Although this year’s annual convention will take place in a virtual format, there are many ways that student members can make the most of the opportunities offered through Div. 18 programming. Graduate and undergraduate students alike have experienced unprecedented challenges over the last few years, which undoubtedly impacted our trajectories. Adversities and setbacks notwithstanding, we continue to define our professional identities with flexibility in our adaptability. This year’s convention can be another opportunity for us to gain confidence in the skills earned in our crash course on resiliency.
Resiliency research demonstrates that the most important part of resiliency involves the development of meaningful relationships. These relationships help to facilitate a sense of self-efficacy and confidence in navigating uncharted territories. Students oftentimes rely solely upon their institutions and assigned mentors for this transformational process. This year, I invite you to take a chance at our convention by engaging more actively and purposefully with Div. 18. I offer five opportunities to help students get more engaged in networking and relationship building with the talented and compassionate psychologists of Div. 18.
- Attend Div. 18’s student hang-out: Alongside other student leaders from each section, I will be hosting a convention hang-out in our Div. 18 Zoom room. Stay tuned on our listserv for further details on the fun that is in store.
- Attend Div. 18 section meetings: The annual business meetings for each section of the Division give students a chance to interact closely with the leaders, committee members and other professionals. As the APAGS representative, I can say these meetings have been the most valued and cherished opportunities that students fail to take advantage of at our convention. These meetings might be the professional networking event that link you to the necessary information about internships, research, or advocacy you have been looking for!
- Pursue your passions for social justice and answer the call to advocacy by attending our Diversity Committee meeting: The Diversity Committee co-chairs, Astrea Greig and Valene Whittaker, are eager to involve student members seeking to support the cultural dimensions within the public sector (Learn more information about our diversity committee).
- Attend Div. 18 presentations and poster sessions: Getting to know the current research spanning our wide reach as psychologists in public service will help to connect you with other students and professionals with shared interests. Poster sessions give you key findings of the most recent research and contact information for the researchers that you may contact at a later time.
- Bring on the bragging rights: Let’s not be invisible at this year’s convention. No matter what activities pique your interests, don’t forget to share your digital footprints on your social media accounts with the hashtag #APADIV18STUDENTS
Whether you have a deeply vested interest in a specific section or are just beginning to find yourself dipping your toe into psychology in the public sector, consider this your invitation to get active in your pursuit of resiliency and relationship building at this year’s convention.