The barrier and success factors during the internship and job search process: lessons learned from international counseling psychology students and professionals in the U.S.

This study captures the success and barrier factors in the internship and job search process of soon-to-be graduating international doctoral students and early-career psychologists in Counseling Psychology (CP). A total of 17 participants responded to an anonymous online survey which included a demographic data form and three open-ended questions on the helpful and challenging aspects of their internship and job acquisition process. Utilizing a Consensual Qualitative Research Method (Hill & Knox, 2021), we found that institutional support, interpersonal support, and inequitable practices were typical during the internship and job acquisition process. Participants also disclosed more distinct barrier factors than success factors. The study highlights that support, education, mentorship, and advocacy are still needed to collectively grow and sustain the diversity within the CP field. Additional practical implications of the findings and recommendations for international students, international counseling psychologists, and CP stakeholders are offered.