Step by step guide to the 4+2/5+1 internship (PART 1: Job seeking and starting in your role).

The 4+2/5+1 internship has lots of steps, forms, requirements and processes. We hope to provide you with some useful insights so you can feel more prepared with getting started and getting comfortable in the internship. Lots more below!

Job seeking and starting in your role

1)  Research: Research the type of internship that you are interested in. Find out what types of internships are available and determine which one will work best for your goals. Consider what is your preferred work area (e.g. Occupational Rehab, NDIS, Mental Health or School counselling). Would you prefer to work with adults or children?

2) Know what type of requirements you need in a job role as a 4+2/5+1 provisional psychologist.  I.e. it must be employment (you cannot be a contractor in the 4+2/5+1), you need a day manager and professional indemnity insurance.

3) Prepare: Before applying, prepare all relevant documents to ensure a strong application. This includes a resume, cover letter, recommendations, and any other materials required by the employer.

4) Start applying for jobs. Utilise online job boards, personal contacts, networking websites, LinkedIn, and other resources to identify potential employers.

5) When you are offered a position for a 4+2/5+1 internship, be sure to read through the formal agreement carefully. Make sure that you understand all terms of the contract before signing it.

6) After signing the contract, seek out the appropriate resources to help you succeed in your new role. This includes finding a Board Approved Supervisor, attending professional development, training modules, and, building relationships with other interns or mentors.

To learn how to find a supervisor-->Blog coming soon

7) Get familiar with your role: You'll need to know: where to find the forms you need such as informed consent/confidentiality, consent to exchange forms, initial intake and assessment proformas. You’ll also need to identify who your day to day management is and know who to go to when you need help in different kinds of situations. Ideally, your role will allow you opportunities to shadow other clinicians, administer tests and interventions, work with a range of client groups as well as provide you with a caseload so that you can improve your professional practice in a supervised setting.

8) Once you are comfortable with your role, start doing it!  Learn how to complete your AHPRA log book effectively (with your supervision).  Psychology Squared have an amazing Log Book which can automate a number of calculations for you.  See here.

9) Celebrate successes: As you gain experience in the internship, use it as an opportunity to learn new skills, develop existing ones and work towards self actualising professionally.  This means considering your preferred areas of learning and setting up good routines.  In due course, you may also develop a preferred client base of particular age groups (e.g. adults or children), or diagnoses.  Your current workplace may already have a particular niche.

10) Consider joining a Professional association for Psychologists (e.g. the AAPI or the APS). More on this soon.

Part 2: Coming soon