Internships
Turn your classroom learning into real-world experience
Internships help you apply what you learn in the classroom to hands-on settings. They are one of the best ways to explore career paths, build professional skills and make connections that support your future. You can strengthen your skill set, grow your network and earn academic credit toward your psychology degree.
Learn about:
An internship is more than just work experience. It’s a chance to see how psychology connects to everyday life and career paths across industries. You’ll gain practical skills, discover what interests you and get a clearer sense of the careers that inspire you.
Internship benefits:
- Gain hands-on, real-world experience
- Enhance your resume, portfolio or curriculum vitae
- Choose from diverse fields such as medicine, healthcare, human resources, law, business, sales, marketing and nonprofit organizations
- Earn PSY 496 credits for internship participation
- Flexibility to complete internships anywhere in the United States—including Buffalo, New York City, Chicago or Los Angeles
- Guided reflection to help you understand your strengths and goals
To qualify for Supervised Applied Experience (PSY 496), students must:
- Be a sophomore, junior or senior psychology major in good academic standing
- Have completed at least 45 credits
Before you start
All internships must be approved before you begin working. Credit cannot be granted retroactively. Students will not earn credit for internships completed without the instructor’s consent.
Students must plan their internship in consultation with Dr. Joyce Lacy during the semester before enrolling in Supervised Applied Experience (PSY 496).
Steps to apply:
- Complete the online internship interest form (below)
- Schedule a meeting with Dr. Lacy to discuss your internship plans
- Before your meeting, identify potential careers and fields of interest and gather internship leads
- Contact potential organizations and arrange interviews to discuss duties and expectations
- Ensure your internship involves professional-level work (no more than 10–15% clerical tasks)
- Complete the student-supervisor contract provided by Dr. Lacy with your internship supervisor
- Return the signed contract to Dr. Lacy for approval and PSY 496 enrollment
You may not begin working at your internship site until your contract has been approved.
There are many ways to find an internship that aligns with your goals. Try these strategies:
- Search UB’s Bullseye powered by Handshake and connect with the Career Design Center
- Create a professional profile on LinkedIn and search for internship leads
- Attend job fairs, employer sessions and on-campus recruiting events
- Network with professors, family, friends and alumni
- Volunteer with a nonprofit organization that aligns with your interests
- Join a professional organization or student club to find local and national internship postings
- Visit company websites and reach out to employers directly
Ready to apply your psychology education in a real-world setting?
- Complete the internship interest form
- Contact Dr. Lacy to discuss your plans
- Check out the Undergraduate Course Catalog for more details
- Visit the Career Design Center website for more tips
