Meeting the diverse needs of APS student members

The future of the Society has certainly been strengthened by the recent significant influx of APS student members, now numbering 2,238 (as at 31 May 2011). A glance at the demographics of the APS Student Subscriber member group reveals a surprisingly diverse spread of ages. Fifty-six per cent are aged 30 or over, including 252 student members aged over 50. From these figures, it seems reasonable to conclude that mature-aged psychology students, perhaps committing to a career change, place a high value on APS membership. At the other end of the age scale, student members are well represented in the 18 to 30 age group by students experiencing university education for the first time.

The appeal of belonging to the APS is demonstrated across undergraduate, fourth year and postgraduate students, with the largest number of student members currently undertaking fourth year psychology studies. Not surprisingly, the spread of student members across States and Territories follows a similar pattern to the total APS membership figures, with most of the student members residing in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

It’s promising that so many students have come to value being a member of the APS, and the APS National Office continues to work hard to increase the value of their memberships. To facilitate this objective, the team at National Office has collated the Student Subscriber demographic data with other information collected from surveys, interviews and research. This process has reaffirmed the APS understanding of the major needs of psychology students as they seek to prepare themselves for a career in psychology – they want increased professional development opportunities, tailored resources and further chances to participate in valuable networking.

The National Office has also investigated student services and resources offered by similar organisations such as the American Psychological Association and the British Psychological Society. Both of these large psychological organisations have significant divisions dedicated to student members, which develop and deliver services and resources for psychology students.

The APS is applying these insights to expanding the services and offerings for student members across Australia. National Office staff are working in consultation with Branch and State Committees to ensure that the needs of these student members, as well as those who have just embarked on their early careers as psychologists, are met. If you are interested in contributing your ideas for initiatives to support student members, please contact [email protected] or call 1800 333 497.