American Psychological Association (APA) Internships—8 Reasons to Apply
If you plan to pursue a career in psychology or a related field, gaining early exposure to professional environments can be extremely beneficial. Prestigious internship opportunities, like those offered by the American Psychological Association (APA), not only strengthen your understanding of the field but also enhance your college applications. These internships provide practical experiences, valuable mentorship, and a chance to explore your interests while contributing to meaningful projects.
What are the APA internships all about?
The APA internships are fully remote opportunities at various offices in the American Psychological Association designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of psychology-related careers while allowing them to work directly with professionals in the field. These internships are intended for motivated students who are passionate about psychology and looking to deepen their understanding of its real-world applications and provide a working knowledge of psychological practices, advocacy, and public interest work.
Despite the remote work stipulation, you will be engaged in various tasks, including research support, project management, policy analysis, and communications. There are also plenty of opportunities to network with experienced psychologists in the APA, providing a significant boost to your future career prospects and overall learning.
How are the APA internships structured?
The APA internship program offers a balance of educational experiences and real, hands-on administrative or research work. There are two types of internship positions, and both run year-round (spring, summer, fall, and winter): Paid and Academic credit (unpaid).
Once you’ve been selected, you will be assigned to the specific APA department position you applied for, much like a full-time job. Mentorship is a core aspect of the program, with interns working closely with experienced APA staff. An average day can involve tasks like conducting literature reviews, assisting with surveys, preparing reports, or attending meetings. You will be assisting your supervisor in their daily tasks, who will also facilitate your learning by arranging workshops, discussions, and group projects for you to participate in.
Additional benefits of participation include:
A free 1-year APA student affiliate membership
Free access to PsycINFO, PsycCAREERS, PsycNET, and PsycARTICLES, providing you with a massive knowledge base to further enhance your academic learning
Several networking opportunities with full-time APA psychologists
The program operates from the APA headquarters in Washington, D.C., and offers fully remote internship positions, too.
Is it prestigious?
APA internships are highly competitive, making them a standout addition to your resume. The program’s exclusivity ensures participants are part of a select group of students who receive mentorship and exposure to high-level psychological work.
Alumni of the program strongly benefit from the rich networking opportunities and experiential learning on offer. Participating in this program demonstrates a commitment to psychology, and this exposure can make a significant difference when applying to competitive colleges or graduate programs.
Who is eligible to apply?
To apply for the APA internships, you need to:
Be enrolled at least part-time in an academic institution
Be eligible for and secure a D.C. Work Permit, which needs to be submitted alongside your application
Be eligible to work in the U.S. (as verified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s e-verify service)
Reside in one of the states where the APA is already registered as an employer
How does the application process work?
The application process for APA internships is straightforward and quite similar to how you would apply for a job.
Visit the APA job board to see available internship opportunities
Prepare your resume, cover letter, and writing sample into a single document
Complete the online application through the APA portal and submit your compiled supporting documents alongside
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but specific deadlines may vary by position
You can apply for up to three internship positions at a time
8 reasons to apply to APA Internships
Professional exposure to the field of psychology: You will gain hands-on experience working on projects that address real-world psychological issues. This exposure helps you understand the day-to-day responsibilities of professionals in psychology-related fields.
Many practical learning opportunities: You’ll get to work closely with mentors and colleagues who are experts in the field. Their guidance will help you learn about cutting-edge psychological practices and their impact on society.
Excellent networking support: Through workshops and discussions, you’ll be able to build valuable connections with APA staff, industry experts, and fellow interns. These relationships can open doors to future opportunities and collaborations.
Skill development: The experience will help you enhance your research, communication, and analytical skills by participating in challenging tasks and projects. These skills are transferable and beneficial in any career path.
Prestige: Being selected for the APA internship program highlights your dedication and competence. This recognition can set you apart in college or job applications.
Contribution to public good: You will get to participate in initiatives that advocate for mental health, public policy, and societal well-being. Your work will have a meaningful impact beyond the internship.
It’s a tailored experience: With various departments and focus areas, the program allows you to pursue your specific interests in psychology, whether it’s research, advocacy, or education.
Career preparation: Finally and most importantly, these internships give you the chance to gain insights into potential career paths in psychology and related fields and learn what it takes to succeed in them. The experience will help you refine your goals and plan your educational journey.
Final thoughts
The APA internship program is an excellent opportunity for students interested in psychology. It combines professional exposure, skill-building, and networking in a prestigious and supportive environment. Whether you’re looking to explore your interests, enhance your resume, or prepare for a career in psychology, this program provides invaluable benefits.
Looking for an immersive internship experience?
Check out Ladder Internships!
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program where students work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. In addition to working closely with their manager from the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship. Apply now!