Iyana Clark is a shy girl with big brown eyes that sparkle like warm honey. Her hair, reminiscent of a spiral staircase, frames her face in soft curls. Though she tends to keep to herself, walking with her headphones in and her gaze fixed on the ground, she glides through the campus. To her, it often feels empty, reflecting her own thoughts. Lost in a sea of uncertainty, she contemplates graduation and what the future holds for her. Iyana opens about her struggle with self-doubt and her tendency to compare herself to others. There’s an irony in her life: she is a psychology major trying to solve the riddles of the human mind while wrestling with her own thoughts and journey. She feels the societal pressures of her peers, existing as a quiet observer.
Once inside, she sits down and opens her laptop to start some homework while chatting with her friends. As they discuss internships and life, Iyana shares, “Finding internships each year is hard, and now I am a senior with just a few months left before graduation.”
She feels a sense of urgency to secure an internship before graduation. Her main concern is the lack of experience and limited opportunities, a fear she’s not alone in. The underlying anxiety about finding a job after graduation resonates across Langston University.
Although she believes her academic studies have prepared her for future work, she feels they haven’t done enough to help her land a job after college. She has actively engaged in psychology-related organizations and clubs, gaining valuable experience along the way. However, she admits that lacking motivation has delayed her internship pursuits.
“It’s tough when you apply repeatedly and face limited opportunities in our department that don’t always match your qualifications.”
Many students feel that Langston does not provide enough resources and support to help them find internships or hands-on experience. Iyana believes that implementing posters around campus and introducing one-on-one coaching for students would greatly benefit those struggling.
“You’d think mental health would be a top priority, right? But nah, it’s like they forgot about it, which probably explains why my own mental state is all over the place,” Iyana sighs, shaking her head with a laugh. “For internships, I’d want to help folks with all kinds of mental health struggles…I could work in a clinic or a hospital, gaining real-world experience since I want to be a dermatology physician assistant.”
Iyana jokes about her tendency to make dark humor out of everything, but admits it takes a toll on her mental health. “Honestly, I’ve been struggling with my mental health in college, especially now that I’m a senior,” she says. To cope, she spends time with friends, reads self-care books, and listens to music. “That helps me keep my peace of mind. But after college, I’m hoping to see a therapist. Our campus one is always so busy and booked, but I heard she was great.”
While Langston University does not provide information on the percentage of students who graduate without internships; it remains a pressing issue for students like Iyana. Dr. Albright explains that while a good GPA is important, internship requirements range widely depending on the organization. Some may require a 3.0 GPA, but others are willing to train candidates with less experience. She says that the psychology department has strong connections with clinics and hospitals, enabling professors to help connect students with opportunities based on their individual interests and future goals. However, she points out a major challenge.
“One of the biggest issues for our program is that, as an undergraduate degree, when clinics have internship opportunities, priority often goes to PhD and master’s students. If there are any leftover internships, our students may have a chance. This is part of the reason we don’t require an internship before graduation. While some programs mandate it, we’ve chosen not to because securing one can be difficult, especially with over 200 psychology majors in our department.”
Though Dr. Albright acknowledges these challenges, Iyana voices her frustration about the “leftover internships.”
“It’s usually the nursing students who get those opportunities. It’s rare for psychology majors like us to even get a chance,” she says. Iyana opens further, reflecting on her upbringing in Oakland, California. Growing up in a smaller, less fortunate school system, she became accustomed to fewer opportunities. This background shaped her current fears about life after college—anxiety she’s working to overcome. She admits that part of her struggle is adjusting to the different pace and opportunities in Oklahoma. Financial challenges also weigh heavily on her as she tries to find guidance for her future.
Despite these frustrations, Dr. Albright reassures Iyana that psychology students can find internships, even though they may not always be classified strictly as psychology internships. Many opportunities arise in related fields like marketing, agriculture, or criminal justice. She highlights an upcoming grad school fair, which offers students a chance to connect with potential internship opportunities. “It’s about showing employers how well psychology majors can fit into various roles,” she says, mentioning that HR departments might not initially consider psychology students for internships but are often impressed once they do.
Dr. Albright encourages students to use the resume templates from the Career Center and take advantage of workshops. “A perfect resume can make or break you,” she says, advising students to focus on the basics and get feedback from others. She also recommends Career Services’ non-major-specific career development class to help students refine their career plans, especially those still exploring their options.
When asked about the most common obstacles students face during the internship application process, Dr. Albright says, “I often hear about these challenges after student’s secure internships. Many express surprise at the variety of opportunities they can apply for.” She notes that students don’t always realize how well psychology majors fit into roles across different organizations, especially at career fairs.
Dr. Albright emphasizes the importance of following the standard resume template, noting that while students often want their resumes to stand out, keeping them simple and well-organized is more effective. “Sometimes it’s better just to follow that template and have someone review it for feedback,” she advises. Many students overlook essential elements on their resumes that could enhance their chances.
She adds that Career Services also offers a class focused on psychology students, though anyone can take it. “If you’re still undecided or feel your current path isn’t right, I recommend that class,” she suggests.
“I realize you don’t always have to get a job right away; it takes time to find the right one,” she reflects. With support from Dr. Albright, upcoming career fairs, and a better understanding of her mental health, Iyana is now more prepared to navigate the internship search and embrace the next chapter of her life. “I might not have it all figured out yet,” she says, “but I know I have the tools to keep moving forward.”
Rayven Thurmon
Rayven Thurmon is a senior broadcast journalism major
