Mentorship in Psychology: How Polygence Projects are Shaping the Future of Work in Psychology

"Before Polygence, I was lost in the maze of my interests. Now, I'm confidently navigating my path towards neuroscience." —Tuana Helvacioglu

Do you want to turn your passion for psychology into a research project that expands your skill sets…and sparks new possibilities for your future? Sounds like a match made in heaven, right. 

For many students, just like Tuana, who completed a research project studying the psychological impacts of incarceration, this dream has become a reality.

And it’s all thanks to Polygence's mentorship program and psychology projects.

Expanding Opportunities In Psychology With Psychology Projects

Psychology is more than just one subject. Far from it. It's a collection of fascinating subfields. 

Clinical psychology is perhaps the best known - where you'll learn about diagnosing and treating mental illness, including understanding how human behavior is impacted by conditions sucj as bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and the effectiveness of various interventions. 

But that’s not all. Maybe cognitive psychology piques your interest, focusing on how we think, learn, and remember. Social psychology explores how we interact with others. Developmental psychology examines how we grow and change over our lifetimes, focusing on human development. Then there’s educational psychology, sports psychology…the list goes on.

The beauty of this is that each subfield offers a unique perspective and focus on the human mind and behavior. When you choose to study psychology, you’re not following a cookie-cutter approach. You can leverage your interests to pursue the career of your dreams. 

But let’s be honest - studying psychology independently can feel overwhelming. Choosing a focus area alone can be difficult, especially if you’re a person with diverse interests, to say nothing of the theories, methodologies, and qualitative research techniques you need to master.

This is why having a mentor as an aspiring psychology student is so valuable. When you have a mentor to help you grasp difficult concepts and guide you through your research paper, it becomes easier for you to hone your focus and streamline your studies. 

Polygence's research mentorship program does just that. Our mentors provide the expert guidance and support you need to excel in your psychology projects. With the help of a trusted mentor, you’ll build skills and confidence so you can tackle even the most daunting research topics from experimental psychology to social psychology, cognitive behavioral research topics, and more.

And the best part? You'll be opening doors to future opportunities in science and beyond.

Success Stories: Polygence Alumni in Psychology

You might be wondering what exactly it’s like to be part of the Polygence experience. Let’s go back to Tuana’s story.

Her project on the psychological impact of incarceration didn’t just stay filed away on a paper copy of her research report. Instead, she leveraged it, using it to open doors to prestigious research psychology programs. Perhaps most importantly, it gave her the confidence she needed to pursue her passions.

"My Polygence project has truly been a life-changing experience for me. It increased my interest in neuroscience and psychology and inspired me to pursue neuroscience in college and beyond,” she said. “In the months working on my project, I received valuable information about the professional world and life as a college student in STEM. This experience has paved incredible pathways, including my selection into the RISER Program at Rowan University. I now research in a Neuro Lab and have another publication coming up."

Then there’s the story of Anh Thu, who explored whether love is universal across cultures. Her research provided a solid foundation for her studies moving forward. “My mentor was great,” she recalls.

Tera Sehdave’s research project focused on the impact of social media on democracy. “The most rewarding aspect of my project was the valuable skills I acquired. My Polygence project paved future pathways for me by being my high school passion project.”

Skills Developed Through Mentorship

Polygence’s mentorship doesn’t just help students complete their psychology projects. It gives them the skills they need to conduct similar work later on - or branch out into new areas.

By completing a mentorship in psychology, you’ll tap into a laundry list of skills you might need to accelerate your academic and professional growth. Critical thinking, research methods, and professional networking are just the tip of the iceberg with Polygence’s psychology summer programs - many go quite deeper.

"The specific skills from my project that I think are applicable whether or not choosing to continually pursue social media and democracy is media literacy," said Tara Sehdave, who completed a project exploring hidden forms of censorship titled “The Unfiltered Lens: Social Media as a Threat to Democracy.” 

These skills aren't just academic - they're life skills. 

Academic Skills

But if we’re talking strictly about academic skills, it’s important to note that Polygence excels here, too. As a mentee, you’ll gain hands-on experience in research design, data analysis, and academic writing. You’ll be building a strong foundation for any research project you do in the future, or any career you decide to pursue.

Research, in particular, is a critical component of the psychology field. Unfortunately, many high school students find themselves woefully unprepared for college, not sure how to go about this challenging demand.That’s where Polygence can help. 

“I have learned how to conduct a proper review of complex articles and analyze very complicated topics,” says Tuana Helvacioglu. “I now also have the confidence to work with experts in their respective fields with enough experience to hold a conversation about scientific topics while being able to give my own thoughts and opinions as well.”

Similarly, Tara Sehdave said, “During the first few months, I was tasked with reading several scholarly articles each week. This exposure not only introduced me to numerous journals, authors, and studies that I would have otherwise been unfamiliar with, but also significantly enhanced my research efficiency, an ideal capability as an incoming student in university.”

Collaboration and Networking

Another significant advantage of Polygence's program is the opportunity to build a professional network. 

By interacting with your mentor, you can connect with experts and peers in your chosen field, providing you with invaluable networking experiences that can lead to future collaborations and even career opportunities. These connections often extend beyond the mentorship period. Instead, they support long-term professional development.

Tara Sehdave said, “My experience with my mentor has been incredibly uplifting. Her unwavering support, wisdom, and encouragement have propelled me forward, helping me navigate challenges with determination. Her influence has been transformative, instilling in me a sense of resilience and gratitude that I carry with me every day. I am profoundly grateful for her mentorship.”

Improving Career Readiness

For many, the journey with Polygence is just the beginning. The mentorship program serves as a stepping stone to further academic achievements and career advancements. 

The skills, knowledge, and connections gained through the program not only prepare students for advanced studies but also position them competitively in the job market. 

Polygence alumni often go on to prestigious universities. They secure competitive internships, and they make significant contributions to the field of psychology and beyond, each and every day. The legacy is remarkable.

"My project led me to discover the field of public policy because my research included making recommendations to schools on how to improve equity within mental health services," said Chloe Juni, whose research on improving mental health services for Filipino-American youth provided valuable insights and helped her discover her passion for public policy. 

Mentorship and College Admissions

While the benefits of mentorship experiences with Polygence go far beyond the Common App, the reality is that they can give you a big edge here, too. Admissions committees love seeing students who take initiative and dive deep into their interests, whatever those interests might be. 

There’s arguably no better way to showcase your dedication and expertise than with a mentored research project - exactly what Polygence provides.

By exploring different psychology research project ideas, you can figure out what you want to do with your life, allowing your passion to show through on your college applications.

Chloe Juni said, “My Polygence project allowed me to show that I have experience with research, which helped in many of my college applications. It also led to me discovering what I wanted to pursue in the future."

Of course, it's not just about the project itself. Polygence provides access to valuable resources, including academic journals, databases, and expert networks. 

Being part of the Polygence community means you'll have the opportunity to network with peers and professionals in psychology. You’ll be able to attend events and even participate in discussions that can enhance your knowledge and skills.

Looking Forward: The Future of Work in Psychology

The skills and insights you gain through Polygence prepare you for future academic and professional challenges. 

To recap, let's explore the long-term benefits and career impact of participating in Polygence's mentorship program.

• Enhanced College Applications: Completing a mentored psychology research project makes your college application stand out. Admissions committees appreciate students who have demonstrated a commitment to their interests and the ability to conduct independent research.

• Career Opportunities: A strong foundation in research and analytical skills opens doors to diverse career paths in psychology. Whether you pursue academia, applied psychology roles, or other fields, the skills you gain through mentorship will be invaluable.

• Future Growth: The field of psychology constantly evolves, and emerging career paths benefit from strong mentorship foundations. Polygence alumni predict that mentorship will continue to play a crucial role in the future of work in psychology, helping students stay ahead of the curve.

Start Your Polygence Psychology Project

Ready to take the next step? Polygence offers the guidance and support you need to transform your passion for psychology into a powerful research project. Join the ranks of successful alumni and start making an impact today.

Explore the opportunities Polygence has to offer for psychology projects and get started on your own today. 

Whether you're looking to enhance your skills, boost your college applications, or prepare for your future psychology career path, Polygence can help you achieve your goals.