Know which professors will help you. Professors are there to teach and guide you, but each have their own techniques and method. One of the most important factors to consider is whether the professor is more theoretical or technical. Theoretical training is essential for a student who wishes to apply for a doctoral program. Technical training is helpful for a student who wishes to specialize in something extremely specific (like eating disorders, substance abuse and so forth).
Another important factor is the theoretical orientation to which a professor subscribes to. A professor who primarily performs cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) will be very different from a professor who is narrative. Taking the same course, but with a specific professor, will greatly benefit your training.
Your academic adviser (also known as a clinical training adviser) will be able to assist you with this information. Another good resource, and often untapped, are teaching, research and graduate assistants. These are student employees who work for a professor or staff on campus. These individuals were not only in your position not too long ago, but may be more inclined to offer candid information.
Join a professional association. Landing a job often depends on your network. Forming those connections early on will greatly increase your chance of landing your traineeship, internship and ultimately a job upon licensure. American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (Aamft.org) is the national association for MFT professionals, interns and students. Each state and county also has their own state-run organization. Many organizations will offer special rates for graduate students but will open all resources to them.
Many organizations, especially at the national and state levels, will hold an annual conference. Attend the presentations that are interesting to you. Not only will you receive valuable information, but you will have the opportunity to meet licensed professionals with similar interests. These conferences typically offer student rates as well.
If budget is an issue and you are unable to attend a conference, consider a local chapter meeting. These meetings are generally free, nearby, and will provide you local news and updates pertaining to your profession.
Attend campus events. Many campuses will offer weekly or monthly events. Pepperdine University of southern California, for example, will offer free monthly events on a psychology topic not taught in class (like anger management or opening a private practice). These events provide a rare opportunity to meet professors or local professionals and network with other students, while learning valuable information.
Interview your practicum agency. When applying to work for an agency to complete your practicum, interview them as much as they're interviewing you. Never accept to work at a site until you have applied and interviewed at two additional sites. Since practicum will be where you will gain the majority of your psychotherapy experience, make sure you receive your training at a site that will adequately supervise you.
Volunteer in the sector where you wish to work. Although school and practicum will take up a majority of your time, volunteer at another agency that you are interested in. Volunteering, combined with your practicum experience, will provide you with a wide scope of training.