The barrier and success factors during the internship and job search process

Lessons for current and prospective U.S. counseling psychology doctoral international students

Abstract

This study captures the success and barrier factors in the internship and job search process of soon-to-be graduating international doctoral students and early-career psychologists in Counseling Psychology (CP). A total of 17 participants completed a demographic questionnaire and three open-ended questions about the helpful and challenging aspects of their internship and job acquisition process. Utilizing a Consensual Qualitative Research Method (Hill & Knox, 2021), we found that institutional support, interpersonal support, and inequitable practices were typical during the internship and job acquisition process. Participants disclosed more distinct barriers than success factors. The study highlights that support, education, mentorship, and advocacy are still needed to collectively grow and sustain the diversity within CP. The study also offers practical implications and recommendations for international students, international counseling psychologists, and CP stakeholders.