Frustrated with the system: The professional entry of psychologists

Abstract

This article focuses on the challenges faced by novice psychologists when they enter a workplace as professional practitioners for the first time. The article is based on interview data from a longitudinal study of recently graduated psychologists. The data, consisting of 64 interviews with 22 participants, were analysed according to qualitative content analysis. The participants in the study found it difficult to understand how the organizational system worked, they were challenged by time and work pressure and they found working in a multidisciplinary work environment to be surprisingly demanding. Frustration seemed to increase during the first year of work. As the novices gained more experience, they increasingly attributed the challenges to external factors. The findings are discussed in light of both educational preparation and organizational socialization. Possible implications for practice are suggested.

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