Sports psychology internship transforms student experience

During his time studying our MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Science course, Joseph Dick carried out an Internship in a field of interest in sports psychology.

What was your role with Team Derby?

In my role as a Psychology Intern, I had the opportunity to work with the men’s and women’s volleyball teams, as well as the men’s basketball team. In addition to working with the Team Derby performance teams, I led the creation of content for sport scholars to inform them of psychological techniques they can implement to enhance their performance and wellbeing.

How did the internship enhance your MSc Study?

I can attribute a big part of my success in my MSc study to the internship with Team Derby. Spending time in an applied setting led to useful contributions in class and likewise, putting my classroom learnings into practice in the field has been truly valuable and led to my practitioner development, which is a key component of the MSc. 

The chance to see athletes in a natural setting and work with them has allowed me to see how the theoretical models I’m learning about are manifesting themselves. This hands-on experience has enabled me to bridge the gap between practical knowledge and academia.

How did the internship help you develop as an applied practitioner?

This internship has been vital in putting my theoretical knowledge into practice. The opportunity to work within a larger team has strengthened my organisation and communication skills, as well as learning the value of mentorship. Having mentors to assist me in my development has been instrumental and I’ve learned that seeking out this kind of development is essential to my growth as an applied practitioner.

Working with the athletes themselves has also been massively influential in my development. As a psychologist the skills of empathy, listening, and interaction with your clients are so important to your success as a practitioner. Being in that team environment where I’m constantly interacting and extracting information from the field has allowed me to develop my social skills with clients, as well as critically thinking about the observations that have been uncovered.

How has this experience contributed to your future career aspects and aspirations?

The internship has strengthened my desire to work in a high-performance setting as well as developing my philosophy when it comes to approaching the type of practitioner I want to be. Ultimately, I want to work within a setting where I’m contributing to the success of those I’m working with. For example, being so intrinsically involved with the men’s volleyball team this season supported my passion for performance as they went to the cup final. This experience is a great example of why I’m going into sport psychology, as the players vocalised the value of psychological support in enabling them to reach their goals for the season.

What’s been the most important thing you have learnt from the opportunity?

Learning my preferred way of operating as I strive to become a sport psychologist has been invaluable during my internship because it has allowed me to find methods that truly work for me. Through informal chats, I've discovered how effective open, casual conversations can be in building trust and fostering honest communication with athletes and team members. Maintaining consistent communication with other members of the team has also taught me the importance of collaboration and teamwork, allowing me to ensure everyone is aligned and contributing their expertise. Altogether, my approach strikes a balance between structure and adaptability, helping me connect with others while staying focused on delivering meaningful support.

What was it like being part of the performance sport environment at the university?

I have loved being a part of the performance sport environment. The environment at Derby is one where no matter who you are, everyone is contributing to the success of the University. This fosters a culture of collaboration, excitement and inclusion. It’s been a pleasure to be a part of an environment where high performance is enabled through the social collaboration of motivated individuals – in both the athletes and the staff. Everyone is committed to the development of their peers and that’s something I really value.

What would your advice be to student considering an internship with Team Derby?

My biggest piece of advice would be to be proactive. Being proactive is crucial for students considering an internship as it lays the foundation for a successful and enriching experience. You get as much out of an internship as you put into it and the environment is one where everybody is looking to aid your development. Students should take advantage of this and utilise the expertise of mentors and peers, as well as the opportunities to experience the practices of a sport psychologist.