Mentorship

“For psychology careers it’s particularly important to plan backwards. I suggest working with your PLANS mentor to begin by choosing your medium-term goal (e.g., becoming faculty at a psychology department). Then you could find intermediate goals necessary to get you there (e.g., accepted to competitive post-doc, accepted to internship, accepted to grad school). And finally you could figure out what it’d take to accomplish the next goal(s) and then begin with those tasks.”

“Clinical Psychologists engage in diverse research and clinical work. Finding my way in a profession with so many choices at times felt daunting, especially as a first-generation Latinx student. My mentors helped me navigate through my educational and clinical journey and supported me in finding my passion within the field. PLANS can help you connect with a mentor who will support you on this path.”

“If you are applying to research doctoral programs in an unforeseeable future, don’t just pursue a degree. Gain mentorship that will help you build your research training for these PhD programs. Through mentorship, you will gain skills around research, grow an inner love towards a particular population, and unfold your inner abilities that will help you through this academic journey. Most importantly, view this academic journey as a process. If you want to grow, always find a mentor. Mentors will assist in helping you reach the next level of your academic dream.”

“As most of us, I wear many "identity hats": I'm a mother, a wife, a Zumba instructor...to mention a few...but I'm also a clinical psychologist. My professional identity has been incredibly rewarding to me as everyday I get to help others find meaning in their lives and navigate the ups and downs, and the twists and turns that make life interesting. I have the honor to listen and witness amazing journeys; stories filled with struggle and pain but also incredible strength and resilience.  I get to do this everyday because of the wonderful mentoring I received along the way. Without my mentors' support, their encouragement, and their practical guidance, I wouldn't be the professional I am today. I hope PLANS can be one of many guiding lights in your journey.“

“When I was interviewing for graduate programs, a professor reminded me how few Latino individuals make it to this stage. Be it due to socioeconomic factors, lack of access to mentors, or lack of familial support, Latino individuals are underrepresented in this field. Congratulations on this extraordinary achievement! The support of a mentor through PLANS is an ideal way to obtain tailored mentorship to help navigate this exciting but intimidating path. Often times the difference in success is due to caring guidance of an exceptional mentor. Consistent with our cultural heritage, this community is here to nurture you during each step of your academic career.”

“Strong mentorship is critical to success. Place value on these relationships, and as you make important decisions in your educational and professional journey, be conscious of who you will be working with and what types of support they will provide to you. The road to success is long and windy, and though there will be ups and downs, persistence is key. Never lose sight of your end goal, what YOU value most in life, and know that you belong.”

“I believe that connecting with your "why" illuminates your PhD training journey and helps you navigate the many turns along the way.  Embarking on a career in Clinical Psychology can have both difficult and rewarding moments. For me, being anchored to my "why" and having mentors/allies made all the difference during those difficult moments.  Doing so also made the rewarding moments that much more enriching and propulsive in my career.”

“I have over 25 years of experience in the field as a clinical psychologist. I provide counseling, training, management, and leadership in college mental health. I got here with the love and support of family, the guidance of mentors, and my strong network of colleagues. As a first-generation student, I had to build my Comunidad to succeed and find my place at the table. The field needs more representation and I hope PLANS can support you in pursuing higher education and find your place.”

“I have been so fortunate to have trained as a clinical psychologist, where I have the flexibility and ability to integrate my personal and professional values in so many different roles throughout my career so far, including through my research work, my clinical skill and knowledge, and my work as an educator and supervisor. There are so many opportunities to make a real difference and address the many gaps in psychological knowledge and practices, and it is exciting to become part of the profession and work for meaningful changes in psychology field to better address and understand the lives, experiences, and realities of all people, including Latinx people. Entering the field, though, can be daunting endeavor, and this is why seeking mentorship and support from others is critically important to be successful. Given that there are still so few Latinx people in the field, sometimes we have to forge our own pathways into the profession, and supporting each other and working together to help each other be successful is important.”

“Becoming a clinical psychologist will enable you to help others directly through traditional therapy or more broadly through research, advocacy, and teaching. It is a versatile profession with new opportunities consistently arising. Studying clinical psychology prepares you for a life of service both professionally and personally.”

“I have been fortunate to have incredible mentors throughout my academic and early professional career. My advice for students is to not be afraid to reach out or “cold email” senior graduate students/post-doctoral fellows/faculty. You will be surprised at how many people in the field are willing and eager to pay it forward and provide guidance.”

“Here you are. Thank you for seeking the gift of a PLANS mentoring experience. Look around for who may be joining you on this journey, whether it be your family, friends, peers, other mentors, or generations of ancestors before you. My hope is your collective can uplift, empower, challenge, and restore you. As you enter your mentoring experience, ask ALL the questions - practicing asking for help with your mentor is a valuable skill you will use time and time again on your path to become and work as a psychologist. You may not know your goals right now - that’s okay. Immerse yourself in professional and extra-curricular activities related to psychology that intrigue you and move you outside of your comfort zone. You might just learn something about yourself you didn’t know before.

Si se pudo, y si se puede. I can’t wait to meet you and help you grow as a scholar-activist-practitioner.”

“My advice to students is to start building your professional community as early as you can, even if it's through social media initiatives like PsychinOut or FirstGenDocs. The process of pursuing this career can be isolating, stressful, and confusing if you go through it alone. I also encourage students to ask questions often! There is a hidden curriculum in grad school that puts students of color at a disadvantage. By asking questions you may learn about expectations, resources, and opportunities that nobody would have told you about otherwise.”

“Mentors played a key role in my pursuit of a graduate career in clinical psychology and in the development of my professional career in the specialized field of eating disorders. As an immigrant from Mexico, the acculturation process was a difficult one to navigate with the little resources available for those of us who are first generation in pursuit of a college and graduate degrees. My mentors during this process helped to guide me in so many ways but the most important was their confidence in my ability to achieve my goals—this meant more to me than anything and has translated to an internal confidence in myself that has allowed me to continue the pursuit of my dream career. PLANS provides such a wonderful opportunity for me to pay it forward and become part of the solution to the problem of underrepresentation of Latinos in the psychology field.”

“It is okay not to know what you want to do “when you grow up.” That’s why I love being a clinical psychologist; this career affords us so much flexibility to practice as a licensed clinical psychologist, hold an academic position, act as a consultant to make workplaces trauma-informed, or work on policies that ensure mental health equity for Latinx communities. The field of clinical psychology can be isolating and confusing for students of color. Surround yourself with mentors, family, and friends. Ask questions, be curious, and do not be afraid to break the mold. I am really excited to be part of the PLANS team and cannot wait to meet you!”

“A career in psychology can be both challenging and meaningful. However, the path is not always clear. A mentor can provide you with guidance and support as you navigate the complicated systems of graduate school. As a first generation college graduate, I found my mentors to be invaluable sources of information and support. The best advice I can give to students now is to find your people. Connect with classmates, supervisors, research advisors, and a mentor from PLANS. The people you connect with now will become a part of your network and will help pave your professional path.”

“Now on the other side of graduate school, I understand the value of mentorship and representation in the field. I wish that I had the chance to plug into an established mentorship system like PLANS along the way, especially being Latinx. I hope PLANS will enhance your growth on a personal and professional level.”

“Being a clinical psychologist brings so much joy and satisfaction in my life as I get to work in what I am passionate about as my job. The road to becoming a clinical psychologist is a long and arduous one, as well as a rewarding one along the way. This challenge is best done with the guidance and support from mentors, family and loved ones. Hopefully, PLAN can be part of your help as you strive towards becoming a clinical psychologist.”

“Along my professional path I have sought out and nurtured relationships with individuals who would challenge me to grow, share information that is essential for completing professional goals, and support and believe in me. These relationships have been key in successfully navigating my professional journey. I encourage you to do the same by joining PLANS.”

“The road is long, it has twists and turns, but if you keep your goal firmly in mind, you’ll get there.”

“Clinical Psychology is an incredible field that provides you with many personally and professionally rewarding opportunities. I learned this early on thanks to my mentors. The time and investment in a Clinical Psychology education is significant, but worth it if you're passionate about it. I would encourage everyone to seek out support and mentorship beyond the classroom. I hope that PLANS can be a support to you as you embark in this journey.”

“Every step of my career has been inspired and/or guided by incredible mentors. When I immigrated from Mexico, the steps I needed to take to become a Psychologist in the United States were not clear to me. Luckily I met a professor at the University of Arizona who taught me, guided me, and most important of all BELIEVED that I could get into graduate school and become who I wanted to be. My graduate school advisor helped me shape my clinical interest, and provided me with opportunities and guidance that allowed me to complete my graduate work at an acclaimed children's hospital. My mentors inspired me to become a training director, to develop clinical opportunities for college graduates who wish to pursue a career in the mental health field, and to mentor college graduates and graduate students. I deeply believe in the importance of good mentorship and guidance. PLANS offers this and I am excited to be part of it.”

“The faith that family, friends, and mentors have in your success is invaluable. Try to see yourself through the eyes of your support system when you need a reminder of your strength and abilities.”

“The field of clinical psychology is incredibly exciting and rewarding! Having recently gone through graduate school as a Latinx international student, I am well aware of the impact mentorship can have on supporting success. Connecting with a mentor who can help you navigate the field, help you network and gain membership, and encourage you to find the work-life balance that works for you can make a huge difference. I hope PLANS can help connect you with a mentor to support you on your journey to becoming a clinical psychologist!”

“The work that we do is challenging and rewarding. It is important to create a nice work-life balance and remember to to take care of yourself. Enjoy yourself, create meaningful relationships and as for support when needed.”

“Having a good mentor is a critical part of successfully navigating our career and finding balance. Reach out and make sure you develop relationships with mentors and friends who truly care about your well being and respect your culture. Give yourself permission to be yourself. What are you most passionate about? What makes you happy? Believe in yourself. You Belong. Make goals. Work hard. Be focused. There are millions of Latinos who need you.”

“I am very grateful for the exceptional mentorship and sponsorship that has helped me to establish a career in academic medicine that I find incredibly rewarding. My hope is that PLANS can foster these types of meaningful relationships that will culminate in a strengthen pipeline of future Latino psychologists.”

“Becoming a psychologist is a wonderful opportunity to create a life that has meaning, gives back, and has flexibility to meet you where you are at. What I have loved about a career in psychology has been the flexibility it affords me to shift/change/choose areas of focus as my life shifts and changes. Working in academic medicine means you can pursue differing areas of research, you can increase clinical work, decrease clinical work, and as you pursue different passions, you can shift your focus in work. There is a lot of independence in shaping your life, and creating areas of interest. Mentoring has been a tremendously important arena, both in the support I’ve had throughout the years and the support I have given. My advice is to surround yourself with people who will elevate your mind and spirit, who will celebrate your accomplishments and who will hold you accountable when you move away from your values in a compassionate and caring way.”

"Education and training in clinical psychology allows for an incredible skillset that can be applied in so many different ways. I would encourage prospective students to remain open and curious about the ways in which they may apply their interests and education. Similarly, I would encourage students to remember their "why," the initial interest or passion and use that as guidance. Getting back to your why, often through good mentorship, is critical during the ups and downs of school, training, and professional life as a clinical [health] psychologist."

“Identify your core values, write a 10-year vision, make SMART goals that are intrinsically motivating to you, seek mentors you look up to who are invested in your growth, and collaborate, as much as possible, with people you like, who bring out the best in you. As the African Proverb tells us, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

“Congratulations on what you have already achieved and for serving as an example of where hard work and perseverance can get you. You may not realize it yet, but you’re already laying the stepping stones for others in the Latinx community to follow in your footsteps as we continue to ensure that the profession of psychology is reflective of the diverse communities we seek to serve. As psychologist, we are in the business of helping people and building the conditions and relationships in which one can thrive…that is also at the center of mentorship.”

“In addition to your primary mentor, it is extremely important to have multiple mentors and sponsors, including peer-mentors and mentors/sponsors who you connect with a few times a year. The diversity of your mentorship team is also important in order to have different perspectives when it comes career and life planning and decisions. It truly takes a village!”

"Si Se Puede! As an immigrant from Peru and a first-generation college graduate, I was completely lost about how to achieve the American Dream of becoming a doctor. My success as a clinical psychologist and researcher has been tremendously influenced by a great team of mentors that have supported me since I was an undergrad. Always remember that with the support of mentors at all levels of training and career paths, you will always have a chance to ask questions, learn about things you don't know yet, and hear from them about the things they wish they knew when they were at your stage. We all want you to succeed, and it is very rewarding to play a role in your career path and celebrate you at each milestone. Your current peers will also succeed, so keep nurturing those relationships and always work on expanding your network!"

"To successfully pursue a career in clinical or counseling psychology you need a PLAN and SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound) goals, but you also need a deep understanding of the hidden curriculum. My advice – the road ahead is challenging and filled with real systemic barriers. Allow space to experience the host of difficult thoughts and emotions that will likely come AND then carry on with your SMART goals."