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Frequent Asked Questions (FAQs)
Requirements Related Questions
- Do I have to be a Psychology major in order to be placed into a laboratory?
- How long should I be prepared to spend on this intership?
- How many hours am I expected to work per semester?
- What is required if taking this class as an independent study course (i.e. for credit)?
- If I want to work in a laboratory, do I HAVE to take this as an independent study course (i.e. for credit)?
- Can I do research work outside of Hunter?
- Which independent study should I sign up for?
Mentors and Interview Process Related Questions
- Who are the mentors from the Psychology department?
- What is the correct way of approaching a mentor?
- How to find a mentor's research articles?
Resume Making Related Questions
- What is a Resume?
- What is a Curriculum Vitae (CV)?
- What are the differences between a Resume and a CV?
- Do I need a Resume or a CV when applying for Lab Placement?
- I don't know how to make a CV or a Resume for my application, where can I get help?
- After I have made my CV, can someone review it for me?
Requirements Related Questions
Q. Do I have to be a Psychology major in order to be placed into a laboratory?
No, we are accepting any science major or minor. However, if you are taking this to fulfill PSYCH 395 you must be a psychology major.
Q. How long should I be prepared to spend on this intership?
The time will be determined by your mentor and you.
Q. How many hours am I expected to work per semester?
- For PSYCH 201: a minimum of 100 hours
- For PSYCH 395,396/398: a minimum of 126 hours
In short, you are expected to work 3 hours per week for every 3 course credits.
Q. What is required if taking this class as an independent study course (i.e. for credit)?
At the end of the project, you will be expected to write a paper. The length and the topic should be discussed with your mentor. Also, you are required to sign a contract in which you and your mentor promise to fulfill the course expectations.You may also be required to attend to laboratory meetings.
Q. If I want to work in a laboratory, do I HAVE to take this as an independent study course (i.e. for credit)?
No, you do not have to take this for credit; you may simply work in someone's laboratory without receiving a course credit.
Q. Can I do research work outside of Hunter?
Yes, you can do this. However, if you want to earn credit, you must find a Hunter sponsor. (Speak to the Placement Advisor to help you find a sponsor)
Q. Which independent study should I sign up for?
- If you have taken 250 (Experimental Psychology), you need to take PSYCH 395 (Independent Research).
- If you have not taken experimental, then you should take PSYCH 201 (Independent Study).
- Honors will take PSYCH 396/398.
Mentors and Interview Process Related Questions
Q. Who are the mentors from the Psychology department?
Each member of our faculty is a mentor. Click here for the list of our mentors.
Q. What is the correct way of approaching a mentor?
Before you appply for a specific lab:
- Know what is the mentor's field of interest and what kind of research he/she does.
- Read their full faculty biography and the articles they have written. Mentors want to know if you understand and are interested in learning what he/she does.
On the interview:
- Make a great impression on your potential mentor: Show that you have aptitude and explain why you are interested about working in his/her laboratory.
To keep in mind:
- Do not expect the mentors to do the work for you, they will help you, but it is your responsibility to work and learn, and get the experience you need from them.
- Remember that your mentor will be writing recommendation letters for you.
- Your mentor is the person that is going to guide you on your laboratory work, therefore you need to be respectful and refer to them accordingly.
When addressing your mentors:
- Address them by their appropriate title (most likely Professor or Doctor).
- Be very formal when writing e-mails or letters.
- Check spelling and grammar several times before you send him/her e-mails.
- Be precise and write no more than what is necessary.
Remember: Mentors have full scheduled and may not get back to you immediately. You may want to write a follow up e-mail if too much time has passed.
Q. How to find a mentor's research articles?
You can find them in any of these sites:
Resume Making Related Questions
A resume is a one or two page summary of your education, skills, accomplishments and work experience. (Career Development Services definition)
Q. What is a Curriculum Vitae (CV)?
A Curriculum Vitae is a brief account of a person's education, qualifications, and previous occupations. It is a Latin phrase meaning 'course of life.' (Oxford dictionary definition)
Q. What are the differences between a Resume and a CV?
The differences between a Resume and a Curriculum Vitae are:
- A resume is a brief summary of your skills and experience, while a CV is a more detailed and extended summary of your academic and laboral background.
- A resume is mainly used for jobs' applications, while a CV is mostly used for academic purposes.
- A CV is more specific about educational background, and is the most proper way to present you when applying for educational or research positions.
Q. Do I need a Resume or a CV when applying for Lab Placement?
You definetely need a CV.
Q. I don't know how to make a CV or a Resume for my application, where can I get help?
Career Development services has some very helpful links that can guide you step by step on your resume making process:
http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/studentservices/cds/resume-writing-guide#anchor
http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/studentservices/cds/repository/files/CDSResumeWritingGuide.pdf
Q. After I have made my CV, can someone review it for me?
Yes, the Career Development Services Department has counselors that can review your resume. They are located in the Hunter East Building, Room 805. To contact them you may:
Call (212) 772-4850, fax (212) 772-5438, or e-mail career@hunter.cuny.edu. Their office hours are Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.