Implementation of a Data-Driven Approach to Internship Recruitment

Objective: Recruitment for Psychology Clinical Internship is a complex and labor-intensive process. The objective of this study is to describe a data-driven procedure to maximize objectivity and optimize outcome for internship recruitment. Method: The Psychology Training Committee designed an objective rating system for online applications and interviews, incorporating both objective and subjective data. Perceptions of efficiency and effectiveness with this approach were assessed via a survey distributed to the approximately 50 faculty members who have participated in the internship recruitment process. Intern perceptions following completion of the program were also assessed. Results: This recruitment procedure is highly efficient, as the streamlined process of reviewing applications, developing a list of candidates to interview, and generating final rankings of candidates interviewed occurs quickly, with limited burden to training faculty. The system has demonstrated effectiveness, as there have been no unfilled internship slots and all matched applicants have been within the top half of the rank list generated annually. All interns during this period of time have successfully completed the program, and data suggest that the training interns have received has met (or exceeded) their expectations. Survey data from training faculty echo these findings. Conclusions: This data-driven approach to internship recruitment has been easy to implement. This approach provides a highly effective and flexible system for ranking a diverse and qualified group of applicants and has the potential to be utilized by other training programs within psychology, as well as across a wide range of disciplines within the medical field.Implications for Impact StatementThis study describes a data-driven procedure developed to maximize objectivity and optimize outcome for internship recruitment. The approach reviewed has demonstrated efficiency and effectiveness for recruiting a diverse and qualified group of applicants. It has the potential to be utilized by other training programs within psychology and medicine more generally.