As a graduate student, it is essential to find moments to reconnect to a broader purpose, as the demands of coursework, practica, and deadlines can easily become overwhelming. The Virginia Academy of School Psychologists (VASP) hosts an annual conference for aspiring and practicing school psychologists around the state. This year, I attended for the first time as a second-year graduate student preparing for internship placements. The experience offered professional insights and refreshed my motivation and confidence as I prepare to enter the field.
Building connections in a supportive community
Upon arriving to VASP, I was pleasantly surprised by how welcoming and supportive the community felt. As a young graduate student attending my first professional conference, I felt a sense of imposter syndrome. I wanted to feel competent enough to be there and make a good impression on people who I might one day work or interview with. However, once I began meeting professionals in the field, those nerves quickly eased. I realized that building genuine connections and positive relationships is both valuable and surprisingly easy at any stage of your career.
School psychology is a relatively small and specialized field. With a national shortage of practitioners and limited public awareness of what school psychologists do, the profession has cultivated a close-knit and collaborative community. The practicing school psychologists I met seemed genuinely excited about supporting graduate students and emerging professionals. They offered advice, shared experiences, and reminded us that we are not expected to know everything at this stage. Their openness and encouragement reinforced that learning and growth are ongoing parts of the journey.
Bridging learning and real-world practice
Beyond the welcoming atmosphere, the conference sessions offered valuable insight into the realities of school psychology practice. While many sessions were designed for current practitioners, attending them as a graduate student helped me connect classroom learning to real-world application. This experience allowed me to better visualize what my day-to-day role might look like as a school psychologist, which is something that often feels abstract in graduate school.
Several sessions deepened my understanding of diverse roles within the field. I heard case examples, learned how professionals adapt their practices, and gained practical resources to apply in my future career. Participating in these sessions helped bridge theoretical knowledge with the realities of the field, highlighting aspects of practice that cannot always be taught in coursework.
Lessons for internship and early career success
Many sessions focused on preparing graduate students and early-career professionals for the transition into internship and full-time practice. I learned that what makes an intern successful extends beyond technical skills. Curiosity, flexibility, professionalism, and willingness to learn were emphasized as qualities that help interns stand out and grow in the field.
I also learned the importance of building strong relationships and actively engaging in supervision. Interns were encouraged to view supervision as a space for growth and reflection rather than evaluation. Asking questions, seeking feedback, and demonstrating initiative are signs of professionalism and commitment to learning.
Another takeaway was to approach the internship search as a two-way process. While it’s easy to focus on making a good impression, it’s equally important to consider whether a district’s values, supervision style, and opportunities align with your own goal for training. While proximity and stipend are important, finding a placement that supports your professional development can be more meaningful.
Overall, I left the conference feeling more confident and grounded as I begin the internship application process. The collective message from professionals and current interns was reassuring: no single placement defines your future, and every experience contributes to your growth as a professional.
Reconnecting with motivation and purpose
Attending VASP came at a busy point in the semester, when coursework, cases, practica, and internship applications were demanding my attention. Hearing stories from practicing school psychologists who have learned to find balance and fulfillment in their work was encouraging. Many speakers shared how they advocate for themselves, maintain work-life balance, and stay connected to the meaningful impact they have on students.
Listening to current interns describe their experiences also reminded me to stay centered on the purpose behind this work. It can be easy in graduate school to focus on assignments and deadlines, but their reflections encouraged me to return to a child-centered mindset that prioritizes growth, relationships, and compassion over checklists.
Ultimately, VASP helped me reconnect with the reasons I chose this profession in the first place. It reminded me that the challenges of graduate school are temporary and that the career ahead offers opportunity for impact, balance, and continued learning. I left feeling inspired, motivated, and more confident in my identity as an emerging school psychologists ready to contribute meaningfully to the field.
Conclusion
Attending VASP reminded me that professional development is about finding community, purpose, and perspective, not just about gaining knowledge. For any student who will soon be emerging into their career, I would strongly encourage attending conferences like VASP. It helps demystify the process and builds connections that will support you throughout your career. Most importantly, it serves as a reminder that beyond the stress of graduate school, we are preparing for a deeply rewarding profession centered on care for students.
About the author
Jamie Vaughan is a second-year student in the School Psychology EdS Program at George Mason University. She works as a Graduate Success Fellow, providing peer mentorship and support for CEHD graduate students. Jamie is passionate about promoting the academic, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth through her clinical and school-based practica.