The GCSU Psychology Club is an on-campus organization that offers students a collaborative way to learn about psychological science, mental health and professional development within the field.
The club offers psychology majors a chance to get to know faculty members in the department and gain insight on career opportunities after college.
“Some things we offer are advice about professors and classes,” said Lauren Gibson, a senior psychology major and president of the Psychology Club. “Before registration, we have closed-door meetings about professors, research labs and classes.”
Students gain the most by joining the club early on, during their freshmen years; however, it is encouraged for anyone to join throughout their time at GCSU.
“I joined the club my freshman year because I wanted to learn more about my major,” Gibson said. “Through that, I joined a research lab and gained more leadership experience.”
As students become accustomed to the club and major, anyone interested can interview to be a part of the executive board and earn a leadership role.
“When elections came around, I decided that I would put my name in for secretary, and I ended up getting that position,” Gibson said. “As people graduated, I moved up on the leaderboard until I became president.”
Another thing that the club provides is an opportunity for students to explore career paths in psychology.
“Oftentimes, we will have talks throughout the semester where we either bring alumni or professors in to talk about a topic,” Gibson said. “Last semester, we had one of our professor’s students, who recently published a book, give a talk, and at our most recent meeting, one of our new professors gave a talk about potential career paths in this profession.”
Other leadership roles, like managing social media and organizing community projects, are also accessible.
“I wanted to share Psychology Club’s sweet community with others,” said Addy Strickland, a senior psychology major and vice president of the Psychology Club. “Whether by creating social media posts to promote our monthly meetings or helping organize service projects that give back to the greater Milledgeville community.”
Furthermore, the club has a close connection with GCSU’s International Honor Society in Psychology, Psi Chi. The society aims to maintain scholarly excellence as well as continue in the study of psychology.
Throughout the school year, Psi Chi and the Psychology Club often collaborate on research projects and other interactive opportunities, given that several psychology majors are involved in both organizations.
Senior students reflected on the benefits of joining the club during their freshman year, now that they have a community of people who share common interests and passions.
“I wanted to connect with a group of psychology students outside of the students I was taking classes with in my freshman year,” said Carly Walker, a senior psychology major and club member. “As well as gain more resources, context and connections within the psychology department.”
Within the club, opportunities arise that strengthen communication skills and build confidence.
“You get to interact with your peers in a fun, relaxed environment where you will give back to your community, learn more about opportunities within our department, and get a better understanding of where you want to take your college career,” Walker said.
Being a part of the club may change intended plans for students, as participating may impact decisions during their college years, as well as for their future careers.
“I made many decisions about which classes to take, which research labs to join, and which opportunities to pursue at GCSU based on conversations I had in Psychology Club,” Walker said. “I connected with students that I never would have met otherwise.”
Upcoming events can be seen on the Psychology Club’s Instagram, @gc_psychclub. For students interested in getting involved with the club this semester, the next meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 3 at 6 p.m. in room 240 of the Arts & Science building.