next year?
What research opportunities are available?
Can you say more about the didactics content within the program?
How is multiculturalism integrated into the program/rotation/supervision?
How does this program support trainees and clients from diverse backgrounds?
What is the frequency, duration, and style of supervision at this site/rotation?
Are interns required to travel to off-site locations?
Are interns on call after hours or are there rotations with after-hours clinic access?
Approximately how much time is dedicated to assessment/therapy/research/report writing in a typical week?
What are the primary strengths of this internship program?
How are rotations assigned?
What theoretical orientations are most strongly represented in this program?
Is high-quality childcare accessible here or in the community?
Questions for Current Interns
In what ways does this site support your professional development?
Are you satisfied with the supervision you’re receiving?
What do you like most about the program?
In what ways do you think the program can improve?
Tell me about the health care coverage you receive.
Do you feel you can live comfortably on your stipend?
Do you find that you are able to complete your work before the end of the day and week?
Do you feel as though you have the resources you need in terms of office space, computers, videoconferencing for telehealth, IT support… ?
What is a typical day like here?
What factors influenced your decision to train here?
Is there anything you wish you knew before ranking this site?
Consider asking about childcare access as above.
After the Interview
Thank you emails Follow the site’s instructions. At most locations, these are truly optional, but if they recommend against, please follow that guideline. Sending one (or not) will not impact your evaluation. If it is aligned with your values to send one then keep it limited to 2-3 lines. Clarifying emails Do not email about content that is covered in the program brochure. Take the time to double check before you press “send”. Otherwise, contacting about information that is genuinely important for you to understand (not a visibility effort) is acceptable! Many trainees also do not realize that it is usually acceptable and sometimes strongly encouraged to contact training faculty even if you weren’t scheduled to meet with them on interview day. Check with the site Training Director first.What if someone asks me a question I’m not comfortable answering? Unfortunately, micro and overt aggressions might occur and they are unequivocally not acceptable. In the meantime, maintain your composure, slow the pace, and either be direct: “I’m not comfortable sharing that information”, or redirect: “I’m not sure I completely understand your question, can you ask it in a different way?” to “That’s something I’ll have to take a moment to consider. Let me think about how to respond.” Also remember to complete the APPIC post-match survey, which provides important opportunities to report disallowed questions.