Opportunities for student networking
Opportunities abound for networking in SPP.
By Jennifer Lee, MS
Like many other graduate students in my stage of training, I spent this winter traveling the country interviewing for internships. During my travels, I ran into a number of familiar faces, and at the very least, put faces to names that had been familiar to me for years. Our field of pediatric psychology is growing rapidly, but remains an interconnected group of individuals. As a result, I want to share with you a number of ways to expand your professional network during the coming year as a part of SPP.
- Attend the Society of Pediatric Psychology Annual Conference
SPPAC, as it is newly named, will be held in Philadelphia this year. We will be holding the annual Mentor Lunch, expanded this year to include both students/trainees at all levels and early career professionals. Our hope is that by expanding the audience of the Mentor Lunch, attendees will obtain a greater range of knowledge and continue to increase their professional network. We will also be holding an informal student social again this year to give everyone a chance to mix and mingle. If you have questions about the SAB or student issues in SPP, please come find me and I’d be happy to talk with you! Be sure to watch your email for additional information on the conference.
- Consider Applying for the Student Advisory Board
The SAB is a wonderful opportunity for students to build leadership experience in SPP. We are looking to replace hardworking members from the membership, website/student spotlight, and programming committees, as well the student representative. As an SAB member, you will have the opportunity to write formal proposals to the Board of Directors, serve on committees, and contribute ideas to help keep SPP a strong division for students. See the call for applications in this issue for more information on how to apply.
- Participate in the Mentorship Program
Division 54’s Mentorship Program is designed to connect current members as mentors and mentees. The program matches individuals who share interests on a number of variables (e.g., research, clinical interests) to provide an opportunity to receive mentorship at a distance from someone who is not your primary mentor. For more information on the program, see the Division 54 website.
Above are just a few of the ways for students to expand their professional networks and I hope that involvement in these areas helps to connect you with the Division. I encourage you to contact me with thoughts and opinions.