Come,join, lead: Attracting students to careers in aging and promoting involvement in gerontological societies |
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| Authors: | Jennifer Moye Victor A. Molinari Michele J. Karel Aanand D. Naik Erin Sakai Brian D. Carpenter |
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| Affiliation: | 1. New England GRECC and Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;2. School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA;3. Mental Health Services, Department of Veterans Affairs Central Office, Washington, DC, USA;4. Michael E. DeBakey VA and Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA;5. Department of Psychology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA |
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| Abstract: | Geriatric educators face the challenge of attracting more clinicians, scientists, and educators into geriatrics and gerontology, and promoting involvement in gerontological societies. A survey of psychologists (N = 100) examined factors that attract students in clinical/counseling psychology to practice with older adults, as well as experiences in organizational service. For 58%, interest in aging began at the undergraduate level, but for others interest developed later. About one half cited academic exposure such as mentorship (51%), research (47%), or coursework (45%) as sparking interest, along with family (68%) or work experience (61%). Involvement in professional organizations lags (58%), in part owing to misperceptions about what those activities require. A continued targeted effort at the undergraduate and graduate level is essential to attract students to careers in aging. To preserve vital professional organizations, enhanced outreach may be useful to dispel myths about service and encourage engagement. |
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| Keywords: | Education leadership professional role societies training |
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