Dean Advises Education, Psychology Students To Find Mentors
There are as many reasons San Francisco students might want to become a psychologist, as there are different careers one can enter. The field of psychology is incredibly broad and training can help prepare for any number of jobs. While many people have a hard time distinguishing psychologists from other therapists and mental health professionals, their unique skill set and training allows them to do a variety of things, such as psychological or neuropsychological testing and assessment, working in medical and primary care settings, research, writing, consultation and, of course, education. For career advice, Robert Perl, Psy.D., the dean of the clinical psychology program at the American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University San Francisco Bay Area, spent some time away from his demanding schedule to offer advice to students interested in becoming an educator or another career in psychology.
What is your background and education?
"I have a B.A. from the University of Colorado, Boulder, where I double majored in psychology and anthropology. I later earned my M.A. and Psy.D. degrees in clinical psychology from the Wright Institute in Berkeley. I have spent the last 15 years working primarily in graduate level academic clinical psychology programs and in my Berkeley private practice. In addition, I spent some time as a school psychologist and worked in an inpatient hospital crisis setting."
What type of courses do you teach at Argosy University?
"As dean of the clinical psychology program at the American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, San Francisco Bay Area, I do not have much time for teaching these days. My role is an administrative one primarily, though I do love my contact with graduate students. It is my job to manage the faculty, the curriculum, course scheduling, and our accreditation from the American Psychological Association."
What career advice can you offer to current and prospective students?
"My main advice for graduate students is to get involved. Get to know the faculty. Find mentors. Join professional organizations. Look for opportunities to serve on a board or committee. Practice leadership skills. Join together with classmates and make an impact on the community, the graduate program, or the field. Graduate students in psychology have incredible opportunities and resources at their fingertips."
Randy Yagi is a freelance writer covering all things San Francisco. In 2012, he was awarded a Media Fellowship from Stanford University. His work can be found on Examiner.com Examiner.com.
