Topic 2: Jobs in Counseling – The Search and Application Process {by 6/12}
Based on the readings and assignment due this week consider the following discussion points: *(1) Discuss your thoughts and feelings about your recent job search experience. For example, did you learn anything? Do you feel more (or less) optimistic about obtaining a job upon graduation? (2) What are some potential anxieties and/or concerns you have about interviewing for a job in the mental health field upon graduation? (3) Although your potential employer may want to know certain qualities about you, what organizational qualities are important to you?
Your original post should be posted by the beginning of class 6/12. Post your two replies no later than 6/14. *Please remember to click the “reply” button when posting a reply. This makes it easier for the reader to follow the blog postings.
*Yes, the first discussion point is very similar to your second reflection question for your assignment. Thus, you can use the answer for your assignment (or a part of it) for the blog. The rationale is that this will give a chance for your peers to read a few responses and potentially provide some helpful insight with their replies. This will also help with “priming” for in class participation.
Dr. Adam M Volungis 
Jun 11, 2025 @ 18:39:22
My thoughts and feelings about my recent job search experience are a mix of optimism and hope. I learned that finding supervision, although not easy, is doable. This was something I was really worried about, so it has been encouraging to see that there are options available. Overall, I feel more optimistic about obtaining a job upon graduation. Some potential anxieties and concerns I have about interviewing for a job in this field include the fact that I’ve never interviewed for a role like this before. Although I have worked in mental health, I did not previously have the level of responsibilities that I will now take on. This could bring up questions during interviews that may be a bit more challenging to answer, but I am looking forward to the challenge and view it as an opportunity to grow. While I understand that potential employers will be assessing my qualities, there are also organizational qualities that are important to me. First, I would like to work for an organization that practices evidence-based treatment approaches. It is also important to me that the organization fosters an atmosphere of continuous learning and uses research-based modalities. Finally, I would prefer to work in a collaborative atmosphere that also allows for some independence. As a single parent, having the flexibility to work remotely would be extremely helpful and would allow me to better balance my professional and personal responsibilities. Overall, I found this job search experience to be helpful, and it has made me feel more optimistic about the process going forward.
Jun 12, 2025 @ 09:01:22
Hi Billy!
I really appreciate your comment on how you value flexibility in an organization. It is so nice to hear that your son plays such a valuable role in your life, especially when it comes to your career as well. Working remote has been such a helpful tool for both clinicians and clients, as it can be difficult to present in person for a variety of reasons and we have seen that effective therapy can certainly still be done remotely! Great job!
Jun 12, 2025 @ 10:54:07
Hi Billy,
I agree that working for an environment that fosters continued education and adequate trainings is so important! We are working in a field where things are constantly changing and new studies are being conducted all the time. Working for a company that not only encourages us, but provides opportunities to remain in the loop and educated on the changes and growth in our field is so so important. I also appreciate your dedication to this field as a full time parent, as I imagine that must be a lot to balance. I think you are an amazing role model for your son and I hope you are able to find a hybrid job that allows you to be present in both these aspects of your life.
Jun 11, 2025 @ 23:28:51
Before conducting my job search, I was absolutely dreading seeing what is available and narrowing down my options. Although I know that this is a highly in-demand profession and that many organizations are in need of clinicians, there was a small fear in the back of my mind that I would not be able to find any job postings or listings for unlicensed clinicians. I now realize that my fears were completely unfounded and that there are ample opportunities for recent graduates who are working towards licensure. I feel more optimistic than ever about finding a job and am confident that I will be able to find a suitable position that meets my needs and is able to provide me with what is needed for direct client contact hours, supervision requirements, and other assistance in relation to obtaining my license.
Other than the typical anxieties about interviewing for a job, I am most nervous about meeting with potential employers who may take advantage of the fact that I am new/trying to acquire hours for licensure and assign me a bulky caseload with difficult clients right off the bat. I have heard some horror stories from others in this field about various organizations overworking their clinicians to the point of burnout, laying off clinicians who they can’t afford to keep, and expecting the remaining clinicians to maintain an overwhelming schedule with clients who needed to be transferred. I am also a bit nervous about receiving quality supervision, as my supervisor at my internship was excellent and definitely set my standards very high in this regard. While I am hopeful about my future supervision experiences, I know that it will initially be a difficult adjustment for me.
Some organizational qualities that have become incredibly important to me are a sense of cohesion amongst the clinic’s workers and an open line of communication between supervisor and supervisee. There were many times during my internship where I found myself consulting my supervisor for her advice and guidance and she was always able to accommodate and make time for me, as well as openly communicate when she would be out of office and who I could direct any questions to in her absence. I also value organizations that allow for their clinicians to have a flexible schedule and essentially set their hours. My internship placement was run in this manner and I found the freedom and autonomy that I had over my schedule to be incredibly convenient. This would be very difficult for me to give up since I’ve already grown so accustomed to it and have developed such a liking for it.
Jun 12, 2025 @ 08:56:57
Hi Lindsey!
I love that your thoughts have been changed for the better after completing the job search! You definitely were not alone in having hesitations about unlicensed clinicians and what the job market would have to offer; however, I am happy to hear that your doubts were proved incorrect!!! I certainly felt the exact same way and almost expected there to be very little options and now seeing as though there are tons of jobs that we are eligible for really has increased my optimism as well! Great job!
Jun 12, 2025 @ 08:51:55
Reflecting on the job search experience, I feel confident that each of us will find a job that suits us and our values. Overall, I feel positive and optimistic regarding career life after graduating. Something that I noticed, however, was that counseling specifically within the substance use population often requires much less education (i.e., high school diploma and/or bachelor’s degree). Truthfully, this leaves me wondering why that is as the job description was very similar to other jobs in the field with the exception of specializing in substance use. Additionally, this job search boosted my motivation level to get licensed as quickly as I can. Specifically, I feel very motivated to get licensed as soon as possible for many reasons; however, the salary difference of a licensed vs unlicensed therapist is quite significant. Regarding some potential anxieties I have, I am a bit nervous about applying for jobs that I have little experience in (i.e., working with children and SMI). This job search really opened my eyes to see how many various jobs we are eligible for which made me feel overwhelmingly optimistic but also a bit anxious when I realized I do not have experience in some areas. Be that as it may, I am confident I will be able to adjust and expand my skillset within different populations. The number one quality that is important to me within any organization is collaboration and a strong team. I am very fortunate that my internship experience graced me with such a positive, collaborative, and multifaceted team; therefore, this is something I now value in any organization I work in. Another quality I value in an agency is a healthy work-life balance. This may sound rather obvious; however, there are many organizations that believe work should always take priority. While work is extremely important and should be taken seriously, I find that therapists can have an overwhelming job at times; therefore, they need to carve out time for their personal lives as well to avoid burnout so that way they can be their best selves at work!
Jun 12, 2025 @ 10:49:50
Hi Angela,
I like how you highlighted the fact that there were several listings pertaining to counseling services that required no more than a high school diploma or BA degree. I also noticed many positions that were claiming to offer counseling in this manner which I found to be incredibly unprofessional. These positions are either highlighting duties that are far beyond the scope of an individual with a high school diploma, or they are seeking to severely underpay and minimize the accomplishments of those with a MA degree. That is so frustrating in my opinion.
Jun 12, 2025 @ 11:38:50
Hi Angela,
It is absolutely wild to me how companies that specialize in substance abuse treatment consider applicants with only a high school diploma or bachelor’s degree as qualified for the position. One would think that such a high-risk population would benefit more from receiving treatment with clinicians who have more education and experience in this area, but obviously that’s not always the case!
I’m glad to hear that you’re feeling optimistic about your career post-graduation! I couldn’t agree more with your desire to become licensed as soon as possible, especially considering that this has been a goal of mine for so long now.
Jun 12, 2025 @ 12:51:39
Hi Angela,
Thank you for your lovely post! I absolutely agree, I feel confident in all of us finding jobs that suit our needs and values. As we go through this process together, I know it can feel daunting, but I think through our continued efforts we will be able to achieve our goals. I like how you brought up the intricacies of the job search (e.g. education levels, compensation, etc.) speaking to the issues that exist within the field. As we talked about in Dr. Doerfler’s substance use class, it is curious as to why substance use populations require less education especially given the co-morbid nature that arises from this disorder.
Jun 12, 2025 @ 15:12:38
Hi Angela! I also noticed that the requirements for many substance use as well as in home or community based programs had lower education requirements as I was scrolling through listings. I think it is definitely important to think about the implications of potentially having less training or education for roles where you are going into clients and families homes. These are positions where professionals are entering clients’ homes and working closely with families and environments that can be highly complex and sensitive. I would argue that these settings actually demand a strong foundation in evidence-based practices, cultural competence, trauma-informed care, and the ability to manage crises or unexpected challenges.
Jun 12, 2025 @ 10:42:56
Discussion for 6/12
This job search was interesting for sure. I found so many different positions available across the state and became really optimistic at the variety of options I have available to me; interestingly I even found a clinical opportunity through the FBI so that was kind of cool. I feel I am also lucky to not be super anxious about searching for jobs, as this program and my internship experience has made me feel confident in not only myself as a counselor, but in my ability to adequately navigate interviews and any questions that may be thrown at me. I will say that I feel far more motivated to work towards licensure as that will open up a whole multitude of pathways to explore moving forward. This project has made me really want to slow down and explore all the different options that I have currently before diving headfirst into a position after graduation. I am grateful for my offer with Seven Hills and will of course hold on to that, but I also think that putting myself out there may not be the worst idea either.
In terms of what organizational qualities I would like to see, I think that a company who clearly supports and encourages growth amongst their employees is huge. I have observed many companies that will tack on extra duties to their employees without any additional pay or title change and find that to be incredibly unfair. I would also like to work for a company that has clear support for DEI, which seems like that should be part of any human services field, but I assure you all this is not always the case. I want to ensure that I am working alongside a company that aligns with my ethical values as well. I find that especially in this current political climate, we are really seeing the true colors of corporations and their staff, and I refuse to be associated with a company that does not value equality and equity amongst their employees and clients.
Jun 12, 2025 @ 12:57:33
Hi Paige,
Thanks for your thoughtful post! I also felt optimistic when looking at the variety of opportunities available – it truly notes the need of our profession to support individuals in their experiences. As you indicated, I think our program has done a great job to prepare us which I am so thankful for since the job search process is incredibly anxiety-provoking. With assignments such as these, we can take the time to reflect and identify what it is we are looking for with the additional support from our class/Dr. V.
Jun 15, 2025 @ 01:58:38
Hi Paige,
I’m so glad to hear that this assignment helped you feel more at ease and motivated to explore positions outside of your previous comfort zone!! I totally agree with you that working for an organization that values their employees as people and not just as cogs in a machine to exploit is so important. I think some green flags in finding such an organization may be those who offer CEU reimbursement, perks that encourage self-care (like gym memberships or mindfulness workshops), and take mental health days seriously!
Jun 12, 2025 @ 10:48:06
My experience with the job search activity was interesting because I was exploring jobs in a position where I know that I am going to stay with my current employer after I graduate and while I pursue licensure. It was interesting, though, to see what else is out there in the field for opportunities. I did not struggle to locate opportunities within my areas of interest (working with families, children and adolescents). I did find that there are lots of jobs out there for recent MA grads but that there are even more jobs for people with experience and their license. I know that my current plan is to go for my licensure exam as soon as I can after graduating so that I can start acquiring my post grad hours and obtaining continued supervision, both of which I can get via my current employer. I learned that some employers do not offer payment for or provide supervision hours, which my employer does, so this made me feel better. Also, I do feel as though I am a qualified candidate for most of the jobs that i have been seeing with the experience that i have been able to obtain within this program and with my internship specifically.
My anxieties and concerns are not much different from my peers, mostly, I worry about organizations preaching work/life balance for their clinicians, high morals and values in their work etc. and then experiencing working conditions that are not aligned with this. I experience this at times with my own employer, but find that this usually ebbs and flows, with caseloads being higher during certain times of the year and usually my agency tries to accommodate for these increases. My fear interviewing or working somewhere else would be that this would not be my experience everywhere. My concerns would also be that the benefits provided with some of these positions may not meet my current standards for the stage of life I am in, so i will have to be selective about this as well (adequate medical/maternity leave/family and individual sick time, paid CEUs etc.)
Organizational qualities that are important to me would include; quality supervision (both group and individual) that is penciled into the workweek each and every week, a culture of collaboration/support, mission and values that are strong and also that are followed through on within the way the organization operates. Oftentimes, companies will state amazing values and mission, structure of the team/support, but will not follow through or are empty promises. I will be searching for a company, when asked in an interview “How does your company follow through on XYZ?” actually have substantial answers and proof that what they say they do is actually being done to best support their employees. One of the values within my company’s mission is “We do what we say we do” and Our mission and values are more than just something to talk about. They guide all of our decisions in treatment and how we work as a team. I believe that integrity can only be measured by how we live by values each day and i will be searching for that in any employer.
Jun 12, 2025 @ 11:34:28
Hi Maura,
I feel very similarly in terms of what you’re looking for in organizational qualities. Companies that actually follow through with what they promise and adhere to their mission statements are some of the most desirable places to work, especially in this field where burnout can pose a serious hindrance to the quality of work we do. Paid CEUs are another aspect that would be important to me as well once I become licensed. I admittedly haven’t been giving that too much thought since my first priority right now is obviously to graduate and find a job, but CEUs will eventually be of much higher concern to me and having them paid for would be a nice perk!
Jun 12, 2025 @ 15:26:06
Hi Maura! I really resonated with your point about finding an organization whose mission and values align with your own. It’s such a powerful reminder that work isn’t just about the tasks we do every day, but also about being part of something bigger and meaningful to us. When we’re connected to a company’s purpose and its values reflect our own, in a lot of way it creates a sense of belonging and motivation. It not only helps us to be invested in our work, but it also helps us grow both personally and professionally.
Jun 15, 2025 @ 01:44:26
Hey Maura,
It sounds like your current employer is fairly supportive and has good values that they stick with. Having integrity and living by your values is something that really resonates with me, so hearing that your company uses it’s mission statement as a guiding principle for how work is conducted is really inspiring to hear. Still, I’m curious if there were any jobs that you came across in your search that had you considering switching or at least applying to at the very least?
Jun 12, 2025 @ 12:40:59
As I indicated in my assignment reflection, I am pretty familiar with the job search process since I had already started and in result I did not learn anything completely new, but it did remind me of how challenging all of this can be. Despite having prior experiences, the search still tends to be tedious and exhausting. I think it is also important to note that this is only the first step, there are additional tasks required in the process that makes it even more daunting. This includes prepping application materials, physically applying, going through interviews, and then there is still a chance of rejection. All of this is anxiety-provoking, but I am extremely grateful for recently receiving an opportunity since it provided evidence that getting a position in an area I desired is achievable. It may take time and continued efforts, but it is possible and this has made me optimistic for the future ahead.
When thinking about anxieties and concerns for interviewing for jobs in the future, I think this is something that will continue to naturally come up since we feel pressure and desire to receive a role (especially when we really want a certain position). I think some of the biggest things that have helped me are preparing/practicing and reminding myself that this is also an interview for me to see if this is a place I see myself at. When I think of organizational qualities that are important to me, respect, support, and understanding immediately come to mind. At my internship, I learned these things are truly critical to ensure the well-being of both our clients and ourselves as employees. I think given the nature of being in a helping field, we feel the need to take on more, but it is important that we/work places also remain mindful of our own needs to ensure our ability to provide competent care.
Jun 12, 2025 @ 20:45:53
Hi Gigi,
You bring up a good point about how challenging the process of finding a job can be and how often there are further steps to be taken. The fact that unrelated job listings pop up definitely does not help make this process any easier. Additionally, job listings that are not forthcoming with all of the information can also make the process of finding a job more tedious. That’s great that you were offered a position! I agree that receiving opportunities can help to make the process feel less stressful. You also bring up a great point regarding how the work environment at an agency can impact treatment to clients. If we aren’t being respected or adequately supported by colleagues and supervisors, it may reflect negatively in session.
Jun 17, 2025 @ 20:08:57
Hi Gigi. I really related to when you said how exhausting and anxiety proving searching for a job can be. It is great to hear you have such a great positive attitude towards this process even though it can be difficult. I also appreciated what you said about interviews being a two-way street. That mindset shift has helped me to remind myself that it’s not just about trying to impress them, but also about evaluating whether or not the organization you are interviewing with aligns with what I value. Respect, support, and understanding are high on my list as well, especially in this field where burnout is such a risk. We need environments that are aware of and responsive to that if we’re going to provide effective care long-term. this resonated with me a lot.
Bill
Jun 12, 2025 @ 12:56:10
Jun 12, 2025 @ 21:02:14
Hi Bella,
I agree that this job search experience highlighted how in demand clinical counseling is. There’s definitely no shortage of job opportunities within this field. I also found that there were a lot of clinician positions available working in different settings and with a variety of client populations. I agree that the interviewing part can be both exciting and anxiety inducing. Hopefully with more experience doing interviews for jobs in this field, as well as just gaining more experience working as clinicians, this process will start to feel less stressful. You bring up an important point about how organizations need to put the needs of their clients first. A big part of therapy is advocating for the client, and I think that larger agencies, agencies where the caseloads are too high, and those that are only focused on the business side can easily lose sight of that.
Jun 15, 2025 @ 01:55:14
Hey Bella,
I agree with you on how reassuring it felt to see how many opportunities exist in our field. Knowing that there are options does make I feel a little less overwhelming, but at the same time I found the quality of options to not be as reassuring. I came across several postings that were essentially looking to hire counselors as independent contractors. Although their projected salaries seemed nice at a glance, upon further research it appeared that the numbers provided were not realistic. Multiple threads online discussed counselors not getting enough clientele through these companies and struggling with no-shows. So it’s comforting to see the breadth of job opportunities out there, but the variance in quality and compensation is a bit worrisome.
Jun 12, 2025 @ 13:15:26
Overall, my recent job search has left me feeling simultaneously more and less hopeful. On the positive side, there are a good number of positions available, including some that offer fair wages and seem like good fits for new graduates, even in community health settings. This contradicts the sentiment I often hear that we have to “suffer” for what we do and will not be able to make living wages.
I have, however, also run into several frustrating patterns. Many “entry-level” positions still require two years of experience, which feels contradictory and disheartening considering our internships are only one year long. Additionally, there’s no consistent terminology used across job postings, which makes keyword searches on websites more difficult. I have to complete multiple searches with different variations on “therapist,” “mental health counselor,” “clinician,” etc. I’m sure that there are some job listings I meet criteria for that I am missing as a result. Something else that made job searching tedious was having to sift through duplicate postings across multiple sites, as many jobs appeared on Indeed, LinkedIn, Monster, and ZipRecruiter simultaneously. Some of these listings were posted multiple times even within the same site, making it harder to find job listings I hadn’t reviewed yet. Some of the listings didn’t even mention the hiring company, only a recruiter’s name, making it harder to assess the position or even look up the company. I completely ignored these positions because they felt like were indicative of them being a scam or a poorly organized company. I also noticed that some companies, like Headway, post jobs under various “company names,” making it seem like they were small group practices and only revealing that they were owned by Headway in the job description itself. Finally, pay ranges vary widely. I found one position that was offering as little as $21/hour with the requirement of a master’s degree in a psychology-related field. It’s ridiculous to me that in a field where you can make a salary in the hundred-thousands, there are still positions offering, at most, $43,680 if you worked five days a week every week of the year, taking no time off.
That said, I was able to find the most promising leads on Indeed and Monster, and there seem to be quite a few openings in the Worcester area, though this may require a commute for me if I remain where I am currently living in Massachusetts. I have no concerns about finding a job post-grad. I’m only worried about finding the best fit for me. I’m hoping to find a company that both pays a fair wage and doesn’t expect absurd amounts of client contact hours weekly. There are some listings that I saw which expected 35-40 client contact hours weekly despite paying a small hourly wage and forcing the clinician to complete documentation on their own time.
My main requirements are finding an organization that allows room for growth (i.e., training opportunities, sufficient supervision, etc.), emphasizes evidence-based practice, and adheres to ethical guidelines. I know that this may seem like a low bar, but some of the job listings I’ve seen and information I’ve found about some of them online left me concerned. I found many negative reviews for certain companies from other therapists, especially the company Ellie.
I think a lot of the decision-making process for which jobs will be a good fit will occur after interviewing and seeing the company firsthand. One of my main anxieties is addressing the experience requirement during interviews. Even though I’ve completed my education and training, I worry that employers may focus heavily on the lack of “formal” post-graduate experience. It’s the common paradigm of needing to get a job to get experience but needing experience to get a job. I’m also concerned about salary negotiations, especially when many postings don’t list pay upfront. It’s difficult to gauge what’s fair or realistic without that information, and I worry about undervaluing myself, especially since I’m so new to the field and don’t know what’s fair. Finally, I sometimes worry about the transparency and ethics of certain organizations based on how they advertise their positions. It’s simple for an organization to write (or have AI write) a glowing explanation of their company and services provided online. Seeing how their staff discuss the organization in person can sometimes vary greatly. I hope to find somewhere that is as passionate about the work they do in person as they are in their job listings.
Something that assuages my concerns about finding the job that’s the right fit for me is that I don’t have to stay there forever. While it would be easier to remain at the same organization for the duration of my unlicensed hours, switching jobs is possible.
Jun 12, 2025 @ 13:34:35
Jun 15, 2025 @ 02:09:15
Hey there brother,
I totally hear you about workplace cohesion! I think another important aspect for me in that regard is how your coworkers interact with each other and what sort of environment they foster. For instance, coworkers who gossip or create an unwelcoming work environment would not be a good match for me. I don’t think you necessarily have to like or be friends with everyone you work with, but you should at least be able to tolerate them and interact with them. If there are multiple people I work with who make the workplace uncomfortable to me or that I genuinely cannot get along with, I may be inclined to find a positions elsewhere.
Jun 17, 2025 @ 20:14:48
Hey Dimitr. I like the way you tied in that Anakin reference. I think you really nailed the vibe of hunting for a job. I can relate to your mixed feelings. It can be very frustrating how vague some postings are. I also feel anxiety about lack of experience as well. But I believe when you show up to your interviews your passion, mindset, and values will go a long way, even if your resume isn’t packed yet. Your point about evidence-based practice and avoiding psychodynamic fluff made me laugh, but also completely agree. And yes to cohesion, flexibility, and real compensation. We’re not in this field to get rich, but we still have to survive and you’re right, loan servicers don’t care what your caseload is.
–Bill
Jun 12, 2025 @ 13:46:01
1.) My experience with the recent job search assignment is that it made me feel both reassured and more anxious. I feel better knowing that I have a pretty good chance of paying my student loans back because it seems like we all will be able to make a pretty decent living in this field. My search identified that the average annual income of a therapist in TX is about $65,000, which is more than the median household income in TX! So, I am feeling better knowing that I will not struggle as much financially as I initially expected. However, I am more anxious because it seems much easier to find a job upon graduation in MA than in TX. In TX, you have to get your LPC-A license first before becoming an individually licensed LPC. Many of the jobs that I found during my search explicitly stated they were not looking to hire LPC-A’s or “license eligible” individuals. Though this makes me believe it is going to be difficult to find a job, it also tells me that I need to start networking a bit more to find individuals who would be willing to take a chance on me and invest in my career as a therapist.
2.) I do not feel particularly anxious about interviewing for a job in the mental health field as I have already completed two interviews for positions back in TX. I did not end up getting these jobs for practical reasons such as no longer hiring due to the political climate and looking for those who were fully-licensed, but the interviews went well and allowed me to make some new connections. These interviews also gave me the opportunity to ask “insider” questions about the field and get advice on what I should do next! The way I see it, I am interviewing them as much as they are interviewing me!
3.) Some organizational qualities that are important to me are agencies who place a significant emphasis on using evidence-based practices as this strongly aligns with my personal and professional values. I also would like to work for an organization that offers CEU reimbursement and/or would be willing to front all or some of the cost for me to attend workshops and get more certifications. I also think it is important to work for a company that highlights the importance of serious self-care by offering paid time off in order to avoid burnout. Finally, as I am going back to TX, it is important for me to work for an organization that is inclusive and culturally sensitive, particularly to the LGBTQ+ community. I have completed an internship for an agency in TX that was not LGBTQ+ friendly and it made me really uncomfortable and, in my opinion, did not uphold the ethical responsibilities of a therapist who should minimize harm to individuals within the community they serve.
Jun 12, 2025 @ 14:11:49
Jun 15, 2025 @ 23:18:07
Hello Ashleigh,
I enjoyed reading your post! I appreciated the comments you shared about your job search experience. That is so exciting that you already have a job lined up at a private practice! I also agree with your sentiments about not having pay listed in job listings. Not having the pay listed in a job listing can cause some skepticism about the position for sure. In my experience, I excluded listings from my job search that did not provide this information.
Also kudos for your confidence in interviewing for a clinical job. Being able to use your past experience to boost your confidence is a great asset to have – especially in an area where you are familiar with the population.
Keep up the great work!😊
Jun 12, 2025 @ 14:53:54
I have already obtained a job for after graduation, so I feel pretty confident in searching for jobs and selecting jobs that fit best for me. However, the assignment we completed for class today reminded me of the diversity in the field in terms of work locations, roles, and populations that can be worked with. I plan on working in an outpatient setting with kids, but this search was a great reminder of the different opportunities that may be available. I feel optimistic about jobs that I can acquire in my future. One anxiety I had when interviewing for jobs was being confident in my abilities as a clinician and being able to relay my expertise to the interviewers. I also had anxiety about what types of questions they might ask and being prepared to answer them. However, I found with practice and preparation it mostly came naturally! In terms of organizational qualities, I was looking for a place of work that was supportive. I want to ensure that I have regular, structured supervision and a supervisor that I feel like I can talk to and learn from. I also wanted a workplace that cares about their employees and encourage a balanced workload and a healthy work-life balance.
Jun 14, 2025 @ 11:03:49
Hi Ashley,
It is really great to hear that you have already secured a job and feel confident moving forward. It is such a wonderful place to be. I completely agree with you that the job search assignment was a helpful reminder of how enriched the mental health field is. It’s great to know that there are numerous options available for us to explore. Your sharing about finding a supportive work environment with close supervision and attention to work-life balance really resonates with me. Those are crucial factors for sustainability and growth in this field!
Jun 12, 2025 @ 15:17:12
Engaging in this job search has been eye-opening for me. As I explored job opportunities and websites, I feel very happy because there are a lot of job positions available for students after graduation, without a license. Particularly, there are numerous organizations, agencies, and other entities providing job openings with various benefits and support. I was amazed that some of them offer flexible scheduling, educational training, tuition reimbursement, and loan forgiveness, which were incredibly beneficial for us as new clinicians. This made me feel optimistic for those who are transitioning to the workplace after graduation.
If I am going to a job interview, one of my primary concerns is how effectively I can present my clinical experiences and skills in a way that genuinely reflects my readiness, especially since I am still early in my career. However, I believe continuously learning, practicing, and being sincere during the interview would be effective and lessen my anxiety.
The specific qualities in the organizations I consider include several, as follows. First, it is a supportive environment for both staff and clients, allowing us to feel at home and work together effectively. In addition, as we transition from students to therapists, supervision and ongoing education are vital to improving our professional skills. Moreover, a collaborative, trusting, and empathetic workplace can be beneficial in balancing our professional and personal lives, especially when burnout occurs.
Jun 15, 2025 @ 23:11:29
Hello Han,
I enjoyed reading your post! Specifically, I appreciate what you brought up about job interviews. I also have anxiety about presenting my clinical knowledge while being new to the field. The more practice is done with interviews, the easier it will get and we will know what to expect.
I also resonated with the qualities you described in an organization that you are looking for. Especially in clinical work, collaboration is important. Many clinical jobs involve collaboration with the client as well as other parties in some cases. Having a collaborative approach can also help with burnout as you discussed.
Keep up the great work!😊
Jun 12, 2025 @ 20:34:15
This job search experience was interesting. I found that a fair amount of jobs that were not in the mental health field would come up, or one’s that I’m not qualified for. However, I found that there was a wide variety of clinical counseling jobs that served a variety of different clients. This research experience made me realize that there are a lot of work opportunities post graduation. I was originally a bit nervous because I had seen a lot of licensed therapist positions prior to doing this job search, however I now feel a bit more relieved knowing that there are a fair amount of pre-licensure jobs available as well. I definitely feel more optimistic about obtaining a job after graduation.
A potential anxiety I have about interviewing for a job in mental health is just making sure I’m asking all of the right questions. As we’ve discussed in class, not all agencies promote working environments that are conducive to working effectively in. I want to make sure that I’m asking questions that could give me more information about those expectations. The only other potential anxiety I have is just regarding my lack of experience. I was able to get two placements during my internship, but a lot of jobs I found were looking for clinicians with years of experience.
I think it’s really important for an organization to foster a supportive work environment. Having friendly and supportive colleagues and supervisors can make all the difference when it comes to feeling valued at an agency and preventing burn out. Additionally, the nature of our work is inherently collaborative, especially when we are first starting out and would benefit from more guidance. Another quality would be an organization that values work-life balance. My internship placement was very understanding of the fact that we had lives outside of the agency, which really helped to prevent feeling burnt out and overwhelmed.
Jun 14, 2025 @ 14:21:10
Hi Alyson,
I appreciate you discussing about the importance of a supportive community such as your coworkers/colleagues. I truly believe an environment can have a significant impact of your work, whether that is to help you grow or create challenges that can make it not as enjoyable. Thus, one can enjoy the work they do, but if the environment is not supportive, where coworkers/colleagues are not working together and understanding of each other, it can make things incredible difficult. So again, I also agree with desiring a supportive work enviornment.
Jun 12, 2025 @ 21:36:12
Jun 14, 2025 @ 11:30:30
Hi Mariana,
It’s also great that this process helped you realize just how many opportunities are available, especially in the Worcester area. I had a similar reaction that there are more doors open than I expected. I also agree with you that knowing what you want and what you do not will help us feel more empowered in future interviews. In addition, I could not agree more about the importance of a supportive team and a knowledgeable supervisor. Your experience during the internship sounds challenging, but it also gave you clarity about what kind of guidance and environment you truly need. You have great insight into what will help you thrive!
Jun 14, 2025 @ 14:39:14
Hi Mariana,
I could not have agree more with what you shared about being a “yes man”. This year, I have been actively working on breaking this habit of “people pleasing”, especially in the work industry. It is so easy to say “yes” because it is easier, feeding to fear and anxiety, to later realizing that we have compromised our own boundaries and values. Going forward I have been really researching and reflecting what are my non negotiable and practicing those first, to help me stay grounded and confident. So when I go into interviews I know what to say and where I stand. It not only helps us in the long run but also helps them because they get our true selves. We got this!
Jun 14, 2025 @ 14:45:00
Hi Mariana,
I absolutely agree with you on all fronts. I frankly ignored many of the listings that didn’t even have a salary listed. I’m happy to consider lower paying jobs if the benefits make up for it, but it feels like they intentionally obscure that information which gives me a bad taste in my mouth. I’ve got similar concerns to you with interviewing. Part of why I don’t like when jobs ask you how much you’d like to make is because I’m terrible at talking about money. I worry about undervaluing myself to be a people pleaser. I also know that with my internship, I looked past a few red flags because I really wanted the job and I’m worried I’ll do the same. One the up side, at least we can always find a new job if things don’t work out!
Jun 15, 2025 @ 20:24:03
Hi Mariana,
I totally get where you’re coming from it’s so frustrating when jobs don’t list the pay range. Like you, I want to know what I’m walking into before investing my time. I also found it surprising (in a good way) how many options there are for pre-licensed clinicians. And yes, a supportive team and strong supervisor can really make or break the experience. It’s great that you’re already thinking about setting boundaries and knowing your worth that mindset will definitely help you find the right fit.
Jun 12, 2025 @ 22:13:52
(1) Discuss your thoughts and feelings about your recent job search experience. For example, did you learn anything? Do you feel more (or less) optimistic about obtaining a job upon graduation?
Overall, the biggest take away for this project was realizing how difficult it is to find a job not requiring licensure. In my search, I aimed to include jobs where I could acquire licensure hours and supervision. Another observation I had from this project was the pay difference between licensed and unlicensed jobs. On average, it appears as though there is not a large difference in pay between licensed and unlicensed jobs in my areas of interest.
After this project, I feel more confident about looking for a post-graduation job. Although I am most familiar with LinkedIn, I ensured that I included other platforms in my search. In my exploration, I found some platforms that I had not utilized before that I will use in my job search such as going directly to company websites or Indeed. I also found that although it was more challenging to find a job not requiring licensure, most job postings advertise if they provide supervision for postmasters hours to obtain licensure.
(2) What are some potential anxieties and/or concerns you have about interviewing for a job in the mental health field upon graduation?
One anxiety that I have about interviewing for a job in the mental health field is my ADHD. One of my top priorities in an employer is one that is accommodating for staff who are neurodivergent or differently abled. In my professional journey, it has taken time to determine which jobs are a best fit for my needs. Exploring jobs is overwhelming at times. I am aiming to find a clinical job I enjoy but that is accommodating.
(3) Although your potential employer may want to know certain qualities about you, what organizational qualities are important to you?
Two organizational quality that I am prioritizing in my job search are a companies initiatives for DEIB as well as employee appreciation. In part of my role at my current job I serve on a board for inclusion and employee celebration initiatives. I enjoy doing this work and think that it those are important, but especially in behavioral health.
Jun 12, 2025 @ 23:16:20
Jun 14, 2025 @ 14:26:16
Hi Melanie,
I’m feeling pretty similarly to you. The job requirements for many of the listings I saw were intimidating. Even at “entry-level”, many of them were requiring at least 2 years of specialized experience. It’s frustrating when the majority of clinical internships in Massachusetts are one year long. I’m also a bit worried about caseloads. I saw some jobs that were expecting clinicians to take on 35+ client hours per week which seems mind boggling to me. As for your desire for an organization that values DEI, I absolutely agree! My only concern with that is the current administration’s push to remove DEI from workplaces and schools. It’s so integral to what we do as clinicians so I hope there are some who are willing to have these conversations like you are.
On the plus side, at least there are many different jobs to sort through that I’m confident we’ll all find one that suits us best! You’ve got this.
Jun 15, 2025 @ 19:52:10
Hi Melanie,
I really relate to what you shared this process can definitely feel overwhelming, especially with the pressure around licensure and big caseloads right off the bat. I appreciate your honesty and the way you’re turning it into motivation to prepare for the LMHC exam. That’s such a smart move.
Jun 13, 2025 @ 22:36:17
1.Looking for jobs as a pre-LMHC or fully licensed LMHC was a mix of exciting and overwhelming. I noticed that while there are many opportunities out there, support for pre-licensed professionals really varies. Some places offer great supervision and training, while others expect you to be fully licensed with lots of experience already. This made me feel more hopeful about finding a job after graduation, but also more realistic. I’ve learned that I need to be thoughtful about where I apply choosing positions that support both licensure and growth.
2. One of my main worries about interviewing is showing that I have potential, even if I don’t have a ton of experience yet. I want to come across as confident and capable, especially when answering clinical questions. I also worry about whether I’ll click with a team or agency’s culture since a good work environment is key in this field, both for professional support and client care.
3. While employers are looking for strong candidates, I’m also looking for organizations that value growth and ethical practice. Supervision, open communication, and support for licensure are really important to me. I also want to work somewhere that truly values diversity and creates a respectful, inclusive space for both staff and clients.
Jun 14, 2025 @ 21:35:16
Hi Helen,
I completely agree with your values especially finding a job that values growth and being ethical. Especially as a new clinician I want a place that helps me be a strong, confident, and ethical clinician. I definitely want a place that helps me work through challenging cases and that I can lean on for support!
Jun 14, 2025 @ 21:17:48
Hi Maura,
I appreciated your perspective on job searching as I can relate and had a similar experience. I am also staying at my current employer post grad and plan to stay until licensure. As a result I haven’t considered or explored other options so I found the experience very interesting. I did not come across any jobs that specifically mentioned not paying for supervision which is so important to make note of and very unfortunate. I feel like all levels of clinicians can appreciate and gain from supervision but imagine the employers view of the need may be different especially if the person is licensed!