Testimonials from IPA student members

Several IPA student members reflect on how they have benefited from being IPA members.

Shannon Young, MSW, Iowa State University, Counseling Psychology Student

During my first year as a counseling psychology graduate student at Iowa State University, Dr. Warren Phillips spoke to our Ethics class about his clinical practice. Fortunately, he included in his discussion his willingness to have a graduate student assist him on the Professional Issues Committee of the Iowa Psychological Association. Despite being in the process of acclimating to graduate school life as a non-traditional student, I felt this would be an excellent opportunity to become knowledgeable about local issues and begin to develop a professional network in my new home (quite a distance from Sumter, South Carolina from which I moved). Since attending recent council meetings, which have included discussions of topics ranging from evidence-based practice to licensure issues, I feel as if I've begun to develop a sense of belongingness in my chosen professional community.

One of the benefits from joining IPA is being added the IPA listserv, which brings with it the opportunity to participate in email conversations between members regarding current topics of interest such as communicating with clients regarding Axis II diagnoses. These are just a couple of the many reasons why I think being a member of IPA is beneficial for graduate students.

Alex Casillas, University of Iowa, Clinical Psychology Student and Predoctoral Intern

I have been a student member of IPA for approximately 5 years. During this time, I have networked, presented posters, given a talk, as well as served on IPA committees. Above all, I have come to appreciate the perspectives of IPA members (i.e., people who provide clinical services on a regular basis). I have found that their perspectives are complementary with what students tend to get from faculty and I think it has been useful to have this wider range of perspectives.

Jami Gross, University of Iowa, Counseling Psychology Student and Predoctoral Intern

One of the most important things I gained from my participation in IPA was a greater knowledge of professional issues as they actually affect professionals. We may hear about prescription privileges and test data laws in classes, but hearing actual professionals discuss those issues at conferences, council meetings, and on the listserv broadened my perspective and made things more concrete for me. This was not only valuable knowledge to have for my professional development, but I used much of it in my comprehensive exams and was able to demonstrate knowledge of such issues on my internship application and interviews.

In addition, I met some great people, during my time in IPA, who have served as mentors, friends, and resources. In my practicum experiences, I was able to refer clients to various psychologists around the state because I knew IPA members in most areas. Although I am unsure whether or not I will move back to Iowa to practice, the people I know through IPA have contacts across the U.S. Many have asked me to contact them when I begin looking for jobs, and have offered to help with my search. Getting closer to that point in my career now, I recognize how rare and valuable those resources are! Often, it was the informal discussions with Bethe Lonning, Warren Phillips, or many of the other IPA members that yielded the most helpful information and the best professional relationships--and the members were always so willing to engage in that manner.

Raelynn Maloney, University of Iowa, Counseling Psychology Student and Predoctoral Intern

IPA provides me with countless opportunities to network and build relationships with professionals who've established successful and satisfying careers. In doing so I have become more open and interested in exploring career paths beyond the walls of academia.

Unlike other organizations I've participated with, student involvement is highly valued and seen as an asset to the growth and development of IPA. For the first time in my training I feel like I am fully aware of the current legislative issues and the significance of being an agent of change when it comes to mental health policy thanks to IPA.

Julie Jenks Kettmann, University of Iowa, Counseling Psychology Student

Student membership in IPA has allowed me to work more closely with practicing psychologists who deal with the issues that we learn about in class on a day to day basis. I have found the information they provide to students on issues such as ethics in practice, evidence based practice, working with certain client populations, licensure, and prescription privileges incredibly helpful. The IPA Mentor Program offers another great opportunity to form a relationship with a psychologist who shares my professional interests and geographic location. In addition, the knowledge that I have gained through reading listserv discussions, attending executive council meetings, meeting area psychologists, and attending IPA conferences has been invaluable! My understanding of our field has increased which will help my development as a professional no matter where I end up!