Sports Psychology

the human brain, meaning that psychologists often benefit in their careers frommedical training. Sports psychologists may choose this medical training not only for its direct application in psychology, but also for the opportunity to address athletes’ physical issues, such as injuries. Some sports psychologists function as physical therapists, especially for teams that do not have the resources to hire further personnel , and they must understand how competition affects both mind and body. Advanced medical studies in areas like kinesiology (the study of how the human body physically functions) can provide sports psychologists with insight needed to address common athletic concerns. Most sports psychologists, whether they pursue medical studies or not, will need to complete an internship. Internships are typically arranged through a university, given that students will earn credits toward degree completion during this opportunity, but some internships (including medical internships) are completed following graduation. An internship may be available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and while both are prestigious, a graduate-level internship will be more important for this particular career. Interns will be placed with a sports team and get hands-on learning with the athletes, coaches, and training staff, usually over the course of six to 24 months. While they may have individual experiences with members of a team, they do so in an environment where they report back to supervisors or superiors to better understand how to address an issue. The internship provides key insight into the practical application of their coursework and research, allowing students and/or graduates to see how best to communicate with athletes and provide useful advice. Compensation for internships will vary: a post-doctoral research fellowship will pay about the same as an entry-level position, while an internship to be completed in college might pay little or nothing at all. An

Chapter 1: Becoming a Sports Psychologist

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