Navigating from the Research Assistant Path to a Clinical Psychology PhD as an International Student

Authored by Jessica Cheng, BA

This blog is part of ADAA’s Early Career Professionals and Students SIGInternational Scholars Blog Serieswhich highlights the experiences of early-career international scholars.

Pursuing full-time research experiences has become an increasingly common pathway to entering clinical psychology PhD programs in the US.

When I was approaching the end of my undergraduate years, I knew I wanted to pursue a clinical psychology PhD, but I felt much less certain about how to get there as an international student. I was trying to navigate the job search process for research positions while also thinking about visa applications and timelines, long term goals, and what felt like a limited amount of available information and resources.

Looking back, much of what I learned came from conversations with mentors and definitely my own trial and error from multiple rounds of applications. In this post, I hope to share some of those lessons in a way that makes the path a little clearer for others navigating a similar journey. While some of the content in this post may apply broadly, it will be most relevant to international students who are already studying in the US and planning to pursue full-time research positions before applying to clinical psychology PhD programs.

Visa Considerations

One of the primary ways to maintain legal status during post-bacc years is through optional practical training (OPT). If your degree is eligible for STEM OPT extension, you may get up to 3 years of work authorization. This is the most straightforward scenario that allows you to hunt for full-time, paid research coordinator positions.

If your degree is not eligible for STEM extension and you therefore have only 1 year of work authorization, finding full-time paid positions can be a bit tougher (but still possible), as many labs prefer at least 2 years of commitment. However, the first year of OPT offers great flexibility. Unlike STEM OPT years (2nd and 3rd years), which require full-time paid employment, you could really customize your experience: you may combine multiple part-time positions (paid or volunteer, onsite or remote), which may allow you to gain a wide range of experience.

At the same time, such flexibility requires us to take initiative, as part-time or volunteer opportunities may not always be clearly advertised. Such flexibility also means being extra thoughtful about what you commit to. When time is very limited, it can be tempting to accept every opportunity that comes your way, but being selective can help you make the most out of your limited time – more on this in a later section.

(* Note: immigration policies change frequently, and this post does not cover all details about OPT. Readers should confirm current regulations with their university’s international student office or immigration advisors.)

Searching for Post-Bacc Positions

Whether you have 1 year or 3 years of OPT, here are a couple of considerations when searching for positions:

• Start early: Start looking at least 4-5 months before your preferred start date. Starting early matters not only because these positions are competitive, but also because the immigration process can take time.
• Be geographically flexible: Keeping an open mind about location can really expand your options. While it is important to consider personal preferences, it also helps to keep in mind that post-bacc positions typically last only about two years.
• Advocate for yourself during interviews: Some of those who grew up in cultures that emphasize humility and modesty may feel less comfortable talking about their strengths. While those values are important, interviews in the US academic system often expect applicants to speak openly and confidently about their accomplishments and goals. This does not mean being arrogant or overly self-promotional. Rather, it means not being shy about sharing what you are proud of!
• Pause to consider what will truly set you up for success: When you are on a timeline, it can feel tempting to apply as widely as possible and accept any opportunities available. However, limited time makes it even more important to ask yourself: Will this position help me move closer to my long-term goal of pursuing a clinical psychology PhD and researching what I am passionate about? This brings me to the next section I’d like to cover.

Choosing the Right Position

When interviewing and evaluating offers, here are a few helpful things to keep in mind:

• Research fit: Is the topic something you are genuinely interested in researching? It is completely normal for interests to evolve during your post-bacc years, but starting with a topic that excites you makes the experience much more meaningful.
• Opportunities for publications and conference presentations: How do students in the lab become involved in manuscripts or conference submissions?
• Outcomes of previous coordinators: Where have former coordinators gone after leaving the lab? Have they successfully transitioned into doctoral programs?
• Other factors may also matter, such as mentorship style, lab culture, team size, location, and financial considerations.

Making the Most Out of Your Post-Bacc Years

Once you begin a position, how can you make the most out of the experience?

• Be proactive: This was one of the most important lessons I learned during my post-bacc years. Opportunities often arise when you put yourself out there, whether that means asking to get involved in a new project, to learn a new skill, or to connect with someone whose work interests you. For some of us, including myself, this mindset takes time to develop. Not all cultures emphasize such a level of individual initiative, and it can feel unfamiliar to actively speak up about what you hope to do. However, many of my most meaningful experiences and connections ultimately began with simple conversations!
• Be reflective: A lot happens during the post-bacc years, and it is easy to lose track of how much you are learning. Looking back, one thing I wish I had done more was journaling about my experiences. Even brief notes about what you learned from a project or what new questions emerged can be incredibly valuable later, especially when you begin preparing graduate school application materials.
• Take care of your mental health: The transition into full-time research can involve big routine changes. Finding supportive communities and ways to take care of your wellbeing can make a huge difference in your overall experience!

The path to clinical psychology PhD programs has become increasingly competitive. For many people, including myself, it takes years of preparation and persistence to get there. If you find the process challenging, please know that you are not alone. As an international student who has walked this path, I hope my reflections help make the process a little easier and help others navigate it with fewer unnecessary detours!