The impact of practicum training on career and job search attitudes of postgraduate psychology students

Abstract

This quasi-experimental study examined the impact of practicum training on clarity of vocational preference, career commitment, self-efficacy and job attainment confidence. The sample consisted of fifth and sixth year Australian psychology students who were enrolled in either a master's, DPsych, or PhD degree. Based on their practicum training two groups were formed: those with no practicum experience (n = 61) and those with extensive training experience (n = 68). ANCOVA was used to analyse the data. The findings indicated that those who had extensive practicum training experience had greater clarity of vocational preference compared to those with no practicum training. No significant differences between the two groups were found for career commitment, self-efficacy and job attainment confidence. The implications and limitations of the study are discussed.