Working with children is not always something that stood out to me as a potential career choice. Being open to new experiences, especially those that will benefit my future career, has already shown benefits to how it will help me in my future endeavors. As I worked in an applied behavior analysis clinic, I’ve fostered a love for children and the principles of psychology that can be used to improve their lives as well as their stakeholders. My internship working in an applied behavioral analysis (ABA for short) clinic has directly correlated with my major of study, psychology.
Although having a background in psychology, all that is needed to work in an ABA clinic is a drive to learn and compassion for the children we service. Although I am not interested in going into ABA specifically for my graduate studies, I am open to potentially getting a doctoral in the study of it eventually. Due to how interesting it is to see psychology applied in a clinical setting. I do however see the amount of stress that comes with a job of working with children's behavioral health; with the stress comes a mountain of fulfillment with every day completed.
If one were to pursue a career in ABA, it requires state licensure with the completion of a competency examination done by a behavior analyst, computerized proctored exams, and a 40-hour course completed. This would allow someone to have an entry level position of being a registered behavior technician. Upon completion of a bachelors or masters degree, one could become a behavior analyst.
As we explore new fields to determine what best suits our future career,
I urge future interns to take this opportunity to pick the brains of professionals who are in the positions that we dream of ourselves being in some day. Being able to have free access to successful individuals who are there to encourage, educate, and empower you is not something to be taken lightly. With each new experience you learn, reflect on what happened and allow yourself the chance to fully understand the importance of being in the presence of professionals of your chosen field. Every moment can be used for learning, especially with the right mindset and passion for self-improvement.