Bistro on the corner

paulopf wrote:I wish I could contribute with something, sahhar. Here: good vibes.

I just realized I'm a Porcelain Doll now.

And, Shinra, we need to talk about this icon.

sahhar wrote:Hey everyone. I know this off topic but that's why I've come to this board .

I'm in a bit of a pickle here. After being rejected by the Master's program for Counseling I wanted to get into so I contacted them to ask them what I need to do to improve and apply again. They said I need more experience in dealing with people in general because I tend to get nervous energy when put into certain group counseling situations which wouldn't be fit or a counselor. I thought becoming an advisor would be easy enough but apparently I need much more experience before applying for that job too.

Does anybody know what kind of jobs I should be looking for (to interact with people and be good training to be a counselor) that would hire me with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology but no other prior experience?. I've tried looking everywhere and can't find anything.

I'd appreciate any suggestions if anyone can help. Thanks .

paulopf wrote:I wish I could contribute with something, sahhar. Here: good vibes.

I just realized I'm a Porcelain Doll now.

And, Shinra, we need to talk about this icon.

brisallie wrote:Your icon is sweet .

tanita_mors wrote:Just a little bit of pimping for tonight.

It's the 2nd Semifinal of Eurovison and Serbia is up first. 9 pm CET.

brisallie wrote:

Your icon is sweet . Don't you like it? BTW the fish and the little flame looks far away like fake pokemon lol

Shinra17 wrote:
Thx ^^. High maintenance baby waiting for his winged shoes

tanita_mors wrote:Well, our high schools have psychology lessons in our second year, so if you have the same, maybe try to get a job in a school teaching the basics of psychology. (here that is almost impossible given that schools are overpopulated with the faculty, but maybe it's different where you are from).

sahhar wrote:Hey everyone. I know this off topic but that's why I've come to this board .

I'm in a bit of a pickle here. After being rejected by the Master's program for Counseling I wanted to get into so I contacted them to ask them what I need to do to improve and apply again. They said I need more experience in dealing with people in general because I tend to get nervous energy when put into certain group counseling situations which wouldn't be fit or a counselor. I thought becoming an advisor would be easy enough but apparently I need much more experience before applying for that job too.

Does anybody know what kind of jobs I should be looking for (to interact with people and be good training to be a counselor) that would hire me with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology but no other prior experience?. I've tried looking everywhere and can't find anything.

I'd appreciate any suggestions if anyone can help. Thanks .

paulopf wrote:

brisallie wrote:

Your icon is sweet . Don't you like it? BTW the fish and the little flame looks far away like fake pokemon lol

I like it cause Shinra chose it, but shhh, don't tell him.

fantastica wrote:Ivana honey, don't you dare to drop your kitty avatar!!!! because if you do, i will pick it up and use it as my own. I have already saved it.

Catt24 wrote:

sahhar wrote:Hey everyone. I know this off topic but that's why I've come to this board .

I'm in a bit of a pickle here. After being rejected by the Master's program for Counseling I wanted to get into so I contacted them to ask them what I need to do to improve and apply again. They said I need more experience in dealing with people in general because I tend to get nervous energy when put into certain group counseling situations which wouldn't be fit or a counselor. I thought becoming an advisor would be easy enough but apparently I need much more experience before applying for that job too.

Does anybody know what kind of jobs I should be looking for (to interact with people and be good training to be a counselor) that would hire me with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology but no other prior experience?. I've tried looking everywhere and can't find anything.

I'd appreciate any suggestions if anyone can help. Thanks .

Hey Sahar,

I was enrolled in a Master's in Social Work program in NYC (I am postponing my education due to health issues and a demanding job at the moment). Did you ever consider Social Work as a choice? I LOVE social work, and I was very privileged to do my internship, not only where I worked, which is a community mental health clinic (my supervisor fully supported me & paid me for it). I saw a full-spectrum of mental health illness and the bureaucracy of the agency from social work perspective (documentation, lack of resources for clients with low socioeconomic status). I worked with client's who had depression, schizophrenia, borderline personality bipolar disorder, (the last two are extremely difficult to treat). I was able to conduct groups with individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia as well, and provide counseling, assessments, and work with a team of doctors in collaboration of care to my clients.

What appeals to me about social work, is that you could work with any type of population, or if you like to research/administrative functions as well. It's really one of the most broadest (and misunderstood) professions that can open up more doors than a counseling degree in my opinion. I did not have much experience, aside from working with indviduals with developmental disabilities and volunteering as a rape counselor advocate for survivors who are sexually assaulted, and are in the hospital (going through the exam, police, etc). I know people with little to no experience in the social services field who are gaining that experience through the social work programs.

Just my two cents & GOOD LUCK!

sahhar wrote:

Catt24 wrote:

sahhar wrote:Hey everyone. I know this off topic but that's why I've come to this board .

I'm in a bit of a pickle here. After being rejected by the Master's program for Counseling I wanted to get into so I contacted them to ask them what I need to do to improve and apply again. They said I need more experience in dealing with people in general because I tend to get nervous energy when put into certain group counseling situations which wouldn't be fit or a counselor. I thought becoming an advisor would be easy enough but apparently I need much more experience before applying for that job too.

Does anybody know what kind of jobs I should be looking for (to interact with people and be good training to be a counselor) that would hire me with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology but no other prior experience?. I've tried looking everywhere and can't find anything.

I'd appreciate any suggestions if anyone can help. Thanks .

Hey Sahar,

I was enrolled in a Master's in Social Work program in NYC (I am postponing my education due to health issues and a demanding job at the moment). Did you ever consider Social Work as a choice? I LOVE social work, and I was very privileged to do my internship, not only where I worked, which is a community mental health clinic (my supervisor fully supported me & paid me for it). I saw a full-spectrum of mental health illness and the bureaucracy of the agency from social work perspective (documentation, lack of resources for clients with low socioeconomic status). I worked with client's who had depression, schizophrenia, borderline personality bipolar disorder, (the last two are extremely difficult to treat). I was able to conduct groups with individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia as well, and provide counseling, assessments, and work with a team of doctors in collaboration of care to my clients.

What appeals to me about social work, is that you could work with any type of population, or if you like to research/administrative functions as well. It's really one of the most broadest (and misunderstood) professions that can open up more doors than a counseling degree in my opinion. I did not have much experience, aside from working with indviduals with developmental disabilities and volunteering as a rape counselor advocate for survivors who are sexually assaulted, and are in the hospital (going through the exam, police, etc). I know people with little to no experience in the social services field who are gaining that experience through the social work programs.

Just my two cents & GOOD LUCK!

Hi!. Sorry I didn't check this board sooner yesterday so I read your post today. Thank you so, so, so much for your advice. I really do appreciate it. So you were paid for it also?. It does sound very interesting and helpful for helping me sharpen up my skills to be a counselor. Where would you recommend I start?. In as how did you find the place?. Your information really intrigued me and I am seriously considering doing what you've just mentioned because everything I seem to be researching is hitting a dead end thanks to my lack of experience. I have a Bachelor's degree but every place I look at for jobs, even simple advising jobs require some kind of prior experience. What you mentioned about community service seems very, very helpful and if I can also get paid for it ( I really, really need a job at this point also), that would be great. Sorry if I'm bothering you too much , but how should I get this process started?.

Catt24 wrote:

sahhar wrote:

Catt24 wrote:

sahhar wrote:Hey everyone. I know this off topic but that's why I've come to this board .

I'm in a bit of a pickle here. After being rejected by the Master's program for Counseling I wanted to get into so I contacted them to ask them what I need to do to improve and apply again. They said I need more experience in dealing with people in general because I tend to get nervous energy when put into certain group counseling situations which wouldn't be fit or a counselor. I thought becoming an advisor would be easy enough but apparently I need much more experience before applying for that job too.

Does anybody know what kind of jobs I should be looking for (to interact with people and be good training to be a counselor) that would hire me with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology but no other prior experience?. I've tried looking everywhere and can't find anything.

I'd appreciate any suggestions if anyone can help. Thanks .

Hey Sahar,

I was enrolled in a Master's in Social Work program in NYC (I am postponing my education due to health issues and a demanding job at the moment). Did you ever consider Social Work as a choice? I LOVE social work, and I was very privileged to do my internship, not only where I worked, which is a community mental health clinic (my supervisor fully supported me & paid me for it). I saw a full-spectrum of mental health illness and the bureaucracy of the agency from social work perspective (documentation, lack of resources for clients with low socioeconomic status). I worked with client's who had depression, schizophrenia, borderline personality bipolar disorder, (the last two are extremely difficult to treat). I was able to conduct groups with individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia as well, and provide counseling, assessments, and work with a team of doctors in collaboration of care to my clients.

What appeals to me about social work, is that you could work with any type of population, or if you like to research/administrative functions as well. It's really one of the most broadest (and misunderstood) professions that can open up more doors than a counseling degree in my opinion. I did not have much experience, aside from working with indviduals with developmental disabilities and volunteering as a rape counselor advocate for survivors who are sexually assaulted, and are in the hospital (going through the exam, police, etc). I know people with little to no experience in the social services field who are gaining that experience through the social work programs.

Just my two cents & GOOD LUCK!

Hi!. Sorry I didn't check this board sooner yesterday so I read your post today. Thank you so, so, so much for your advice. I really do appreciate it. So you were paid for it also?. It does sound very interesting and helpful for helping me sharpen up my skills to be a counselor. Where would you recommend I start?. In as how did you find the place?. Your information really intrigued me and I am seriously considering doing what you've just mentioned because everything I seem to be researching is hitting a dead end thanks to my lack of experience. I have a Bachelor's degree but every place I look at for jobs, even simple advising jobs require some kind of prior experience. What you mentioned about community service seems very, very helpful and if I can also get paid for it ( I really, really need a job at this point also), that would be great. Sorry if I'm bothering you too much , but how should I get this process started?.

I was employed by my agency for three years prior to enrolling in my field of study. I work for one of the larger health care organization/hospital's in NY, and my job is an assistant to the program supervisor. My duties are creating ad-hoc reports, timekeeping of staff, reporting incidents to the Dept. of Health (computer/data related stuff). Also, keep in my mind, depending on the school, they rarely have paid internships. Most of my classmates (including myself) had to do a "work-study" placement at our agencies--meaning that are supervisor/agency agreed to allow us to do our placement at the agency, with respect to the school's requirement, and in turn, we kept our salaries. Before I was employed at my agency, I had to volunteer for 6 months (no pay) before I was recommended for a position at the health care organization. Even then, after 3 years at one department, I had to transfer to another department last year because my former supervisor would not allow me to do my internship. Lucky for me, I knew a former director, who had a similar position to mine at another department, and was able to transfer to another department and work with a really supportive supervisor, who supports social work students.

I don't want to make it sound easy, but it does require a lot of support & networking (I had to network with various higher ups to get my foot in the door). I was lucky to find my job before the world financial crisis, and weather some pretty tough storms (i.e., layoffs). Also, my regular duties & my internship clashed very often, since I had to work (and deal with demanding deadlines of dept reports), see clients, and go to school. I barely slept, and my health was/is not the best, and I paid a close consequence to my schedule.

My advice is to look at the social work degree, and see if it's the right the choice for you. I know about getting paid, but see about agencies that you're volunteering for (if you are), and see if they have ANY vacant position, even if it's not related to your field of study, network, and go from there.

Thank you so much again for all this information. I really appreciate it . My plans are to apply again next year to the Master's program in Counseling. I am currently not volunteering right now. It's hard to find a place when I don't really know anyone who knows a good place since looking online always seems to hit a dead end. I contacted the last University I attended and the school where I applied for my Master's program in terms of recommending a place to me where I can get my process started for experience, but they weren't of much help. They only told me what skills I need to improve, but didn't really give my any other recommendation. How did you first find your volunteer place?.
P.S - Thanks again for your advice it's really very nice of you fellow Kurtsie .