Questions to Ask a Psychologist About Their Career
Thoughtful prompts to understand training paths, specialties, daily realities, and career satisfaction in psychology.
1What led you to choose your specialty and how did you validate that fit?
Click to see why this works
What led you to choose your specialty and how did you validate that fit?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows decision journey and how to test interest areas in practice.
2Which skills from grad training you use most—and which you had to learn later?
Click to see why this works
Which skills from grad training you use most—and which you had to learn later?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Contrasts formal preparation with on-the-job learning.
3What does a typical week look like across clinical work, documentation, and supervision?
Click to see why this works
What does a typical week look like across clinical work, documentation, and supervision?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals time allocation and hidden administrative load.
4How do you prevent burnout and maintain boundaries?
Click to see why this works
How do you prevent burnout and maintain boundaries?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Addresses sustainability and self-care in emotionally demanding work.
5What outcomes do you track to know therapy is helping?
Click to see why this works
What outcomes do you track to know therapy is helping?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Explores evidence-based practice and feedback-informed care.
6What surprised you about licensure, supervision hours, or board requirements?
Click to see why this works
What surprised you about licensure, supervision hours, or board requirements?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Clarifies regulatory realities and timelines.
7How do you choose between private practice, hospital, or academic settings?
Click to see why this works
How do you choose between private practice, hospital, or academic settings?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Compares compensation, autonomy, and professional community.
8What ethical dilemmas arise most often and how do you navigate them?
Click to see why this works
What ethical dilemmas arise most often and how do you navigate them?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Surfaces judgment calls and consultation practices.
9What continuing education or certifications were most valuable?
Click to see why this works
What continuing education or certifications were most valuable?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Points to high-ROI training beyond degrees.
10How do you handle cultural competence and care for diverse clients?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle cultural competence and care for diverse clients?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Assesses humility, training, and inclusive practice.
11If starting over today, what would you do differently?
Click to see why this works
If starting over today, what would you do differently?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Provides hindsight guidance on schooling and early roles.
12What advice do you have for networking and finding supervision?
Click to see why this works
What advice do you have for networking and finding supervision?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Gives practical steps to build mentorship and clinical support.
Exploring Psychology Careers
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.