Attend information meetings. One of the best ways to succeed in practicum is to understand the process. Universities will often have helpful informational meetings to assist you with every step. Typically your academic adviser (also called clinical training adviser) or your career service department will hold meetings to help you find an agency, teach you interview techniques and complete your paperwork.
Many students often miss out on excellent opportunities, not because they're not bright, but because they weren't informed. Don't make the same mistake! You will greatly increase the likelihood of getting into a practicum site of your choice if you are well informed.
Visit workshops and seminars. Many MFT programs offer weekly or monthly workshops that allow students to gain hands-on experience that they can't get in the classroom. Examples include a specialized psychology subject, such as substance abuse or domestic violence. Attending such workshops can assist you in knowing where your interest lies. You can easily narrow down sites to apply at if you know what topics interest you.
Work or volunteer in a relevant field. Apply to work or volunteer as a campus teaching, research or graduate assistant. Student employees often receive information and opportunities before other students. Applying to work for a faculty member whose research is of interest to you may open doors. Becoming an assistant to a student service staff, such as career service or clinical training service, will provide new skills that may become valuable when you're applying for a practicum.
Meet with your adviser routinely. You will be on the right track if you consistently meet with your adviser. Are you fulfilling your prerequisites? Are you applying to an agency that has openings? Are you on the right track to start your practicum? These are important questions to ask your adviser.
Do your research on your community agencies. You should learn where your local agencies are and what practicum opportunities they provide. Visit their websites to understand their goals, criteria for employment and their key staff. If possible, visit the agency and speak to a knowledgeable staff member to see if the agency's mission aligns with yours.
Review and consider all your options. Start the search process early to ensure you have ample time to apply and interview at multiple sites. Never accept the first site that accepts you without researching other options. You need time to get to know each site to make sure you will receive the best training to fit your goals.
Follow-up with the agency. Always follow-up with the person interviewing you at each site. Make sure to send a thank you note after each interview, even if it's not your first-choice site. These are the people whom you may continuously come in contact with throughout your practicum experience.
Maintain contact with your key support system, including your agency supervisor and academic adviser. Don't be afraid to speak up if you feel you're not receiving the best training.
Join professional organizations. Becoming involved in professional associations will greatly benefit your practicum training. The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, for example, is full of discounted workshops and seminars for trainees and interns. Not only will you gain helpful therapeutic techniques, you will be accruing training hours necessary for graduation. Each state and county also has its own MFT associations that are also full of learning opportunities.
Keep up on current events. Do your readings at all times. You need to be informed of all updates pertaining to your profession. Is there a stipend project going on? What new laws and regulations will be in effect this year or the next? You can find the most updated information on your association's website or MFT journals.